Forward Air’s Climate Award Signals Broader Shift in Green Logistics

DALLAS, TX – April 30, 2026 – Forward Air Corporation has secured a place on USA TODAY’s prestigious America’s Climate Leaders 2026 list, a recognition that underscores a pivotal shift in the logistics and transportation sector. The annual list, compiled by USA TODAY and research firm Statista, honors companies that demonstrate a significant reduction in their core emissions intensity, moving sustainability from a corporate footnote to a core business metric.

For Forward Air, a leading asset-light transportation provider with a global footprint, the award is a public validation of a multi-year strategic effort. “This recognition reflects Forward Air’s commitment to and progress towards promoting an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future,” said Shawn Stewart, President and Chief Executive Officer of Forward Air, in a statement. “It is our responsibility to create an environment that prioritizes safe and sustainable operations inside and outside our doors, and we are extremely proud of our teams for investing in that work.”

Deconstructing the Achievement

The America's Climate Leaders award is not granted for pledges alone. The methodology focuses on quantifiable progress, specifically the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions relative to revenue. Forward Air's inclusion points to tangible results, backed by a series of deliberate operational and strategic changes. A key indicator of this progress is the company's improved score from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a global non-profit that runs the world's leading environmental disclosure system. Forward advanced from a 'B-' score in 2024 to a 'B' in 2025.

Within the CDP’s scoring framework, a 'B' score signifies that a company has moved beyond mere awareness of environmental issues and is actively taking steps to manage its impact. This places Forward Air in the 'Management' band, indicating it has implemented actions and processes to tackle its emissions. This improvement was supported by the recent completion of a verified audit of the company’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory for its fiscal year 2024 activities.

“Over the past several years, we have reduced per capita energy and fuel consumption, expanded our emissions tracking efforts and advanced our carbon reduction programs,” shared Mason Payne, Director of Corporate ESG. “We will continue our important work to offer our customers and partners reliable, lower-carbon transportation options.”

Inside the Sustainability Playbook

A deeper look into Forward Air's 2025 Sustainability Report reveals a detailed roadmap. The company has set a preliminary goal to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030, using 2021 as a baseline. This is not a distant ambition but a target being pursued through immediate, practical initiatives.

One of the most impactful changes has been the adoption of renewable diesel for on-site fueling at a growing number of terminals. This switch offers both environmental and potential economic benefits. Operationally, the company has also focused on efficiency gains. In 2024, a concerted effort to reduce engine idling across its fleet resulted in saving 15,695 gallons of fuel compared to the previous year. Furthermore, its Dallas headquarters now sources 100% of its energy from renewable sources.

Recognizing that sustainability extends beyond its own operations, Forward Air now offers carbon accounting services to its customers. This allows clients to track the emissions associated with their freight, helping them manage their own Scope 3 emissions—the indirect emissions that occur in a company's value chain. This service aligns with the growing demand for supply chain transparency and positions Forward as a partner in its customers' sustainability journeys.

The Green Logistics Gold Rush

Forward Air's achievement does not exist in a vacuum. It reflects a powerful trend transforming the entire logistics industry. The global green logistics market was valued at approximately $1.5 trillion in 2024 and is projected to surge to over $3 trillion by the early 2030s, driven by regulatory pressure, technological innovation, and a fundamental shift in corporate and consumer expectations.

For years, shippers have expressed a desire for more sustainable options. A McKinsey survey confirmed that over 70% of shippers were willing to pay a premium for green shipping. While a more recent Boston Consulting Group study from late 2025 noted a slight decrease in the average premium companies are willing to pay amidst economic uncertainties, it also highlighted that demand for low-carbon shipping remains robust, particularly in regions with clear regulatory incentives. This environment makes proven leadership and quantifiable results, like the USA TODAY award, a powerful competitive differentiator.

By demonstrating credible progress, companies like Forward Air can attract and retain large corporate clients who are themselves under pressure to decarbonize their supply chains. Carbon management is rapidly evolving from a compliance issue to a source of competitive advantage.

Setting the Pace in a Competitive Field

The race to sustainability is a crowded one, featuring some of the world's largest corporations. Forward Air's progress is measured against the ambitious goals set by industry titans.

• FedEx has pledged to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040, backed by an initial $2 billion investment in vehicle electrification and sustainable energy.
• UPS is aiming for full carbon neutrality by 2050, with interim targets that include sourcing 100% renewable electricity for its facilities by 2035 and significantly increasing its use of sustainable aviation fuel.
• GXO Logistics is targeting a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 and full carbon neutrality by 2040, focusing on warehouse efficiency and renewable energy.
• DHL Group has a net-zero emissions target for 2050 and is investing heavily in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and intermodal transport solutions to reduce its carbon footprint.

In this context, Forward Air's recognition as a Climate Leader is significant. It shows that effective sustainability strategies are not limited to the industry's largest players and that asset-light models can also drive meaningful environmental progress. The award validates the company's current strategy and elevates the standard for environmental performance across the entire transportation and logistics sector.