Providing logistics to facilitate global trade connects people, economies, and everyday life in ways most of us never see. It also carries responsibility. Transportation remains one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize, and for JAS Worldwide, this challenge is part of the day-to-day reality of how the business operates.

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, JAS is a privately owned global logistics provider with more than 7,000 employees in over 100 countries. Operating across air, ocean, road, JAS works closely with customers and suppliers to keep global trade moving, while steadily reducing its environmental and social impact.

Supporting Blue Whales & Blue Skies

In 2025, JAS was recognized as a Sapphire Ambassador, the highest recognition level, after ensuring that more than 90% of its import and export shipments through California ports in 2024

JAS joined the Blue Whales & Blue Skies (BWBS) program because it demonstrates how practical, collaborative action can deliver real environmental benefits. Along the U.S. West Coast, major shipping routes overlap with critical whale habitats, where vessel strikes, underwater noise, and air pollution pose serious risks to marine life and coastal communities. Through BWBS, companies along the supply chain support safer vessel operations in these corridors, helping reduce risks to whales while also cutting emissions.

In 2025, JAS was recognized as a Sapphire Ambassador, the highest recognition level, after ensuring that more than 90% of its import and export shipments through California ports in 2024 were handled by carriers participating in the BWBS program and working to operate at whale-safer speeds.

 

As Andrea Goeman, SVP QHSE & Sustainability at JAS Worldwide explains:

“Blue Whales & Blue Skies works because it’s simple and effective. You slow ships down, and you immediately reduce risk for whales while cutting emissions. It’s a practical solution, and when shippers, logistics service providers, and shipping lines are working together toward the same goal, programs like this help move things in the right direction.”

 

Sustainability Embedded in the Business

At JAS, sustainability is increasingly part of how the company operates and works with customers and partners. As a non-asset-based logistics provider, more than 99% of JAS’s emissions sit in Scope 3, generated by third-party transportation. That reality has shaped the company’s approach.

JAS has concentrated on making emissions visible and actionable at the shipment level. Carbon dioxide-equivalent data is now included on invoices and transport documents, and customers can access standardized emissions reporting and analytics through JAS’ digital platforms. The goal is to support better decision-making whether that means changing routes, consolidating shipments, choosing lower-emission transport options, or opting for biofuel insetting.

In parallel, JAS continues to reduce emissions within its own operations through energy-efficient facilities, electrification of company cars, and the global rollout of its Green Office Program.

From Word to Action

Since 2023, JAS has focused on putting the right sustainability structure in place, including clear governance, reliable data, defined targets, and accountability across the organization. With these foundations established, recent years have marked a clear shift from planning to execution.

In 2025, JAS achieved the EcoVadis Gold Medal, upgrading from Bronze, and completed Science Based Targets initiative validation toward its Net-Zero ambition for 2050. Supplier engagement was strengthened through the rollout of an EcoVadis Sustainable Supplier Management Program, while climate transparency improved with a higher CDP environmental-performance ranking score.

Engagement also expanded beyond operations. JAS hosted sustainability events, delivered regular internal and external sustainability webinars, and provided tailored training for commercial and tender teams. The company remained active in industry collaboration through initiatives such as Smart Freight Centre and the UN Global Compact, while continuing to scale the Bruni Foundation’s Pay It Forward program to support social and environmental projects globally.

A Market Shift

Across the logistics industry, sustainability has become the license to operate. It is no longer a differentiator; it is the baseline. Customers expect transparent emissions data and lower-carbon shipping options, regulators expect credible reporting, financial institutions expect climate-risk awareness, and employees expect their companies to act responsibly.

JAS has seen this clear shift. With a sustainability strategy and structure in place, the focus has moved from word to action and toward deeper stakeholder engagement. Customer engagement now spans multiple stages of the supply chain, while supplier engagement has become more focused on performance, data quality, and shared climate goals.

There is also growing recognition that climate action, biodiversity protection, and human rights are interconnected. Programs like Blue Whales & Blue Skies show how collaborative approaches can address multiple challenges at once, while delivering measurable impact today.

Looking Ahead

JAS’ sustainability journey continues. The company remains focused on improving data quality, scaling practical solutions, and working closely with customers and partners to reduce emissions where decisions are made.

From slower ships that protect whales, to digitalization that supports more sustainable choices, JAS believes progress comes from consistent action, strong partnerships, and collaboration across the industry.