Freight CO₂ emissions calculator
Enter the distance, load weight and mode; see the emissions and how the same load compares in other modes.
How is it calculated?
Emissions (kg CO₂e) = load weight (tonnes) × distance (km) × mode factor (kg CO₂e per tonne-km).
Factors are for vehicles at average load; empty running is included in the average.
Assumptions
- Factors: DESNZ "Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2026" (v1.2, July 2026), Freighting goods, direct emissions (well-to-tank excluded).
- For air freight, the radiative forcing (RF) uplift is shown separately.
- Actual vehicle and fuel data (GLEC/ISO 14083) is more accurate where available.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tonne-km?
Moving one tonne of freight one kilometre. A 20-tonne load travelling 500 km is 10,000 tonne-km.
Which mode emits the least?
Per tonne-km, bulk carriers and container ships are lowest, followed by rail and then trucks. Air freight is tens of times higher.
Updated: 2026-10-16 · Depom Ltd
