Estes, the largest, privately owned freight carrier in North America, has released its inaugural Annual Sustainability Report, a summary of the company’s corporate responsibility efforts during the 2023 year.

“Sustainability is our roadmap to success and the lens through which we evaluate the entirety of our operations,” said Webb Estes, president and COO. “We are committed to managing our operations responsibly now and for the future, which means taking good care of our people, customers, communities, the planet, and our business. At our core, Estes operates for good.”

Since the launch of its sustainability program in January 2023, the company has focused on developing a solid foundation for this vital initiative throughout Estes. By connecting and collaborating with all areas of the business, as well as building deeper relationships with climate experts, ESG consultants, industry leaders, its customers, and employees, Estes ensures these efforts are based on knowledge-sharing and commonalities around the issues that affect everyone.

Estes’ sustainability efforts are rooted in its Estes for Good philosophy and its four pillars:

  • Uplift People – Estes believes that helping others leads to fuller and happier lives.
  • Serve Our Customers – Estes’ commitment to serving its customers goes hand in hand with its dedication to working for the greater good.
  • Focus on Our Planet – Estes believes that finding creative solutions, measuring its impact on the environment, and supporting others on the company’s mutual sustainability journeys will lead to better outcomes for everyone.
  • Live Our Principles – As a debt-free, privately held company, Estes’ focus on taking care of its customers and employees hasn’t wavered, operating its business responsibly and with integrity

    “This report is a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience,” said Sara Graf, vice president, sustainability, culture and communications. “It’s remarkable to look at all our team accomplished and the impact those efforts have had on our company, customers and communities. We thank everyone for joining us on our journey toward a more sustainable future, where we balance prosperity with the health of our planet and social equity.”

    Earlier this year, Estes began its partnership with Watershed, the leading enterprise sustainability platform, to measure, report and take action on sustainability. The company recently was named the first-ever recipient of Transport Topics’ inaugural Sustainability Pathfinder Award, which recognizes two companies within the freight transportation industry that are paving the way for a greener future. The company also received multiple top workplace awards such as Forbes’ America’s Best Top Employers Award and Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women.