June 7, 2025
Road Safety and the Role of Logistics
June is National Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness around the importance of safety in workplaces, communities, and on the roads. For those of us in the transportation and logistics industry, safety is not a mere policy but a daily practice that protects lives, enhances efficiency, and upholds the reputation of the businesses we serve.
As a non-asset-based carrier, our role is to coordinate transportation services without owning physical trucks or warehouses. This means we partner with fleets, drivers, and shippers to ensure smooth, efficient deliveries. But it also means we have a unique responsibility: we influence safety practices across multiple operations, and that gives us an incredible opportunity to drive change, especially when it comes to road safety.
The Importance of Road Safety in Logistics
From congested urban streets to high-speed interstates, roads driving freight traffic are some of the busiest and most dangerous places in America. Traffic safety is not only about avoiding accidents; it is about creating a system where goods move without endangering the people moving them.
In fact, the trucking industry is responsible for hauling over 72% of the nation’s freight by weight, making it fundamental to commerce and safety planning. With this much volume on the roads, even small improvements in road safety can save lives, reduce delays, and protect valuable cargo.
Focusing on the Last Mile: Where Road Safety Gets Personal
One of the most critical areas in logistics is last-mile delivery, the final leg where products are delivered from or to a hub or warehouse, its final destination. This stage is often the most complex and risky, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Think about a typical weekday in a big city’s downtown. Delivery staff drive through narrow roads, pedestrians cross unpredictably, and traffic is gridlocked. These conditions make it more complicated to operate safely and increase the chances of an accident.
Improving last-mile logistics is a key part of improving road safety. By streamlining routes, reducing delivery times, and using innovative technology, we make operations more efficient and the roads safer for everyone.
Technology Is Making Safer Roads
One of the biggest opportunities for improving international road safety lies in using technology tools that make our roads and supply chains smarter.
Route Optimization Software – This technology helps drivers avoid high-risk areas, minimize time spent in traffic, and reduce delivery miles. Less time on the road means fewer chances for accidents.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) – EVs are quieter, cleaner, and often equipped with advanced safety systems. They are a safer, more sustainable option for urban deliveries and contribute to reduced emissions and noise pollution.
Real-Time Tracking and Telematics – By using GPS and driver behavior analytics, logistics companies can monitor speeding, hard braking, and sudden lane changes. This data allows for coaching and early intervention before a risky habit becomes problematic.
These tools represent a new frontier in road safety awareness, one where data, not guesswork, leads the way.
Engaging Drivers and Teams in Safety Culture
Road safety awareness is about policies, but it is more about people. Drivers, dispatchers, and logistics coordinators all need to be part of a safety-first mindset.
During National Safety Month, the National Safety Council (NSC) emphasizes four highly relevant pillars to our work: Continuous Improvement, Employee Engagement, Roadway Safety, and Well-being. Here is how non-asset-based carriers can act on these ideas:
Create Driver Safety Committees – Bring drivers into the conversation. Let them lead discussions on near misses, local hazards, and what works on the road.
Reward Safe Driving Behaviors – Incentivize clean driving records, fuel-efficient routes, and proactive vehicle inspections.
Use Digital Platforms for Micro-Training – Push safety quizzes, reminders, and alerts through mobile apps. Keep traffic safety at the top of your mind every day.
By cultivating a strong safety culture, we help reduce accidents, build trust with clients, and prioritize the well-being of every road user.
Everyone Has a Role in Road Safety
Safety road efforts do not begin and end with carriers. Policymakers, urban planners, tech developers, and the public must all be part of the solution. Safer road design, intelligent traffic management systems, and targeted awareness campaigns can all work hand-in-hand with logistics companies to create a more secure environment.
This is especially true in last-mile delivery zones, where roads driving large volumes of commercial and pedestrian traffic intersect. Infrastructure upgrades, like designated loading zones or smart traffic lights, can help reduce congestion and prevent dangerous interactions between delivery vehicles and pedestrians.
Well-being and Mental Health in Road Safety
It is important to note that road safety does not just come down to defensive driving; it also depends on the driver’s well-being. Fatigue, stress, and isolation are major risk factors in long-haul and last-mile logistics.
Encourage Breaks and Rest – Proper rest reduces fatigue-related incidents and boosts alertness.
Offer Mental Health Resources – Make it easy for drivers to access counseling or support hotlines.
Promote Substance Use Education – Teach drivers about how medications, prescribed or otherwise, can impact alertness and reaction time.
By treating drivers like the professionals they are and supporting them with the tools they need, we protect everyone on the road.
What Can Non-Asset-Based Carriers Do?
As a non-asset-based logistics partner, we may not own the trucks, but we are fully invested in making sure every mile is a safe mile. Here’s how we at Last Mile Logistics support road safety awareness:
Vet Our Carrier Network Thoroughly – We work only with partners sharing our commitment to safety and compliance.
Use Real-Time Monitoring – We track shipments closely and intervene immediately when any issues arise.
Promote Best Practices – We share resources, offer training suggestions, and partner with fleets that adopt safety-first technology.
In doing so, we deliver freight while helping deliver a safer future.
National Safety Month Is Just the Beginning
This June reminds us that road safety is an ongoing journey, not a once-a-year initiative. By committing to continuous improvement, embracing technology, engaging drivers, and supporting wellness, we help make America’s roads safer for everyone.
Let’s not wait for the next near miss or headline-making accident to take action. No matter if you are a fleet operator, logistics manager, or supply chain coordinator, now is the time to double down on your safety strategy.
At Last Mile Logistics, we are here to help you optimize your operations while contributing to a culture of safety.
