Susie Jones
Industry News • 3 min read

The road to sustainability: The European emissions challenge within the transport sector

Created: 08/08/2024

Updated: 08/08/2024

A 2024 report by Clean Technica revealed over 25% of road traffic emissions come from the transport sector in Europe - with heavy-duty vehicles responsible for 85% of emissions (buses and coaches make up the remainder).

At the current rate, the transport sector alone will make up nearly half of Europe's greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 - Europe's transport emissions have continued to increase by more than a quarter since 1990. Emissions across the economy have decreased - however, since a peak in 2007, the transport sector has been decarbonising more than three times slower than the rest of the economy.

What is the cause of rising CO2 emissions in the haulage industry?

Since the proliferation of e-commerce and home delivery services, the demand for more trucks on the road has increased significantly. Consequently, increased demand has resulted in an increase in CO2 emissions within the haulage industry.

A Clean Technica report regarding domestic freight tonnage across different modes (road, rail, and water) revealed road freight was more dominant in Europe than rail and water compared to other geographies (USA and India). Although China is more reliant on road freight, the report revealed the country operated with roughly 600,000 electric trucks to deliver goods.

What plans are in place in Europe to reduce CO2 emissions?

European Parliament adopted the European Climate Law to tackle rising CO2 emissions. As part of this law, the EU target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 has been increased to at least 55% - making climate neutrality by 2050 legally binding.

In May 2024, EU countries approved a law to slash truck CO2 emissions. The new law will require new heavy-duty vehicles sold in the EU from 2040 to be emissions-free - while enforcing a 90% cut in CO2 emissions from new HGVs by the same year. Manufacturers must sell a large amount of fully CO2-free HGVs - for example, electric and hydrogen fuel vehicles - to offset remaining sales of CO-emitting vehicles.

What actions can fleet managers take to reduce CO2 emissions?

Fleet managers can take measures to reduce their CO2 emissions:

• Harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and idling can increase fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions - Although monitoring driver behaviour can be challenging, AI technology can provide continuous feedback to drivers and fleet managers. Learn more about how AI can positively impact sustainability in the haulage industry.

• Fleets with older vehicles can switch to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), hydrogen, or electric-powered HGVs to significantly reduce emissions. However, fleet managers must consider the distance alternative-fuelled vehicles can travel and the cost implications.

SNAP Account allows fleet managers to reduce their detour mileage - with over 600 service partners available to SNAP Account customers, fleet managers can plan overnight stops for their drivers on route.

Is the infrastructure there to charge electric HGVs?

According to a PwC study, by 2030, a third of all trucks in Europe will be electric. As fleet companies are taking steps towards electrification, truck stops across Europe must be able to meet the demand for electric charging stations.

Providing the infrastructure will come at a cost for many truck stops and service stations. However, those who already accommodate EV car chargers are well-placed to take advantage of future waves of electric trucks. By 2030, public charging stations in Europe will grow to over 3,600 - The EU has put forward an ambitious law for charging with the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). The AFIR plans to equip the main road network with charging pools every 60km - providing enough charging energy and hydrogen capacity for 9% of truck and coach fleets to be zero-emission by 2030.

Which European country has the most CO2 emissions?

In 2021, Germany, France, and Italy were responsible for the highest overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions - ranging from 375,000 to 740,000 ktonnes of CO2. However, countries with larger populations produce more GHG emissions - therefore, viewing the overall greenhouse gas emissions provides a distorted image.

Looking at an impartial view of emissions provides a different outlook - Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Czech Republic produced the highest per capita emissions in the EU in 2021.

What is the most environmentally friendly way to transport goods?

Transporting goods via rail is one of the cleanest modes of transport, but it also provides other benefits:

• Reduces road congestion, which contributes to improved air quality.

• Rail offers a faster way to transport goods and removes heavy traffic obstacles.

Alternative fuel trucks are another environmentally friendly way to transport goods. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) can immediately reduce up to 90% of greenhouse emissions compared to standard diesel across the product life cycle. Certas Energy HVO is behind the move to a cleaner alternative - helping businesses meet their sustainability goals and take meaningful steps towards their net zero future.

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Monday 07 July 2025 • Industry News

WHAT DOES THE INVERNESS RAIL EXPANSION MEAN FOR THE MOBILITY INDUSTRY?

