When Transporting New Zealand talks to members, government, and freight customers about freight decarbonisation, we often refer to road freight as a “hard-to-abate sector.” Like aviation, agriculture, and steel production, our industry faces significant challenges in reducing greenhouse emissions. Heavy reliance on diesel technology, alternative fuels still being in their infancy, and the reality of low operating margins make sustainable emissions reduction a considerable hurdle.
Yet, despite these obstacles and tough economic conditions, many road freight operators are proving that progress is possible. One of our members leading the charge is KAM Transport and Logistics.
When we stopped off at their Wellington depot (one of five nationally) – it seemed like business as usual. Their modern fleet of Scanias came and went, as their busy warehouse hummed with activity.
But behind the scenes, this family-owned business achieved something remarkable late last year. The company became the only transport and logistics company of its kind in New Zealand to hold a Toitū enviromark® gold certification.
That achievement places KAM among a select group of just 62 companies nationwide to hold this level of accreditation—alongside names like Dulux Powder and Industrial Coatings, Caffe L’affare, and Enterprise Steel.
The certification is more than a tick-box exercise: it’s science-based, evidence-backed, and recognised as a high-calibre environmental standard reserved for organisations demonstrating genuine and measurable action to reduce their environmental impact. To date, Toitū members across 400 organisations have collectively reduced over 8.7 million tonnes of CO₂e. KAM is proud to contribute to this momentum.
Gaining an environmental certification of this calibre is no small feat, particularly given the Scope 1 emissions profile necessary to operate a transport company (direct emissions from sources an organisation owns).
It reflects years of commitment, significant investment, and the development of a robust Environmental Management System. KAM’s environmental policy sets clear goals, and the company has already implemented a series of practical steps to achieve them.
These include:
- Operating a fleet predominantly made up of fuel-efficient (diesel) Scania vehicles
- Using the Scania Driver App to monitor and improve fuel-efficient driving
- Providing driver training focused on reducing emissions
- Running a driver reward programme for excellence in fuel efficiency
- Optimising freight through capacity reports to reduce trips and emissions
For a company that has been operating since 1989, starting with the sole purpose of transporting meat from the City Abattoir (now Taylor Preston) to local outlets, this is the start of an exciting new chapter. Now transporting meat, produce, wine, and aquaculture, KAM’s growth across depots in Wellington, Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, and Marlborough deepened its sense of responsibility toward environmental sustainability.
Collaboration with local winegrowers in Marlborough reinforced this commitment, aligning with shared values around caring for the environment.
“KAM’s achievement shows how road freight companies can get on with achieving meaningful emissions reductions without having to wait low emission technologies to catch up,” says Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih. “It demonstrates leadership and innovation at a time when our sector is under pressure to find practical ways to reduce emissions without compromising service.”
This story originally appeared in Transporting News – September 2025 issue.
Transporting New Zealand is committed to supporting members achieve emissions reduction. Check out our Green Fleet Self-Assessment Tool for more tips and tricks, or this informative video made with help from the good folks at KAM.
