Understanding the Impact of Freight Transportation on the Environment

The transportation of freight is one of the three biggest polluting human activities in the United States, next to electric power and manufacturing. All three industries involve the burning of fossil fuels which emit millions of metric tons of greenhouse gases per year. 

At LHP Transportation Services, we understand the impact the cargo shipping industry has on the environment, which is why we take steps to reduce our carbon footprint wherever we can. If you are needing a reliable freight transporter that cares about you and the environment, contact us today. 

How Is Freight Moved?

Freight can be moved by land, air, and sea, but shipping containers move the most freight in the world compared to any other method of transportation. 

Around 101.5 billion metric tons of freight were shipped around the world in 2020! Semi-truck transportation takes second at 26.8 metric tons shipped around the world in 2020.

Freight Emissions

When it comes to CO2 emissions, the scales are flipped. Road freight contributes the most CO2 and NOx emissions compared to any other method of transportation. 

Road freight is responsible for 50% of the total NOx emissions in the U.S. and emitted over 2.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2020! 

In comparison, sea freight emitted far less at 657 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2020! 

Future Predictions

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), freight shipping is expected to increase, which can lead to more emission contributions. The EPA estimates that by 2040, the freight industry is likely to increase by 45% and exceed the emissions from all transportation activities, including passenger transportation.

At LHP Transportation Services we are committed to not only providing reliable transportation but also helping reduce the impact freight shipping has on the environment. With the transportation industry constantly growing, it is our responsibility to make sure that we do our part to reduce our negative impact. If you want to work with a company that cares about the earth, contact LHP Transportation Services today.