Green Logistics Enabler GLE for Sustainable Fleet Management

The logistics consultancy Green Logistics Enabler (GLE) from Berlin is launching a new business model in the field of sustainable fleet management. GLE’s innovative approach involves the tailored conversion of traditional truck fleets to green energy sources and alternative truck drives such as electric, bio-gas, and hydrogen.

(Berlin) GLE founder and owner Bruno Lukas has defined freight forwarders and industrial companies with their own truck fleets as target groups. The initial focus is on distribution logistics in regional delivery traffic as well as city logistics.

GLE’s holistic approach to implementing a sustainable fleet consists of three stages. First, a precise inventory and needs analysis of the fleet is conducted based on market studies for alternative drive technologies. In the second stage, GLE develops customized, sustainable transport solutions together with the client to prepare the truck fleet and distribution logistics for future requirements. Stage three involves the gradual conversion of the vehicle fleet to low-emission or zero-emission vehicles – often in conjunction with optimizing transport routes.

Tight Energy Market as a Driver for Alternative Solutions

“The demands from politics and business for climate-neutral and simultaneously economical transport solutions are causing a significant rethink among operators of truck fleets on a large scale,” says Lukas. The currently tense situation in the energy market shows how volatile and sensitive this sector has become. “Significantly increased diesel prices and growing diesel driving bans in city centers are forcing fleet operators to address future-proof drive alternatives promptly.” It is essential to find sustainable technical solutions that are also affordable – an important point, especially for the medium-sized logistics industry. “Evaluating market developments and making the right decisions for one’s own fleet cannot be managed on the side,” Lukas knows.

Establishing a Holistic Process is Based on Many Pillars

For targeted implementation, a comprehensive fleet strategy is needed that keeps all influencing factors in view. This includes state-subsidizable acquisition costs, the selection of suitable vehicle drives, purchasing conditions, and the development of energy prices. These are precisely the areas that the logistics consultancy GLE addresses. A central basic service is the creation of regular, customer-specific market analyses on alternative truck drives and funding programs – if necessary, supplemented by a technical database. The business field built on this is strategic consulting for the implementation of “green” distribution logistics. This encompasses the entire process, from inventory and needs analysis of the truck fleet, to the development of vehicle concepts and supplier selection, to support in tenders and vehicle tests. The GLE market analysis serves as a solid decision-making basis for the gradual transition to a “green” fleet.

Fleet Conversions Require Patience

A professionally grounded, continuous support is the key to a successful transition to a future-proof truck fleet for GLE owner Lukas. His reasoning: “This transfer takes several years due to the typical procurement processes for fleets starting from 20 trucks upwards. Because of leasing terms and long-term financing models, fleets can only be converted gradually.” Due to high investment costs, agile innovations, and volatile market influences, stringent project management is required. “Only those who consistently pursue the transition to alternative drives will be able to operate successfully in the market in the long term,” summarizes Lukas.

Photo: © Matthias Gottwald / Photo Caption: GLE owner Bruno Lukas (right) in conversation with a client