How Ethic Transport used Circuit to Outperform the Competition in Six Months

Ethic Transport, as the name suggests, is a last-mile subcontractor with an environmental focus. Starting from humble beginnings, they have grown to operate a fleet of last-mile delivery drivers and have even launched their own tire recycling service, reducing the carbon impact of delivery by repurposing the raw materials extracted from used vehicle tires.

From pizzas to preferred partners

For Ethic Transport, the journey from zero to running a thriving delivery operation started in June 2020. The company was a one-person operation in Belgium, founded by a former student whose only previous logistics experience was a part-time job delivering pizza.

Working ad hoc as a solo relief driver during the Christmas peak period, Ethic Transport’s founder relied on Circuit Route Planner to guide him through his early delivery challenges. From day one, Circuit provided all the features necessary for a total novice to successfully load, deliver, and navigate the complexities of last-mile delivery.

Typically, relief drivers are let go after the peak festive period. However, Ethic Transport performed so well–outshining their client’s long-standing drivers– that they were asked to become regular contractors and take on additional delivery tasks.

Outperforming lands a partnership

Just six months after starting as a relief driver, Ethic Transport secured a long-term partnership with their original client, GLS. This required servicing around 20 postcodes and expanding to a team of three drivers, marking a significant step up for the growing business.

To facilitate the successful management of a larger team, Ethic Transport upgraded to Circuit for Teams, which enabled them to track drivers' and delivery progress live and effortlessly manage multiple routes.

Their reliability, professionalism, and remarkable ability to deliver consistent results were the key to winning this partnership. GLS had previously worked with another subcontractor for the same postcodes but noticed a stark difference. Ethic Transport’s drivers could pick up routes and deliver immediately, requiring little to no training. As their founder put it, "The fact that we had Circuit helped us operate successfully from the very beginning."

In an industry where poor driver performance costs clients, they quickly gained a reputation as the subcontractor who could deliver anywhere, ensuring every parcel reached its destination without fail. “They knew that if we took 100 parcels, we’d deliver all 100 parcels,”

This reputation for excellence paid dividends. When GLS expanded and a larger contract came up for renewal, Ethic Transport was the natural choice.

Reinventing the wheel

By 2022, Ethic Transport had grown from a one-driver operation to a thriving business with five full-time drivers, soon to hire a sixth. The founder, who once delivered parcels himself, has transitioned into the role of company director, and managing a team of drivers is made easy with Circuit for Teams and his first-hand delivery experience.

In its fourth year, the company is embracing an exciting new chapter. Staying true to its ethical namesake and expanding into tire recycling, a venture that turns used tires into recycled products. By diversifying operations, Ethic Transport aims to spread risk and create a sustainable business model that aligns with their values. 

With plans to add larger cargo vehicles for transporting up to 300 tires alongside their fleet of delivery vans, Ethic Transport is proving that innovation and diversification go hand in hand.

“We think last-mile deliveries are the most complicated and expensive part of logistics but also the most rewarding,”

Circuit is proud to have played a pivotal role in helping Ethic Transport build from scratch a company that not only delivers parcels but also delivers on its mission to grow ethically and sustainably.

Note: Circuit for teams is saving hundreds of businesses like Ethic Transport at least 20% on delivery costs. Try it free for 7 days.