Six European industry groups are urging national and European policy makers to establish a voluntary public-private sustainable freight transport partnership in Europe based on the best practices established by programs such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Program and Japan’s Green Distribution Partnership.

Representing the retail sector, freight transport services, logistics associations, the intermodal industry and the road transport sector, these industry groups said a partnership is a cost-effective alternative to legislation.

The groups, including ECR Europe, EuroCommerce, European Logistics Association, European Shippers’ Council, European Intermodal Association, and International Road Transport Union, are calling for a partnership between a government, or international agency, and private companies to address the environmental issues of freight transport in Europe.

The organizations outline (PDF) a list of specifications that the partnership should meet including best practices that improve fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

The list of signatories is published at the Climate TransAct Web site.