Tesco's distribution team is partnering with 15 of its major suppliers to cut the number of trucks on the road this Christmas.

This is the latest development in a strategy developed by Tesco with a single supplier in August 2021 and then rolled out to multiple suppliers in August this year. Next year the retailer plans to expand the initiative to more of its suppliers.

Under the scheme the retailer consolidates and streamlines the routes suppliers use when delivering to distribution centres, based on a review by its road traffic control team which establishes which suppliers deliver to the same locations.

The process finds products that can fit into spaces on a truck by filling in the gaps – which Tesco said has resulted in saving over 400,000 truck miles per year, equating to 17 trips around the world and has reduced CO2 emissions by 450 tonnes by taking 3,400 trucks off the road since its launch.

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Tesco is now applying the strategy to suppliers providing Christmas goods after reviewing routes in the run up to the holiday season, with Christmas favourites such as trifle, parsnips, broccoli and carrots being moved together to help cut emissions.

The retailer is now planning to roll out the system to other suppliers in the new year. Trudy Wilson, Tesco head of supplier ordering, added: "By working closely with our suppliers and joining them up to use each other’s transport routes, we’re delighted to have delivered savings in emissions and costs for suppliers.

“The ‘Tetris’-style project helps us use as much space as possible in our trucks over the Christmas period, making the most of every journey and helping to keep trucks off the road at a busy time of year.

"We have exciting plans for the year ahead and are hoping to expand the project with more suppliers coming on board.”

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