DACHSER receives the Eco Performance Award 2025

Award recognizes strategy and measures in the field of electromobility and climate action

The jury praised the comprehensive transformation toward zero-emission logistics that DACHSER has been pursuing for ten years now. With its e-mobility research sites in Freiburg, Malsch near Karlsruhe, and Hamburg, and currently 20 emission-free delivery areas in the city centers of European metropolises, the company systematically combines practical research, consistent decarbonization, and scalability into a long-term, holistic transformation program for climate-neutral logistics.

DACHSER sees itself as a impulse generator for more sustainable logistics and therefore relies on a holistic, long-term, and practical approach. The switch to alternative drive systems with the corresponding energy supply and charging infrastructure plays a key role in this. "We pursue a fact-based and technology-neutral approach to climate action. Our strategy focuses on effective measures that can be implemented under realistic financial and technological conditions. DACHSER rejects symbolic promises without a reliable implementation perspective," says Burkhard Eling, CEO of DACHSER. "The fact that our approach has now been honored with the Eco Performance Award 2025 is not only a valuable recognition, but also encourages us to consistently continue on the path we have chosen."

Focus on electromobility and climate action

Ten years ago, DACHSER began taking concrete steps to integrate electromobility and climate action into its everyday logistics operations. This was followed by a structured launch of pilot projects for emission-free deliveries in city centers. From 2019, this commitment was expanded to include global climate action, the reduction of greenhouse gases, increased transport and energy efficiency, and research projects on alternative drive systems.

DACHSER primarily uses battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to decarbonize its transport processes. In recent years, the logistics service provider has set up emission-free delivery zones in 20 cities in Europe, and by the end of 2025, this number will rise to 25. More than 160 electric trucks weighing over 3.5 tons are now on the road for the company in Europe—both for local transport and longer distances. In addition, over 800 charging points have been installed at around 90 branches in 16 countries, which are powered exclusively by self-generated or purchased renewable electricity.

At special e-mobility sites in Freiburg, Hamburg, and Karlsruhe, DACHSER is testing under real-world conditions how a fleet of battery-electric vehicles can be operated, particularly for long-distance transport, from the charging infrastructure and intelligent load management to vehicle maintenance. These experiences are being incorporated into concepts for the gradual and systematic implementation of electric mobility throughout the entire network.

Decarbonization as a shared responsibility

"We are proud of what we have already achieved, but we still face many challenges in decarbonizing logistics," emphasizes Stefan Hohm, Chief Development Officer (CDO) at DACHSER. "The investments in vehicles and infrastructure are significant, so it is important to closely monitor the market and technologies, work closely with manufacturers, customers, and research institutions, and thus always move forward at the right pace. At the same time, we still see a lot of catching up to do in terms of public infrastructure—an indispensable foundation for further establishing electric mobility in everyday logistics."

Since 2008, the Eco Performance Award has recognized companies for their commitment to sustainability in commercial road freight transport. It evaluates innovative measures such as technologies and organizational solutions as well as robust, application-oriented overall concepts. Particular consideration is given to the combination of ecological, economic, and social efforts. The award is decided by an experienced jury of experts with members from industry and academia.