What emission factors does this calculator use?

This calculator uses indicative emission factors from the GLEC Framework v3 (Global Logistics Emissions Council, published by Smart Freight Centre, 2023): Sea freight (container ship): 10 g CO2e/tonne-km; Air freight: 500 g CO2e/tonne-km; Road freight (heavy goods vehicle, diesel): 80 g CO2e/tonne-km; Rail freight (global average): 25 g CO2e/tonne-km. These are tank-to-wheel (TTW) averages and serve as a starting point for carbon footprint estimation.

What is the GLEC Framework?

The GLEC (Global Logistics Emissions Council) Framework is the leading global standard for calculating and reporting logistics greenhouse gas emissions. Published by Smart Freight Centre and aligned with the GHG Protocol, it is used by shippers, freight forwarders, and logistics companies worldwide to quantify and compare transport carbon footprints across modes.

Why is air freight so much worse than sea freight?

Air freight emits roughly 50 times more CO2 per tonne-km than sea freight. Aircraft burn large amounts of kerosene per hour and carry far less cargo per unit of fuel than a container ship. A single 20,000 TEU vessel can carry the cargo of thousands of aircraft at a fraction of the energy cost per tonne. Air freight is fast but environmentally expensive — typically reserved for high-value, time-critical goods.

How can I reduce my freight carbon footprint?

The most effective reduction is mode shift: replacing air freight with sea or rail can cut emissions by 90% or more. Other strategies include consolidating shipments to improve load factors (LCL vs. part-loads), choosing direct routes, using carriers with newer fuel-efficient vessels or vehicles, switching to alternative fuels (LNG, biofuel, electric for last mile), and offsetting residual emissions through certified carbon programmes.

What is CO2e (CO2 equivalent)?

CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) is a standard unit for measuring all greenhouse gas emissions in terms of the amount of CO2 that would have the same global warming impact. Freight transport produces CO2 from fuel combustion plus smaller amounts of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Expressing everything as CO2e gives a single comparable figure. For diesel and bunker fuel combustion, CO2e is very close to CO2.

Is this calculator free to use?

Yes. The Hansatic Freight Emissions Calculator is completely free for any purpose, including commercial logistics operations and sustainability reporting. No account or subscription is required. All calculations happen in your browser — nothing you enter is sent to our servers.

Free Freight Carbon Emissions Calculator

Estimate the CO2e emissions of any freight shipment by sea, air, road, or rail. Based on GLEC Framework emission factors. Free and instant.

Shipment Weight

Distance

e.g. Shanghai → Rotterdam ≈ 19,500 km

Estimated CO2e Emissions

1.95 tonnes CO2e

98% less than air freight

10 g CO2e/tonne-km · Emission Intensity

Mode Comparison — same shipment

1.95 t

97.50 t

15.60 t

4.88 t

What this means

16,250 km driven by an average car

88.6 trees absorbing CO2 for one year

3.6 passenger flights London → New York

Based on GLEC Framework v3 (Smart Freight Centre, 2023). Indicative averages. Actual emissions vary by vessel size, route, load factor, and fuel type.

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