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In June, plans to ease HGV traffic in favour of rail freight at the 'cloud factory' (West Fraser wood panel manufacturing) near Inverness were given the green light. The expansion will remove from the A96 each year. We examine the impact this will have on the haulage industry. The plans will come in two phases, both of which will expand rail freight services to create a sustainable operational future. to be completed by next year and will see 20,000 HGVs removed from the roads yearly. aims to remove 40,000 HGVs, the equivalent of 60% of their current HGV traffic each year. This phase will be completed by 2028. Further expansion of phase two will allow other companies around Inverness to use their rail facilities for freight.Due to the rail freight expansion, the industry will no doubt see a reduction in road haulage to that area. The changes equate to roughly , alleviating the pressure on the A96.Although haulage firms will see a decline in demand for long-distance timber trucking, they will see a rise in shorter, last-mile HGV movements such as, collecting timber to transport to the railyard. The sector may also see growth in rail logistics roles, such as coordinating loading between trucks and trains. In 2022, were transported by HGVs within the UK, involving approximately 156 million HGV journeys. The mobility sector has long been one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union. In 2022, it emitted of Europe's transport GHG emissions. Despite this high figure, the industry has shown slow progress in reducing its emissions. The shift to rail at the 'Cloud Factory' is expected to cut around . A small albeit important step in the right direction in aiding the sector's transition to net zero by 2050. Although many may see this change as a negative, the haulage industry could still benefit. Goods will still need to be transported from the road to the rail network this poses a new opportunity for hauliers to offer this specialist service. In the area, transport companies could handle inbound timber deliveries and intermodal freight.West Fraser themselves have estimated that the change will likely see an increase in HGVs to and from the site.As the industry moves toward more rail integration, haulage firms must adapt quickly and invest more. • Fleets will transition from long-haul logging trucks to specialised short-haul journeys. • Investment in specialised equipment may be essential for loading containers. • Partnerships with rail operators and railyard managers could have a positive impact on haulage companies. SNAP provides parking across the UK and Europe. Use the or download to find your space today.

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Tuesday 25 March 2025 • Industry News

DRIVER GROWTH AHEAD: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP CHANGES

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Apprenticeships in the logistics sector have long provided a pathway for young people and career changers to gain experience in the industry while still earning a wage. However, for a long time, the industry has been calling for urgent reform after it had seen a decline in apprenticeships since the rollout of the Apprenticeship Levy and other challenging factors. A concerning trend is that, according to the RHA, the industry will require new truck drivers over the next five years to meet demand and support growth.In February 2025, the Government announced it would enforce changes to the apprenticeship scheme, allowing up to more apprentices to qualify yearly. We look at the key changes and what it means for the industry.• Businesses will be able to decide whether adult learners over 19 will need to complete level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) to pass their apprenticeship (Effective immediately).• The duration of an apprenticeship has been reduced from 12 months to eight months (Effective from August 2025).• With a shorter apprenticeship duration, fleet companies can quickly train new drivers and logistics staff improving workforce availability. • Companies now have more say in determining whether English and Maths qualifications are necessary A change benefitting the haulage industry, where practical skills are more relevant. • By changing the educational requirements, a barrier has been removed for many potential apprentices looking to get into the industry. • Skills England, a new government body, will give businesses a stronger voice in shaping apprenticeship standards and funding. Fleet operators will benefit from more tailored training programs that meet industry needs. • A shorter apprenticeship duration combined with more employer flexibility will result in a more attractive process for everyone involved.There are several steps employers must take to employ an apprentice, and the steps vary depending on the country. This guidance is for employers in England guidance for other UK countries can be found • for your business.• for this apprenticeship.• Check to see what • to manage funding and recruit apprentices.• • Make an with your chosen apprentice.Employing apprentices provides fleet companies with a cost-effective way to train skilled workers. Government funding for apprenticeship schemes can reduce training costs, making it a viable long-term investment for fleet operators. Companies can benefit from new employees who bring fresh energy into the workplace and who are keen to learn. Apprenticeships in the haulage industry offer the opportunity to earn while gaining valuable skills in logistics, vehicle operations, and safety regulations. Currently, the industry is in demand for skilled drivers, and apprentices will benefit from good opportunities for career advancement.

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Wednesday 12 March 2025 • Industry News

ONGOING ROAD TRANSPORT PROJECTS ACROSS EUROPE

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