Freight Carbon
Footprint Estimator
Estimate the CO₂ emissions of your freight shipment — by route, weight, truck type, load utilization, and deadhead. A planning estimate, not a verified GHG inventory.
FTL: you dispatch the whole truck, so you bear its full carbon. Below 100% utilization the same fuel is spread over less freight.
How full the truck is by weight or space. Applies to full-truckload scenarios; LTL is allocated by weight share instead.
Extra distance the truck runs empty to position for or after your load. Optional — leave blank if not applicable.
Why Freight Emissions Matter
ESG Reporting
Many shippers are now required to report Scope 3 emissions from their supply chain. Freight is often the largest contributor. Having accurate estimates is the first step.
Load Optimization
Partial loads and inefficient routing are the biggest drivers of unnecessary freight emissions. Working with a broker to consolidate or route efficiently reduces both cost and CO₂.
Carbon Offsetting
Voluntary carbon offsets allow businesses to compensate for unavoidable freight emissions. At ~$25 CAD per tonne, offsetting even large shipments is relatively affordable.
Related Guide
Carbon Emissions in Freight: What Canadian Shippers Need to Know
5 min readAbout this tool
What it calculates
Estimates CO₂ equivalent emissions for a freight shipment based on mode, distance, and weight, using publicly available emission factors. Provides an offset cost context.
Who it's for
Shippers and logistics teams tracking scope 3 freight emissions for ESG reporting, carbon budgeting, or carrier comparison.
What you'll need
Freight mode (LTL, FTL, reefer, intermodal), distance or origin/destination, and shipment weight.
How to use the result
Use as a planning estimate for budgeting and comparative analysis. Not a verified GHG inventory. For formal reporting, use a certified third-party methodology.
Key assumptions
Emission factors are drawn from publicly available averages (SmartWay, NTM). Actual emissions vary with load factor, vehicle model year, fuel type, and route terrain.
When to confirm with a specialist
For Scope 3 regulatory reporting or supplier disclosures, consult a certified GHG auditor. OTR Logistics Solutions can recommend modal or routing changes that reduce freight emissions.
Need help with this shipment?
OTR Logistics Solutions specialists available 24/7 — no account required.