Practical Guide to CO₂ Emissions Reporting for EU Logistics
As of 2024, the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the emerging European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) require large logistics operators and freight forwarders to disclose verified figures for Scope 1, Scope 2 and material elements of Scope 3 emissions, with quantified activity data, standardized emission factors and auditable KPIs.
Regulatory and operational implications for carriers
Transport companies operating in the EU must embed emissions reporting into their core operational systems. Compliance implies persistent capture of fuel consumption, electricity use, refrigerant leaks, vehicle telematics, empty running metrics and subcontractor activity. Regulators expect data to be traceable and consistent across reporting cycles, which affects tendering, pricing and contractual terms with shippers and brokers.
Core reporting frameworks and standards
Most logistics operators adopt a combination of the GHG Protocol, the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) framework and nationally endorsed emission factor sets (EEA, DEFRA equivalents). The practical result is a need to reconcile fleet telematics, fuel card records, supplier invoices and load-level activity data into a unified emissions ledger.
Primary data sources
- Onboard telematics (GPS, fuel flow meters)
- Fuel cards and procurement invoices
- Telematics-derived route and idling time
- Energy meters for depots, cold stores and warehouses
- Third-party haulage and subcontractor declarations
Measurement methods and their trade-offs
Measurement approaches vary in accuracy, cost and scalability. The choice depends on fleet size, modal mix and customer reporting needs.
| Method | Data inputs | Accuracy | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct measurement | Fuel flow meters, on-board diagnostics | High | Large fleets seeking verified Scope 1 |
| Fuel-based calculation | Fuel purchases, consumption rates, EF | Medium | Companies without per-vehicle telemetry |
| Activity-based models | Distance, payload, vehicle type | Variable | Modal comparisons, shipment-level reporting |
| Default emission factors | Generic EFs per fuel or mode | Lower | Small carriers, preliminary assessments |
Step-by-step implementation checklist
Operators can structure compliance into phased actions that also deliver operational benefits:
- Inventory: Map all emission sources across operations and subcontracted services.
- Data pipeline: Integrate telematics, ERP, TMS and fuel procurement into a single dataset.
- Methodology selection: Adopt GHG Protocol + GLEC for shipment-level consistency.
- Emission factors: Apply consistent, regionally appropriate EFs and document choices.
- Verification: Engage an independent verifier for assurance and audit trails.
- Continuous improvement: Set targets, track KPIs and update processes annually.
Key KPIs to monitor
- CO₂ per tonne-km (shipment intensity)
- Fleet average fuel consumption (liters per 100 km)
- Empty running rate (percentage of total kilometres)
- Depot energy intensity (kWh per pallet stored)
- Share of low-emission modal share (rail/short-sea vs road)
Data quality, verification and governance
Data governance underpins credible reporting. Companies should define data owners, establish automated validation rules and archive raw records for audit. Verification often requires traceability from the shipment document to the fuel invoice and telematics trace. Documentation of assumptions—such as load factors or default EFs—is essential for both compliance and defensibility in tenders.
Practical technologies that reduce reporting burden
Integrations between TMS, fleet telematics, fuel card APIs and cloud-based carbon accounting platforms enable near-real-time dashboards and shipment-level emissions calculations. Automation reduces manual reconciliation, improves accuracy of Scope 3 claims and speeds up responses to shipper requests for emission statements.
Operational benefits beyond compliance
Structured emissions reporting supports tangible logistics improvements: route optimization reduces fuel costs, modal shift options open new contract opportunities, and verified emissions data is increasingly a procurement requirement among large retailers and manufacturers. In tenders, carriers that can supply shipment-level CO₂ data often gain competitive advantage and can demand premium rates for low-carbon delivery options.
Transport contributes roughly a quarter of EU greenhouse gas emissions, making electrification of last-mile fleets, increased rail freight and higher load factors strategic priorities for decarbonization. Even incremental improvements—reducing idle time, reconciling empty miles, and retrofitting telematics—deliver both emissions and cost savings.
How GetTransport helps carriers adapt and monetise low-carbon practices
GetTransport provides carriers with tools to select profitable orders while integrating emissions considerations into operational choices. The platform enables route and load matching that reduces empty running, offers verified shipment requests that include sustainability requirements, and supports digital document exchange for faster verification of fuel and mileage records. By giving carriers access to a broad marketplace, GetTransport reduces dependence on a small number of large corporate contracts and strengthens bargaining power.
| GetTransport feature | Benefit for emissions reporting |
|---|---|
| Shipment-level emissions tags | Immediate carbon profile per order for pricing and client reporting |
| Route/load optimisation tools | Lower empty miles and reduced CO₂ per tonne-km |
| Verified carrier profiles | Faster qualification in tenders that require audited emissions |
Checklist for carriers using marketplace platforms
- Link telematics and fuel card APIs to your marketplace profile.
- Publish verified fleet characteristics (vehicle type, Euro class, fuel type).
- Offer emission-stated options for shippers (standard vs low-carbon).
- Track and invoice carbon surcharges transparently.
Highlights: standardized methodologies, real-time telematics, verified KPIs and marketplace leverage are the most interesting aspects of modern CO₂ reporting. However, even the best reviews and the most honest feedback cannot fully substitute for direct operational experience—testing integrations in live flows is essential. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize the platform’s transparency and convenience, reinforcing its distinctive advantages and aligning with the context of your content. Join GetTransport.com and start receiving verified container freight requests worldwide GetTransport.com.com
GetTransport constantly monitors trends in international logistics, trade and e‑commerce, updating tools and marketplace features so users remain compliant and commercially competitive. Regular updates to emissions templates and marketplace filters reflect regulatory change and buyer demand.
In summary, EU CO₂ reporting requirements are driving logistics operators toward integrated data platforms, robust governance and shipment-level emissions visibility. Implementing telematics, standardizing emission factors and adopting third-party verification not only ensures compliance but unlocks operational efficiencies. GetTransport.com aligns directly with these needs by offering a transparent, efficient marketplace that supports container freight, container trucking and multi-modal container transport solutions, enabling carriers and shippers to manage cargo, freight and shipment obligations with reliable tools. The platform simplifies transport, forwarding and dispatch processes, reduces empty haulage, and helps organisations meet international logistics, shipping and distribution requirements cost-effectively and conveniently.