Road freight transport is one of the most significant emission sources in any supply chain. To reduce the CO2 emissions of a truck fleet, there are three main levers: switching to zero- or low-emission vehicles (electric, hybrid, hydrogen), using alternative fuels, and improving operational efficiency (aerodynamics, tyres, routing and driving).
Why road transport concentrates so many emissions
Transport accounts for around 24% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, according to the International Energy Agency, and road transport represents roughly three quarters of that figure. In the European Union, transport is the largest emitting sector and roads account for most of its emissions, according to the European Environment Agency.
Reducing the carbon footprint of freight transport brings competitive advantages, improves brand image and eases access to clients and tenders that already require sustainability criteria. It also connects with the Sustainable Mobility Act, which is pushing the sector towards cleaner fleets.
Environmental impact beyond CO2
The impact of road transport is mainly due to burning diesel, which releases large amounts of CO2. But trucks also emit nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), pollutants that affect air quality and health, especially in urban environments.
How to reduce CO2 emissions in freight transport
The solutions range from fleet renewal to optimising operations. What works is usually a combination of several.
Electric trucks
Electric trucks generate no direct emissions during operation, which drastically reduces the fleet's Scope 1 emissions. Their real impact depends on the electricity mix used to charge the battery, which falls under Scope 2.
Advantages:
- No direct emissions: they eliminate tailpipe CO2.
- Lower operating costs: electricity is usually cheaper than diesel and maintenance is simpler, with fewer moving parts.
- Less noise: electric motors are far quieter.
Limitations:
- Purchase price: the upfront cost is still higher than an equivalent diesel truck.
- Range: still limited for long-distance transport, though it improves every year.
- Charging infrastructure: the public high-power network for trucks is still insufficient.
Other technologies and alternative fuels
Beyond electrification, there are other levers to reduce emissions:
- Hybrid trucks: combine a combustion engine and an electric motor, reducing consumption and emissions.
- Alternative fuels: renewable hydrogen, HVO (renewable diesel), biomethane or liquefied natural gas (LNG) can reduce emissions compared with fossil diesel, with very different benefits depending on the fuel and its origin.
- Fleet management: optimise routes, reduce idling and promote efficient driving.
- Aerodynamics: deflectors, side skirts and better load distribution reduce air resistance.
- Low rolling resistance tyres: help cut fuel consumption.
For an overview of the vehicle types available, see the guide on green trucks and their features.
How to measure the carbon footprint of freight transport
Measuring the carbon footprint means quantifying the direct emissions from combustion and the indirect emissions associated with the production and distribution of the fuel or electricity. For transport and distribution, these emissions fall under categories 4 and 9 of Scope 3 of the GHG Protocol.
The reference standard for transport is ISO 14083, which harmonises the calculation of emissions from transport operations and underpins both the GLEC Framework and the European CountEmissions EU regulation, agreed at the end of 2025 to standardise transport emissions accounting in the EU.
- ISO 14064 and the GHG Protocol: provide the general framework for quantifying and reporting emissions.
- Fleet management software: some integrate the calculation and tracking of the footprint per vehicle and route.
- Specialised platforms: let you consolidate data and report in an auditable way.
If you want to compare tools, see our selection of service carbon footprint software for transport companies.
At Manglai we calculate and manage the carbon footprint of transport aligned with the GHG Protocol, ISO 14064 and ISO 14083, to identify reduction opportunities and report transparently.
