The transport industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the dual forces of increasing demand for outsourced logistics services and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. At the forefront of this change is VTH Green, a company that has positioned itself as a leader in providing sustainable transport solutions through the use of electric vehicles (EVs). In a recent conversation, Daniel Zanon, company director of VTH Green, shared his insights on the rising demand for outsourced contracts in the industry and how electric vehicles are playing a critical role in meeting both operational and environmental goals.
The Surge in Demand for Outsourced Transport Solutions
As companies seek to streamline their operations and reduce costs, many are turning to outsourced transport solutions. This trend has accelerated in recent years, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which placed unprecedented pressure on supply chains and logistics networks. For businesses, outsourcing their transport needs offers the flexibility and scalability required to navigate these challenges without the need to invest heavily in their own fleet and personnel.
Daniel Zanon, with his extensive experience in the transport industry, recognised this shift early on. “Outsourcing was going to be far more popular,” Zanon explains. “The demand for vehicles to get home deliveries or support that whole network grew significantly, especially during the pandemic. Companies needed reliable transport solutions quickly, and outsourcing was the most efficient way to meet that need.”
This surge in demand has led to the rapid expansion of companies like VTH Solutions. Originally a smaller operation, VTH has grown its fleet from just seven trucks to over 150 vehicles in a matter of years, driven by the need to support major transport companies like StarTrack, Team Global Express, Blue Star Logistics, and Border Express. “In a period of two years, we grew to about 150 vehicles. That was by virtue of our connections and the need for vehicles to get home deliveries or support that whole network,” says Zanon.
Sustainability in Outsourcing: The Role of Electric Vehicles
While the demand for outsourced transport services has increased, so too has the pressure on companies to adopt more sustainable practices. Many of VTH Solutions’ clients, including large corporations with stringent environmental goals, are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. This is where electric vehicles come into play.
Daniel Zanon saw the potential for electric vehicles not just as a trend, but as a crucial component of the future of transport. “What was niggling in my head was always the expectation… that this is going to hit Australia in a large way, and that is EVs,” Zanon says. Recognising the global shift towards sustainability, he made the strategic decision to integrate electric vehicles into VTH Solutions’ fleet.
By offering electric vehicles as part of their outsourced transport services, VTH Solutions provides a unique value proposition to its clients. Not only do these vehicles help companies meet their sustainability targets, but they also offer the operational efficiencies needed to maintain competitive logistics networks. Zanon explains, “We’re now supporting [clients] with EVs, and they’re great companies as well. They love what we’re doing and our direction towards sustainability.”
The adoption of electric vehicles has been particularly appealing to companies with a strong focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. “These companies are very, very excited,” says Zanon. “They’ve got a mandate. We know that they have to, if not by legislation, then maybe just by moral standards, they have to be seen doing something.”
Electric Vehicles: Exceeding Expectations
When VTH Solutions first introduced electric vehicles into their fleet, there were concerns about whether these vehicles could meet the rigorous demands of commercial transport. However, the performance of the EVs exceeded expectations, both in terms of range and reliability. “What can I say? It didn’t just meet, it actually exceeded expectations,” Zanon reports. The vehicles were able to cover extensive delivery routes without needing a recharge, proving their viability for last-mile delivery.
The success of VTH Solutions’ electric fleet has not gone unnoticed by their clients. Many have begun requesting EVs specifically for their transport needs, recognising the benefits in both environmental impact and operational cost savings.
This growing demand has prompted VTH Green to continue expanding its electric fleet, with plans to introduce even larger vehicles in the future. Zanon is also exploring the establishment of shared charging hubs to support the growing number of electric vehicles in the transport industry, further solidifying VTH Green’s commitment to sustainability.
Leading the Way in Sustainable Transport
The transport industry is at a crossroads, where the demand for outsourced services and the need for sustainable practices are driving significant changes. VTH Green, under the leadership of Daniel Zanon, is meeting these challenges head-on by offering electric vehicles as a key part of their logistics solutions. Through strategic foresight and a commitment to innovation, VTH Green is not only helping its clients reduce emissions but also setting a new standard for the industry.
As more companies look to outsource their transport needs, those that can offer sustainable, efficient, and reliable solutions will have a distinct competitive advantage. VTH Green’s successful integration of electric vehicles into their fleet demonstrates the potential for other logistics providers to follow suit and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for the industry.