Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibilities of using improvement systems based on process management for increasing environmental initiatives in freight transport companies.Methodology: The study was conducted by researchers from quality management and green logistics together with two Swedish freight companies, as a combination of case study and action research. Data were gathered through observations, interviews, document studies and workshops, over an eighteen-month period.Findings: The paper presents findings about how to implement improvement processes and the impact on environmental initiatives.Research implications: The study brings new knowledge about a previously under-researched topic; how to implement green logistics. Tools used for process management and improvements are applied in a novel context – the freight transport sector. Furthermore, the action-oriented approach proved to be pragmatic and effective.Practical implications: This paper contributes with findings on how to establish processes and implementing improvement systems in the freight transport sector. Additionally, the action research approach provides the opportunity to develop the business in cooperation with researchers.Originality: In this unique study, methods and tools from the quality management sector are applied to a new context – the freight transport sector – to improve the environmental sustainability.