With freight transportation coming under increasing pressure to be more environmentally friendly, the UK's first independent freight rate comparison site, is now providing calculations for CO2 emissions for different modes of transport.
The data, which can be accessed at the same time as freight costs, helps freight users to make an informed decision about which mode of transport is the most environmentally friendly.
The website also gathers information from freight companies registered with the site with regards their green credentials. This allows the site to rank the providers according to their environmental responsibility and the actions they are taking to protect the climate.
Cargo-solv is unique in offering freight users an instant independent comparison of both freight costs and CO2 emissions.
Paul Wilson from Cargo-solv, said,
"By providing freight users with this kind of information, they can not only select a carrier which reflects their own carbon footprint aspirations, but it also actively encourages freight providers to focus on carbon off-setting."
The CO2 emissions for specific journeys are calculated using information from DEFRA, taking into account the different modes of transport for global and domestic carriage. It measures the complete journey, from the collection point to the delivery destination and includes all transit points.
Although DEFRA has to be impartial and cannot endorse commercial products or projects, it has welcomed the news that Cargosolv is working on innovations which will benefit the environment and has wished the company every success for the future.
Meanwhile, Cargo-solv is also working closely with the CarbonNeutral Company to help freight providers identify opportunities for carbon offsetting.
Dr Anthony Whiteing from the Institute for Transport Studies at Leeds University, who is in favour of the website's new initiatives, said,
"Until now it has been very difficult for companies to get a fair and balanced view of the carbon footprint implications of their logistics and supply chain options. Any system such as this must represent a significant step forward in helping companies to save money and protect the environment at the same time."