Kimberly-Clark & Ofload launch electric truck for freight

Ofload and Kimberly-Clark Australia have partnered to launch Kimberly-Clark's first electric truck, a Volvo FL Electric, as part of an initiative to support the transition towards zero-emission freight transport in Australia.

The new electric truck will be incorporated into key transport routes, aiming to demonstrate the operational viability and scalability of low-emission freight solutions. The initiative aligns with Kimberly-Clark Australia's broader commitment to sustainability and Ofload's ongoing efforts to decarbonise supply chains across the country.

The transport sector remains Australia's fastest-growing source of emissions. It is projected to become the country's largest by 2030, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. This partnership demonstrates how companies can reduce transport emissions in their supply chains while also serving as a test case for broader industry adoption of electric vehicles within freight operations.

Ofload has worked with Kimberly-Clark Australia to integrate the electric Volvo FL into daily logistics activities, with the potential for additional vehicles in future. The truck, which is leased from the sustainability-focused TR Group, will complement existing operations and may serve as a model for similarly structured transitions by other businesses. TR Group has recently launched a zero-emission hydrogen truck as part of its efforts to support sustainable transportation.

By utilising Ofload's national carrier network, the launch is designed to set a precedent for wider uptake of electric freight trucks and to provide a framework for other brands and logistics providers considering zero-emission transport solutions.

Geoffroy Henry, Chief Executive Officer of Ofload, commented on the partnership, stating, "This isn't just about one electric truck on the road; it marks a pivotal moment where we prove the viability, efficiency, and significant carbon reductions that electric freight can deliver at scale. This is the future of logistics, and we're leading the way."

Jessica Renton, Head of Supply Chain ANZ at Kimberly-Clark Australia, said, "As a major manufacturer of essential products found in many Aussie homes, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact. Our freight partnership with Ofload is a key lever within our supply chain, and we're proud to partner with them on this transformative project."

The environmental impact of the move is highlighted by current freight emission data. A single Melbourne-to-Sydney journey by a diesel B-double truck generates 1.9 tonnes of CO2, which is nearly ten times the emissions produced by an average car on the same route. A Melbourne-to-Brisbane trip results in 3.9 tonnes of CO2 emissions, while a Sydney-to-Brisbane trip emits 2 tonnes. For context, a single Melbourne-to-Brisbane diesel truck trip emits more CO2 than the average Australian household over two and a half months.

This demonstrates the immediate positive impact of replacing even one diesel truck with an electric alternative, with Ofload and Kimberly-Clark Australia seeking to show that zero-emission freight options are available for scaling today rather than being a distant prospect.

A significant focus of this initiative is on supporting Australian carriers through the transition to electric trucks. Ofload and TR Group worked alongside Brisbane Transport—the carrier involved in the partnership—to assess key factors such as financial viability, integration within existing logistics networks, and overall operational efficiency.

Through commercial modelling that included variables such as vehicle utilisation, kilometre range, driver shifts, and revenue margins, Ofload was able to demonstrate both operational and sustainability advantages of introducing an electric truck to a carrier's fleet. This approach aims to demonstrate how small and medium-sized carriers can participate in the transition to electric freight with the right partners and support models in place.

Kimberly-Clark Australia has further advanced its carbon reduction efforts by utilising Ofload's Carbon Analytics Platform (CAP), which was adopted in May of last year. The platform delivers real-time monitoring of freight emissions, using Global Logistics Emissions Council-accredited calculations to track, measure, and refine environmental impacts across supply chains.

In 2024, Kimberly-Clark Australia reduced its total emissions by 5.23%, resulting in a 3,544-tonne CO2 reduction. This is the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of 670 Australian households or nearly 22,000 car journeys between Sydney and Brisbane.

Through transparent data and real-time tracking, Kimberly-Clark Australia and other businesses can make more informed decisions as they transition to lower-emission freight solutions, supporting sustainability targets and preparing for an evolving regulatory landscape.

The launch of the new electric truck complements other sustainability efforts by Ofload, such as its Carbon Analytics Platform, which enables the automated tracking of supply chain emissions, and DataVerse. This platform aggregates national freight data to provide shippers with a comprehensive view of their carbon output. The company is supporting clients in their drive for regulatory readiness, particularly with new climate-related financial disclosure requirements and Scope 3 emissions regulations on the horizon.