CSX updates 'carbon calculator'

CSX has launched an enhanced carbon emissions reduction calculator designed to help shippers achieve sustainability objectives by converting from truck to rail, the Class I announced yesterday.

The new version of the CSX Carbon Calculator will analyze customer data to calculate potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions saved by shipping freight by rail instead of trucks.

Customers who ship using the ShipCSX online platform will have access to the new version of the carbon calculator, which will generate carbon savings analyses based on their historical shipment data. Customers will be able to view year-to-date totals and year-to-year trends and apply variables that provide additional insight for weighing carbon emission impacts when making supply chain decisions, CSX officials said in a press release.

The calculator draws on government and third-party studies of GHG emission factors of different transportation modes to calculate how much emissions are reduced when shipping by rail versus truck. The calculator incorporates freight type, distance and volume into its methodology.

Future versions of the calculator will include the ability to calculate emissions savings on intermodal container shipments, CSX officials said.

"Emissions reduction is an important element in supply-chain strategies of many companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier climate. The carbon calculator gives CSX customers reliable data for demonstrating the effectiveness of their sustainability programs," said Kevin Boone, executive vice president of sales and marketing.