How to build a greener fleet with location technology

As pressure mounts on logistics companies to cut emissions and operate more responsibly, many are overlooking a powerful tool already at their fingertips: location technology.

Stakeholders across the industry are facing increasing pressure from regulators, partners and the public to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce environmental impact.

So, how can logistics businesses respond in a meaningful way? One powerful and often underused solution is location technology. By optimizing routes, streamlining fleet operations and reducing idle time, location technology helps lower fuel consumption and cut emissions, all while maintaining high levels of service and protecting profitability.

A businesswoman looks confidently out her office window.

Putting sustainability in the driver's seat

Every year, the global transportation sector contributes billions of tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. In the United States, each gallon of fuel burned produces nearly 19.4 pounds of CO₂, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

For companies managing fleets of delivery vans, trucks or service vehicles, this is not just a distant statistic. It reflects a significant and ongoing impact on the environment.

Electric vehicles represent a promising step toward zero-emission fleets. However, the transition has been slower than expected due to infrastructure limitations, high upfront investment and operational constraints. These barriers make widespread adoption a long-term goal rather than an immediate solution.

In the meantime, location technology offers a practical and effective path forward. Through the use of real-time tracking, predictive analytics and route optimization tools, companies are identifying ways to reduce mileage, minimize idle time and eliminate unnecessary trips. These improvements help lower fuel consumption and cut emissions, allowing fleets to operate more sustainably without the need for a complete overhaul.

As Bart Coppelmans, HERE Senior Director of Product Management, noted at the Leaders in Logistics Summit 2025, "Location intelligence is not just about knowing where things are; it's about making smarter decisions that lead to more efficient and sustainable operations."

A route awakening

One of the simplest ways to reduce a fleet’s environmental impact is by optimizing routes. Poorly planned routes lead to unnecessary mileage, increased fuel consumption and higher emissions.

Thanks to advancements in location technology, companies now have the ability to eliminate much of this inefficiency. Route optimization software analyzes a web of real-time variables, including traffic patterns, weather conditions, road closures and delivery windows, to determine the most efficient path for each vehicle.

Instead of static schedules, fleets can now run on adaptive systems. Predictive routing tools allow logistics firms to reshuffle delivery plans on the fly, keeping trucks in motion and avoiding the all-too-common scenario of engines idling in gridlock. This not only cuts down on fuel waste but also shortens delivery times, improves customer satisfaction and keeps operating costs under control.

These tools represent more than just technical upgrades. They reflect a broader shift in how logistics leaders view sustainability, not as a separate initiative, but as something embedded in the operational DNA. The smarter the system, the lighter the footprint.

Watching the wheels

How drivers behave on the road has a big impact on how green a fleet can be. Things like idling too long, braking hard, or speeding don’t just make driving less safe, they also waste fuel and pump out more emissions. Location technology helps fleet managers keep an eye on how drivers are doing by giving real-time updates on things like speed, how long trucks stop, and whether drivers stick to their routes.

With this info, companies can set up training programs to help drivers adopt safer, more fuel-efficient habits. Not only does this cut down emissions and help meet regulations, but it can also mean less wear and tear on the vehicles. Getting drivers on board with better habits is a simple change that adds up to a lot when you’re talking about a whole fleet.

Tracking success

Location technology gives companies unprecedented visibility into fleet operations. Real-time tracking allows managers to monitor vehicle movements, identify inefficiencies, and address them immediately. For example, a vehicle stuck in traffic for long periods can quickly be rerouted to avoid further delays. The technology can also predict peak congestion times, allowing planners to schedule off-peak deliveries and reduce idle time.

“When logistics operators lack transparency in their fleet’s movements, operations become less efficient and delivery experiences suffer. This is where real-time tracking and dynamic ETAs become game-changers,” said Dr. Amol Naik, Senior Product Manager at HERE, during our latest webinar HERE's fleet solutions for timely deliveries.

Dynamic data also enables better planning in response to unforeseen changes. Whether it’s severe weather or a traffic jam, real-time location insights make quick decision-making possible. This level of agility reduces unnecessary fuel burn and ensures smoother operations for the entire fleet.

A truck carrying hazardous materials traveling on a highway.

Staying on the right side of the rules

Cities everywhere are cracking down on pollution by setting up low-emission zones where the dirtiest vehicles just can’t go. For companies running trucks across different areas, keeping track of all these rules can get pretty confusing. Luckily, smart location technology is making it easier. It helps fleets know which trucks can drive where and when, so they don’t get hit with fines or delays.

When it comes to hauling hazardous materials, things get even trickier. HERE WeGo Pro’s latest update is designed to help drivers avoid restricted areas and pick safer, legal routes. It uses up-to-the-minute data and smart predictions to make sure trucks follow the rules while keeping deliveries on track. This kind of tool takes a lot of stress out of planning complicated routes and keeps things running smoothly.

And for fleets switching to electric vehicles, location tech helps plan routes that consider charging station locations, vehicle range and energy use. That way, electric trucks stay powered up and companies can use them with confidence.

All in all, these smarter tools help fleets follow the rules, handle tough routing challenges like hazmat deliveries and introduce cleaner, more efficient vehicles in a way that works.

Sustainability isn't just about appearances

For many companies, achieving net zero emissions is no longer a long-term goal but an urgent priority. While switching to electric vehicles is the ultimate goal for a lot of fleets, location technology offers a way to start cutting emissions today. Even trucks running on traditional fuel can lower their carbon footprint by using location technology to help them use fuel more efficiently.

Efficient fleet maintenance is key to both performance and sustainability. Vehicles operating below peak condition consume more fuel and emit more pollution. Here, too, location technology proves its value by tracking vehicle health and flagging maintenance needs in real-time. Early detection of issues prevents breakdowns, reduces downtime, and ensures each vehicle operates efficiently. A well-maintained fleet is an environmentally friendly fleet.

For example, data on idle times, engine performance and mileage can help managers determine when a particular vehicle requires servicing. This proactive approach reduces waste and extends the lifespan of fleet vehicles, keeping costs low while improving reliability.

A row of white trucks driving on a highway.

A force for change

Moving toward greener logistics isn’t always easy, but the tools to get there are ready now. Location technology helps businesses cut emissions, boost efficiency, and keep up with the growing demand for eco-friendly practices. Whether it’s through better routing, real-time updates or smarter driver management, these tools make a big difference.

By using location technology in your fleet, your business can hit its sustainability goals while staying competitive. The future belongs to companies that find ways to grow and protect the environment at the same time—and location tech is a big part of that path forward.

"Location intelligence is not just about knowing where things are; it's about making smarter decisions that lead to more efficient and sustainable operations."

Frequently asked questions about greener fleets

How does location technology help reduce fleet emissions?

Location technology helps fleets cut emissions by optimizing routes, reducing idle time, and avoiding traffic delays. Smarter routing means vehicles travel fewer miles, use less fuel, and produce fewer carbon emissions.

Can location technology work with traditional fuel-powered fleets?

Yes. Even if a fleet hasn’t gone electric, location tools can still improve fuel efficiency by monitoring driver behavior, tracking maintenance needs, and reducing unnecessary engine use—all of which lower the fleet’s environmental impact.

Is location technology worth the investment for sustainability?

Absolutely. It not only supports sustainability goals but also reduces operating costs, improves delivery times, and helps fleets stay compliant with environmental regulations—making it a smart move for the long term.