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At Polaris, we are focused on building a better future for the transportation industry. We recognize our responsibility to reduce our environmental impact and support the communities we touch while continuing to deliver exceptional service. Our efforts focus on embracing innovative technologies and sustainable practices that reduce emissions by optimizing fuel and energy efficiency and foster positive social impact. By doing so, we aim to create a future where both our planet and our communities thrive.
We are working with our partners, customers and communities to create sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and the people who rely on us. By instilling and investing in initiatives that are both eco-friendly and community-focused, we not only aim to safeguard the future of transportation but also empower the communities we serve, inspiring positive change across our industry and our country.
Our 5 pillars for creating a greener,
more responsible future
Polaris is dedicated to delivering the highest quality services. Our commitment to excellence drives us to continually innovate and improve how we do business. We provide reliable, efficient supply chain solutions in adherence to stringent health, safety, security and quality standards. While collaborating as a team, we remain disciplined, action-oriented and hold ourselves accountable in every aspect of our day-to-day responsibilities. By operating with integrity and going the extra mile to create seamless shipping experiences for our customers, we build lasting relationships that contribute to a more sustainable business ecosystem.
Ethics & Compliance
We are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and compliance across all aspects of our operations. Our approach is rooted in transparency, fairness, and respect for our team, customers, and partners. We strictly protect the confidentiality of our business, customer, and partner information, and promote a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, while stringently prohibiting any form of discrimination or harassment. In addition, we have a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and bribery, and we enforce measures to prevent conflicts of interest. By fostering a respectful, safe and ethical work environment, and adhering to all legal and regulatory requirements, we ensure that our actions align with our values and responsibilities.
Supply Chain Security & Transparency
We take security seriously and are proud to be members of key border security programs such as CTPAT, PIP, CSA, and FAST. These partnerships help us ensure a secure supply chain across Canada, the USA, and Mexico, supporting anti-terrorism efforts and maintaining safe borders. Keeping freight secure both during transit and within our facility is a top priority. We achieve this by using advanced security measures at our live-monitored and fenced facility, such as AI to flag suspicious orders and X-ray technology to verify freight. Every single staff member is trained on CTPAT/PIP compliance to ensure the security protocols are followed. New customers are thoroughly vetted to align with our business principles, and any suspicious activity is reported to supervisors or law enforcement.
In 2024, we were featured in Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA)’s Trusted Trader newsletter which spotlighted our exemplary security protocols.
Technology & Innovation with NorthStar Digital Solutions
Our commitment to innovation and sustainability drives us to invest in automation and digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency and reduce our environmental impact. By implementing robotic process automation, we streamline workflows and minimize manual labor, reducing time spent on managing multiple systems and handling documents.
The FR8Focus mobile driver application enhances operational safety and efficiency by enabling real-time document scanning and integration into our TMS system, significantly cutting down paperwork. Our advanced reporting systems provide deeper insights into routing, capacity and performance, fostering continuous improvement. Call center automation reduces the time and effort needed to assist customers by consolidating data into one user interface, while also enabling customers to self-serve through automated responses. Automation scanning technology further optimizes operations by speeding up document processing and reducing labor hours.
Through digital transformation, such as off-site server hosting, we’ve reduced our energy use by 90%, and customer portal improvements have cut manual labor by 50%, allowing for seamless electronic order and document processing. These technological advancements not only boost operational efficiency and profitability but also contribute to a more sustainable business model by reducing resource consumption and waste.
Our employees are at the heart of Polaris. As a company where we have each others’ backs, we foster a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member can thrive. We invest in their professional development, offering continuous learning and career advancement opportunities. Our team’s health and wellbeing are paramount as we promote work-life balance and occupational safety. Across all levels of our organization, we celebrate diversity and promote equitability for everyone. By valuing and empowering all employees, we create a positive, productive and sustainable company culture.
Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Belonging (DEIB)
We recognize that a strong DEIB strategy is essential for fostering an environment where every individual can thrive. By embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into our company culture, we foster a workplace where employees feel valued and respected. This inclusive environment leads to higher employee engagement, better decision-making, and a more adaptable workforce, ultimately contributing to our company's overall success. We built and manage our DEIB strategy around the following principles which guide our efforts to set goals, provide training, and continually seek feedback to enhance our practices.
Diversity
We ensure our workforce reflects a wide range of backgrounds by implementing hiring practices that do not discriminate based on age, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, or other characteristics.
Equity
We strive to create a fair and balanced workplace for all employees. This involves actively working to eliminate unconscious bias and ensure no groups are underrepresented, thereby providing equal opportunities for everyone.
Inclusion
We focus on cultivating an environment where everyone feels welcome, and open communication is encouraged. An inclusive culture is key to enabling all employees to thrive and contribute fully.
Belonging
We aim to foster a sense of community and acceptance within our company. When our diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies are effectively put into practice, they create an atmosphere where every employee feels they belong.
Gender Equality
As a company founded by a woman and operating in a male-dominant sector, we are committed to gender equality and empowering women at every stage of our operations. With more than 50% of women at both management level and in general, we support equal opportunities for women including pay equity, and access to the resources needed to thrive professionally. To extend our commitment further, we became a signatory of the United Nations’ Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
Employee Health & Safety
At Polaris, safety is a core pillar, and we live by the motto "Safety First Because Injuries Last".
We have a Health & Safety (H&S) committee that oversees inspections, reviews incidents, provides training, and implements preventive campaigns. The H&S boards at our facility display inspection reports, meeting minutes, contact lists, and incident reports for quick access.
