Within our network, we speak daily with logistics managers, supply chain directors, and other responsible parties at shippers. One question keeps coming back:

“We know we need to do something about CO₂ registration… but where on earth do you start?”

It’s a valid question. The pressure to become more sustainable is growing rapidly — from laws and regulations, from customers, and increasingly often from within the organization itself. However, the path to a reliable CO₂ footprint is often anything but clear.

The Confusion is Logical

In the Netherlands, all sorts of initiatives, requirements, and standards are currently intertwined. Consider:

CSRD reporting obligations
Scope 3 emissions
Lean & Green
Customer demands regarding sustainability
Internal ESG objectives

Everyone wants to measure, report, or improve, but there’s no uniform approach. As a shipper, you are in the middle of this chain. But if your carriers use different systems, definitions, or formats, how do you create a conclusive and reliable CO2 transport registration?

“The biggest challenge? Unreliable or incomplete transport data. Without consistent data, no CO₂ footprint is valid.” – Dr. Anneke Beekman, sustainability consultant logistics

What You as a Shipper CAN Do Today for CO2 Registration in Transport

At Cargors, we don’t believe in thick reports or lengthy consultancy trajectories as a starting point. On the contrary: you don’t have to understand everything immediately to get started. What you do need, however, is ownership of your transport data — even if you largely outsource your transport.

Start with these four steps:

Gather basic data: Trip details, modality, volumes, frequencies.
Identify your carriers: And see what data they can already provide.
Centralize your data: Bring everything together in one environment.
Start with simple calculations: For example, per trip or region.

Don’t wait until “the industry” agrees on standards. The companies that start now will be ahead in reporting, optimization, and accountability.

What Will Change in the Coming Years regarding CO2 Registration in Transport?

The pressure for CO₂ transparency will only increase. We see three clear developments:

Reporting becomes mandatory: Large companies already fall under the CSRD and must also report Scope 3 emissions — which includes third-party transport. These requirements are quickly trickling down to smaller parties.
CO₂ data as a contract condition: Where CO₂ figures are now “nice to have,” they will soon become hard requirements in tenders, RFPs, and long-term contracts.
From measuring to optimizing: Once you know where most emissions are, you can optimize specifically: different carriers, smart bundling, modal shift. Sustainability thus also becomes a lever for cost savings.

“Emissions insight is not an end in itself. It’s a starting point to make your supply chain smarter and greener.” – Jeroen Meijer, senior supply chain manager (FMCG sector)

How Does Cargors Help with CO2 Registration?

Cargors offers a cost-free gateway that directly captures transport CO2 registration data at the source — without intermediaries. Carriers and shippers share trip information, including emissions data, directly with each other.

For validated CO₂ calculations and reporting, we collaborate with BigMile, the recognized platform for CO₂ insight in transport. This allows you to easily manage emissions:

Register and compare
Report according to CSRD/ESG guidelines
Share with customers, partners, and supervisory authorities

We don’t want to sell anything with this article. Just to make it clear: it can be simpler. As long as you take control of your data.

Finally: Starting Small is Key for CO2 Registration

CO2 registration transport sounds big, but it starts small. Gather your trip data. Ask your carriers the right questions. Bring together the first insights.

“You don’t have to know everything. But you do have to start.” – Bas de Groot, Head of Logistics at an international retailer

Do you want to go beyond just measuring? Through our partnership with Trees for All, your company can directly offset CO₂ by planting trees. A concrete step towards a more sustainable supply chain.