Sustainable Freight Transport: Driving the Green Transition in 2026

The Environmental Impact of Freight Transport in Europe: Sustainability as a Priority

Road transport accounts for approximately 20% of total CO2 emissions in the European Union, with freight transport responsible for about 30% of that figure. In Italy, where 88% of goods travel by road, the impact is even more significant.

Key Data from Recent Environmental Impact Analyses

• EU Freight Transport Emissions: 275 million tonnes of CO2 per year
• Projected Freight Growth: +60% by 2050
• Road Transport Share in Italy: 88% of total freight volume

Freight Transport Volumes in Italy

According to ISTAT data and reports from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport:

• Road Freight in Italy: 978.9 million tonnes (2022 data)
• Total Tonne-Kilometers: 124.5 billion
• Total Annual Trips: Approximately 85 million
• Empty Run Percentage: 35% of the total (approx. 29.7 million empty trips)
• Average Distance per Trip: 127 km

Modal Split in Italy

• Road: 88%
• Rail: 7%
• Maritime: 4%
• Other: 1%

This heavy reliance on road transport is linked to several factors:

• Operational flexibility
• Capillarity of the road network
• Insufficient rail infrastructure for freight
• Competitive short-term operating costs

Bridging Solutions for Freight Sustainability: Biofuels

Biofuels represent an important transitional solution on the path toward decarbonizing the freight transport sector, offering a more ecological alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Derived from plant biomass, agricultural waste, or algae, these fuels significantly reduce CO2 emissions on a life-cycle basis. However, despite their potential, they present limitations that hinder their effectiveness as a long-term definitive solution.

Key Considerations on Biofuels

• Potential Competition with Food Production: Using agricultural land for biofuel feedstock can divert resources from food production, raising ethical concerns about global food security.
• Lower Energy Yield: Biofuels generally offer lower energy content per liter compared to fossil fuels, requiring higher volumes to cover the same distance, which can increase operational costs.
• High Production Costs: Despite technological advances, production processes remain expensive, making them less competitive without fiscal incentives.
• Water Resource Management: Biofuel production is water-intensive and can contribute to deforestation if not managed sustainably.
• Indirect Land-Use Change (ILUC): Converting forests or grasslands into biofuel crops can release significant stored carbon, potentially neutralizing environmental benefits.
• Emission Reduction Variability: The actual impact varies greatly depending on the feedstock, production process, and distribution logistics.

The Real Solutions for Sustainable Transport

1. Green Hydrogen for Long-Haul

Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, is the most promising solution for heavy-duty, long-haul transport.

Advantages

• Zero tailpipe emissions
• Range comparable to diesel
• Fast refueling times
• No battery-weight penalties

Current Challenges

1. Production Costs
   • Current cost of green H2: 5-6 €/kg
   • Economic sustainability goal: 2 €/kg
2. Infrastructure
   • Need for a widespread refueling network
   • Estimated EU investment: €40 billion by 2030

2. Electric for Short-Haul

Electric vehicles represent the optimal solution for urban and regional distribution.

Advantages

• Zero local emissions
• Noise pollution reduction
• Reduced operating costs
• Simplified maintenance

Current Challenges

1. Range
   • Limited to 200-300 km for most commercial vehicles
   • Primarily suited for last-mile and urban logistics

Roadmap for the Transition

As outlined by the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance and the International Energy Agency, the transition will follow three main phases:

Phase 1 (2025-2030)

• H2 infrastructure development on main European corridors
• Electrification of urban distribution
• Fleet renewal incentives

Phase 2 (2030-2035)

• Widespread expansion of the H2 network
• Cost parity between green H2 and diesel
• Long-haul fleet conversion

Phase 3 (2035-2040)

• Completion of the energy transition
• Phase-out of diesel vehicles
• Full energy system integration

Immediate Solutions for Transport Companies: Resource Optimization

While the transition to hydrogen and electric power requires time and significant investment, immediate solutions exist to reduce the environmental impact of freight. Digitalizing the market through platforms like Truckscanner offers immediate, concrete benefits:

Reduction of Empty Runs (Deadhead Miles)

• Eliminating information asymmetries between supply and demand
• Efficient matching between available loads and vehicles on the road
• Backhaul optimization to fill returning trucks
• Potential for a 35% reduction in current empty miles

Immediate Environmental Benefits

• Lower emissions per tonne transported
• Fewer vehicles required for the same volume of goods
• Route and load optimization
• Reduced road congestion

Economic Advantages

• Lower operational costs for carriers
• Higher efficiency in fleet management
• More competitive pricing for shippers
• Better utilization of existing resources

Conclusions and Recommendations

To achieve a true sustainable transition in freight transport, the following are necessary:

1. Infrastructural Investment: A green H2 production network, H2 refueling stations, and robust electric charging infrastructure.
2. Supportive Policies: Incentives for fleet renewal, support for green H2 production, and Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in cities.
3. European Coordination: Technological standardization, transnational green corridors, and common CO2 pricing policies.

Sources and References

1. European Environment Agency (2023). "Transport and Environment Report"
2. Eurostat (2023). "Transport Statistics Database"
3. International Energy Agency (2023). "Global Hydrogen Review"
4. McKinsey & Company (2023). "Net Zero Freight Transport"
5. Transport & Environment (2023). "Decarbonizing Road Freight"
6. European Commission (2023). "Sustainable Transport Strategy"
7. Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (2023). "National Transport Plan" (Piano Nazionale Trasporti)
8. ACEA Position Paper (2023). "Road to Zero Emissions"
9. ANFIA - Italian Association of the Automotive Industry
10. Hydrogen Council
11. European Clean Hydrogen Alliance
12. World Resources Institute