FAQs Emissions Estimates

What are the calculations based on?

Our emissions estimates are calculated based on: 
   1. the mode of transport
   2. the weight of the container
   3. the distance travelled

Why do we have two different estimates: TTW and WTW? 

TTW estimates:

“Tank-to-wheel” (road and rail transport) or “Tank-to-wake” (shipping and aviation) emissions are caused by the combustion of fuel during use of the vehicle. 

WTW estimates:

“Well-to-wheel” (for road and rail transport) or “Well-to-wake” (for shipping and aviation) emissions are both the emissions released during combustion in the engine (tank-to-wheel), and also emissions released during extraction, transport, and in the refining process of fuels or in the production and transport of electricity (well-to-tank). 
"Well-to-Wheel" emissions estimate all the pollution a vehicle produces starting from when the fuel is made and generated to when the truck uses it to move. This means well-to-wheel and well-to-wake emissions will always be higher than tank-to-wheel emissions.

Where does our information come from?

Emissions calculations are unique to each quote depending on the modes of transport used, the weight of the product and container, and the distance travelled. We  use EcoTransit, the most widely accredited software tool, to ensure these emissions estimates are accurate and reliable. The measurement and frameworks used  are accredited by Smart Freight Centre to be in accordance with the GLEC Framework, and also meet the requirements of EN 16258 and the GHG protocol (Corporate Standard). 

What is CO₂-e?

CO₂ equivalent (CO₂-e): Greenhouse gas emissions as CO₂-equivalent.
CO₂-e is the universal unit of measurement to indicate the global warming potential (GWP) of each of the six greenhouse gases, expressed in terms of the GWP of one unit of carbon dioxide. It is used to evaluate releasing (or avoiding releasing) different greenhouse gases against a common basis.

What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the six gases listed by the Kyoto Protocol — carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) which absorb the wavelengths of radiation that the planet emits, resulting in the greenhouse effect GHGs are generated both natural and by anthropogenic activities such as combustion of fossil fuels as well other industrial activities which are increasing the emission levels of greenhouse gases (GHG) resulting to the acceleration of global warming. For more info here two videos explaining what are GHGs: video 1, video 2.

What is the difference between quotes emission estimates and booking emission estimates?

Quotes emission estimates are for the estimated route (distance and modality). At quote level, the actual weight is not known and therefore can appear lower than the bookings estimate. Booking emissions estimates are the actual emissions when the weights and route are defined.