By 2030, theEuropean Union has set itself an ambitious target: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector by 55%. Freight transport, which accounts for a significant proportion of these emissions, is at the heart of this transition. Here are the key approaches to reducing the carbon footprint of product transport, while maintaining efficient logistics.

What is decarbonization of freight transport?

Decarbonizing freight transport involves implementing solutions to limit emissions of greenhouse gases, mainly CO2, throughout the transport chain. In France, freight transport accounts for around 10% of total greenhouse gas emissions. To remedy this, it is essential to progressively reduce the use of fossil fuels, from the design of vehicles through to their use and end-of-life. This helps to create a green, sustainable supply chain.

Good to know: road freight is one of the most polluting modes of transport, but alternatives such as rail and sea freight can significantly reduce emissions. For example, rail transport emits around 85% less CO2 per tonne-kilometre than road transport.

How can we decarbonize freight transport?

There are several ways of greening the product flow. Depending on the type of activity, one or more of the following strategies should be adopted.

Reducing the carbon footprint of shipments

One effective method of decarbonizing shipments is to use a multimodal transport model, combining several means of locomotion. By limiting the share of road transport, particularly over long distances, and favoring sea and rail transport, we can reduce polluting gas emissions. This model is particularly advantageous for long-distance shipments, where the road is only used for the last mile.

A practical example: a company shipping products from France to Germany can use the train for most of the journey, reducing CO2 emissions by 70% compared to road transport alone. Road transport only comes into play at the end, for local distribution.

Optimizing energy consumption through government incentives

Public policies play a crucial role in promoting decarbonization. For example, the Certificats d'Économies d'Énergie (CEE) scheme requires energy suppliers to finance actions aimed at reducing energy consumption. These actions include improving logistics processes and renovating transport infrastructures.

Read also: Why convert your freight fleet to electric power?

Another French government initiative, the bonus écologique, helps companies to purchase or lease more environmentally-friendly electric or hybrid vehicles. By making these technologies more accessible, even to small and medium-sized businesses, the bonus écologique accelerates the transition to low-carbon transport.

Good to know: the ecological bonus can cover up to 40% of the cost of an electric vehicle for companies, which represents a significant incentive for the transition to less polluting fleets.

Analyze the state of the sector and its challenges

Before implementing decarbonization strategies, it is crucial to carry out an in-depth analysis of the current state of emissions in the freight transport sector. A detailed carbon assessment of the various modes of transport (road, rail, sea) and logistics processes must be carried out.

It is also important to take into account existing regulations, such as France's Climate and Resilience Act, which imposes strict targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This law encourages the optimization of supply chains to reduce their environmental impact.

Challenge: the development of multimodal transport infrastructures, such as intermodal hubs, is costly and complex. It requires greater coordination between the various players in the sector, as well as harmonization of regulations.

Monitor future developments and strategies in the field

The transition to low-carbon freight transport is opening the way to numerous innovations and opportunities. The electrification of vehicle fleets, the use of biofuels and the development of dynamic recharging are examples of these advances.

Definition: dynamic recharging is an innovative technology that electrifies strategic roads to enable electric vehicles to recharge while on the move. Thanks to induction systems installed under the pavement or via rails, trucks and other heavy vehicles can extend their range without having to stop.

The use of data (Big Data) to optimize journeys and the storage of goods on board vehicles is also a promising avenue. By reducing downtime and maximizing route efficiency, these technologies contribute to a further reduction in energy consumption.

Good to know: companies that adopt decarbonization strategies can benefit from a better extra-financial performance score (PTC), which improves their brand image and attractiveness to investors.

Conclusion: a crucial challenge for the future

Decarbonizing freight transport is a crucial factor in the fight against climate change. By adopting solutions such as multimodal transport, electric vehicles and biofuels, the sector can significantly reduce its carbon footprint. However, this transition involves technical, logistical and financial challenges that require concerted efforts on the part of companies, governments and citizens alike.

The success of this transition will not only protect the environment, but also create new economic opportunities in a rapidly changing sector.

To help decarbonize freight transport, DéfiGroupe has drawn up an environmental charter. In 2023, we were awarded the bronze medal for EcoVadis certification. We continue to make a commitment to the planet, and to support our customers in building an eco-responsible supply chain together.