More information / Press / Speaker interviews / Interview with James Moulds: Sustainable Logistics - Commercial Leader at Amazon Freight

Q: What are Amazon’s key sustainability goals for its European transportation network?

A: 

• The Climate Pledge is our commitment to reach net-zero carbon across our operations by 2040.
• In Europe, we’re investing (€1 billion, 2022 – 2027) to further electrify and decarbonise our transportation network.
• We have over 30,000 electric delivery vehicles in our transportation network so far with a target of 100,000 by 2030. 

Q: How do you balance sustainability initiatives with the need for speed and reliability in deliveries?

A:

• Amazon continues to focus on speed and reliability with over 9 billion units arriving on the same-day or next day worldwide in 2024 with same-day delivery in over 135 locations in Europe.
• We are using AI to forecast what customers want most urgently and placing products close to them.
• Sustainability is then built into this supply chain for example with all electricity consumed by our operations matched with 100% renewable energy or e-cargo bikes used for final mile deliveries.

Q: What technologies are enabling smarter, more sustainable freight decisions?

A: Amazon is using a range of technology to make its supply chain more sustainable:

• from our AI-powered routing engine which analyzes traffic, weather, and event data in real time,
• our opensource CHALET tool which you can use to determine where to build electric charging points for electric heavy trucks; and
• our Packaging Decision Engine which determines the most efficient packaging options and has helped eliminate over two million tons of packaging material worldwide since 2015.

Q: Do you foresee sustainability becoming a competitive differentiator in the freight industry?

A: 

• A report from Mckinsey of 250 global shippers found that most have started integrating green shipping into their logistics programs with more than 70% willing to pay more for green shipping products. Their research indicates that demand for green logistics could reach $350bn in 2030.
• This aligns with a recent Amazon Shipping survey which found that 53% of retailers view sustainability in e-commerce logistics as a priority in their operations.

Q: What will you discuss during your session at Intermodal Europe?

A: 

• We will explore how European transportation is responding to market volatility, rising costs, and increasing sustainability demands.
• Amazon’s efforts to reshape freight operations through eco-friendly methods such as electric heavy-goods vehicles, multimodal rail and sea lanes, and optimised trailer utilisation.
• With investments in advanced technology and strategic infrastructure, Amazon Freight is creating lower-carbon shipping corridors and rapidly scaling its electric truck fleet across Europe.