How to reduce the carbon footprint of a transport fleet in 2025

What is the carbon footprint and why is it crucial to the transportation industry?

The carbon footprint is a measure of the total emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), generated by human activities, expressed in CO₂ equivalents. In transportation, the carbon footprint includes emissions from vehicle operation, fuel production and energy consumption during fleet operation.

The transportation industry is responsible for about 20-25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, most of which come from road transport. According to the European Union’s  targets outlined in the Fit for 55 strategy, emissions from the transportation sector must be reduced by 55% by 2030 (relative to 1990 levels), with full decarbonization to be achieved by 2050.

Eco-friendly PR

For transportation companies, the carbon footprint is not only an environmental issue, but also an economic and reputational one. Customers and business partners are increasingly choosing to work with companies that implement sustainable strategies. This is especially true in Scandinavian and highly developed countries. Analysts indicate that such trends will gain traction in the near future, including in Poland. However, it’s hard to assess to what extent this is an element of the EU’s marketing strategy, and to what extent it is the reality of the changing market. Especially since the vast majority of Poles still base their commercial decisions on the criterion of low price and good reputation.

Reducing the carbon footprint in transport: key strategies for 2025

Reducing the transport carbon footprint requires a comprehensive approach that combines technology, process optimization and changes in fleet management. Here are  the best strategies that can help achieve these goals by 2025.

Transition to low-emission and electric vehicles

One of the most effective ways to reduce emissions is to invest in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid vehicles (HEVs), which generate significantly lower CO₂ emissions. In addition, EU regulations, such as Euro 7, will require meeting even stricter emission standards. Unfortunately, there is a clash between theory and practice in this aspect. After all, it’s hard to imagine replacing an entire fleet of diesel trucks with electric ones. Poland still lacks the appropriate infrastructure and there are the additional difficulties and risks associated with operating electrics.

Optimization of routes and logistics

Emission reductions can also be achieved through better route planning. By using logistics software, or at least a transportation exchange, companies can, among other things:

• reduce the number of empty trips
• minimize the distance vehicles travel
• more efficiently obtain transportation orders at convenient locations

Telematics and driving style analysis

One of the building blocks for reducing CO₂ emissions may be to work on drivers’ driving styles. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and driving at high speeds can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%. Telematics systems can monitor driver behaviour and provide information that can make driving more eco-friendly.

The best eco-friendly technologies for transportation in 2025

• Electrification and hybridization of motor vehicle powertrains.
• Alternative fuels such as biofuels, LNG, CNG and hydrogen.
• Advanced fleet management and route planning systems.
• Introduction of vehicles made from lighter materials into the fleet.
• Focus on intelligent systems to support drivers.

Reducing a fleet’s carbon footprint in a nutshell

Sustainable truck transport is a concept that is becoming a reality through regulations that are being introduced. The responsibilities of carriers are no longer limited to obtaining orders, planning routes and taking care of the technical condition of vehicles. Running a transport company requires thoughtful actions on many new levels – from the use of new technologies, to , “updating” the company’s fleet of vehicles and developing internal infrastructure. However, it’s worth stopping for a moment and asking yourself: is the transport industry ready for such radical changes?