Swedish Researchers Develop Models to Improve Container Transport Efficiency

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed calculation models to improve container transport efficiency in Sweden. The models analyzed Swedish freight traffic between 2016 and 2019 and found that 44 to 46 percent of all container truck transports occurred without a load. These empty trips accounted for about a third of the total mileage of freight traffic.

The study highlights that empty container trips consume road capacity, fuel, infrastructure, and working hours, leading to unnecessary costs and emissions. Improving freight transport efficiency is considered important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as the global transport sector accounted for 15 percent of world emissions in 2019.