Joining Forces to Build a More Socially Responsible Supply Chain
CSR Europe’s collaborative platform, Responsible Trucking, unites companies to address social issues and human rights violations in the transport sector.
Through initiatives like the Truck Transport Social Guidelines and driver surveys, CSR Europe helps companies enhance social standards and comply with the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
Many companies rely on the services of transport providers for their logistics needs. It is therefore crucial to recognize the challenging nature of the truck driving profession, which is often characterized by poor working conditions and, regrettably, occasional violations of basic human rights.
When companies think about “transport” and “sustainability,” the first challenge they often identify is decarbonization, and less attention is dedicated to the social aspects of the supply chain.
However, mitigating human rights risks and enhancing social performance throughout the supply chain are not minor concerns, nor are they reserved for only a handful of companies that champion sustainability. These issues are integral to the Due Diligence process and are part of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Therefore, every company must address them seriously.
Companies that seek to comply with the CSDDD cannot turn a blind eye to the following practices, which, unfortunately, still occur in Europe:
Recruitment fees paid by drivers to secure employment
Employment contracts not available in the driver’s native language
Lack of medical support or helpline
Drivers spending weekends in their trucks without appropriate rest facilities
Coercion
RESPONSIBLE TRUCKING
At CSR Europe, we are committed to addressing these issues through our Collaborative Platform, Responsible Trucking, which aims to unite companies in a collective effort to create a more socially responsible supply chain.
Our approach is integrated:
Together with our members, we have developed the Truck Transport Social Guidelines, which define the standards they uphold, endorse, and agree to cascade throughout their supply chains (ensuring that the same standards apply to their subcontractors).
We revise these Guidelines when necessary to continuously improve our approach.
We conduct surveys directly with drivers working in our members' supply chains. These surveys assess whether there is a gap between the established standards and the reality experienced by drivers. We focus on two key aspects:
Their social standards and working conditions
Their evaluation of the facilities provided by our members
Based on the survey results, we implement corrective actions—either at the Group level or for individual members.
JOIN US
We recognize that the journey toward a socially responsible transport sector is ongoing. However, by uniting companies, we can drive real, lasting change. We are eager to expand our platform, bringing in more members for more impact. Together, we can help ensure that human rights and fair working conditions are prioritized within Europe's transport sector.
If you would like to learn more about our initiative or explore the possibility of joining us, please contact Jean-François Goupillier.
For more information:
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