We review all incidents annually and launch awareness or preventive campaigns such as Spill Kit Incident Training and heat exhaustion prevention. We also invest in third-party monitoring of the first aid kits, AEDs, and eye wash stations to ensure readiness across all shifts. We ensure the safety of our drivers by sending them regular communications, including updates on driving hazards, time changes, and Safety Blitzes, while in-yard vehicle inspections are conducted multiple times a year.
Polaris Health & Safety Policy
While we maintain a strong focus on workplace safety to ensure a secure and hazard-free environment, we also deeply care about our employees' overall well-being. We organize training sessions on mental health, providing valuable tools and resources for managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We organize wellness events that encourage physical fitness, an initiative supported by an on-site gym. Additionally, our comprehensive private health insurance plan ensures that our employees have access to quality healthcare whenever they need it.
Training and Career Development
We are deeply committed to the career and skills development of our employees. To improve the quality of work of our employees and support their career growth, we offer various professional development opportunities including specialized courses through professional online platforms, as well as courses via post-secondary institutions to enhance staff capabilities.
Additionally, we run the Larry Cox Academy, a 16-month program where participants rotate through different departments, achieving goals within Polaris' functional areas. Participants are also required to complete advanced leadership and professional development training as part of the program, further enhancing their communication, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities. Graduates of this program will be placed in a role based on their input and area of excellence.
Another program we run for career development is the Polaris Leadership Academy which aims at nurturing the skills and capacities of our emerging and aspiring leaders. Through various courses on leading online platforms, we provide them with valuable training opportunities to enhance their professional growth and capabilities, empowering them to excel in their current and future roles.
Polaris is taking action to protect our planet. By investing in renewable energy technologies and enhancing energy efficiency across our fleet and facilities, we aim to make our operations more sustainable while reducing our carbon footprint. We continue to seek more innovative solutions while partnering with reputable organizations to implement impactful eco-friendly practices. By emphasizing environmental responsibility throughout our operations, we strive to safeguard our planet for future generations and support global sustainability initiatives.
Carbon Footprint
We are currently measuring our carbon footprint to establish a clear baseline of our environmental impact. This assessment will guide us in setting ambitious reduction targets.
Alongside electrifying part of our forklift fleet and making several fleet retrofits to increase energy efficiency, we are part of the SmartWay program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since 2013, which is an initiative designed to help companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency. In addition to that, we are also part of the Drivewyze Preclear weigh station bypass program, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions by minimizing unnecessary stops.
We will continue upgrading our fleet and facilities to meet our sustainability goals, reflecting our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing environmental responsibility.
Energy Efficiency
We’ve made key electrical and water efficiency upgrades, incorporating WaterSense and EnergyStar certified solutions throughout our facilities in order to make our consumption of resources more efficient.
To further reduce our environmental impact and move toward cleaner energy sources, we’re actively planning renewable energy investments in 2025.
Waste Management Practices
Effective waste management plays a crucial role in our sustainability efforts, as it minimizes the environmental impact of discarded materials and conserves valuable resources. At Polaris, we are committed to sorting waste both at our office and dock, ensuring it is properly recycled through a dedicated waste management provider. To make sure waste is sorted correctly, we also run a waste awareness initiative to educate our employees on best practices for sorting.
To further reduce our environmental footprint, a team from our paper-intensive departments came up with ways to cut down on paper usage, from adopting simple measures like double-sided printing to leveraging digital solutions. In addition, we are engaging with our partners at the CBSA to reduce the need for large printouts during transport. We prioritize purchasing PCFE-certified paper, ensuring that it’s sustainably sourced. Furthermore, as part of an e-waste recycling program, we recycle our office electronics rather than sending them to landfills. Our commitment extends to e-waste, as we recycle end-of-life electronics through a contractor who properly recycles or refurbishes and donates devices where possible.
Giving back is one of Polaris’ core values. Through various community engagement programs, volunteer opportunities and charitable donations, we aim to uplift those in need in the places where we live and work. Our initiatives support a wide range of local, national and international causes dedicated to poverty, hunger, homelessness, health, safety, education and environmental stewardship. By actively engaging in humanitarian efforts, we aim to create a positive impact and help build stronger, more resilient communities.
Our relationships with business partners are built on trust, respect, and shared values. We collaborate closely with customers, partners, stakeholders, and members of our supply chain network to ensure our operations are entirely ethical and sustainable. Our partners are expected to adhere to the same high standards of social and environmental responsibility that we uphold. Together, we work toward common goals, fostering innovation and sustainability across all our business activities.
Suppliers and Partners’ Diversity and Inclusion
Our DEIB commitment extends to our suppliers and partners as well. We actively seek to support and collaborate with local, women-owned, and Indigenous-owned businesses, recognizing the systemic challenges they often face. By fostering these partnerships, we aim to create opportunities for growth, contribute to economic empowerment, and promote a more equitable business environment within our supply chain. Through these efforts, we strive to drive positive change not only within our organization but also in the communities we serve.
Supplier Social and Environmental Assessment
As part of our efforts to enhance supply chain sustainability, we’re committed to making responsible purchasing decisions that prioritize social and environmental integrity. We evaluate both our suppliers and their products to ensure they align with our commitment to ethical practices and positive contributions to our communities. By choosing ethically sourced and sustainably produced goods, we support practices that benefit both people and the planet at every step.
To ensure our choices have a positive impact, our approach extends across all areas of our operations such as purchasing energy-efficient technology, partnering with mission-driven organizations for event catering, or selecting sustainably sourced and produced company swag. Through these impactful practices, we strengthen our commitment to a sustainable and responsible supply chain.
2024 sustainability reporting will be available early 2025
To learn more about Polaris' sustainability initiatives, please contact sustainability@polaristransport.com