For logistics companies, measures to reduce CO2, such as the use of alternative energy sources and alternative fuels, are usually associated with higher costs. The introduction of the CO2 tax could soon change that. Here you can find out what the tax means for logistics and why doing nothing is the worst option.

Additional costs due to CO2 tax

As part of the "Green Deal," the European Commission has set an ambitious climate target for the EU to become climate neutral by 2050. To achieve this, more and more EU countries are now introducing a CO2 tax. In Germany, for example, this tax has been in place since 2021. In July 2022, it will also be introduced in Austria, starting at 30 euros per ton of CO2. This rate is to be raised continuously in subsequent years to 55 euros by 2025.

The following example shows the additional costs for logistics companies: According to the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO ), the price of diesel will increase by 8.8 cents per liter (including VAT) based on the initial rate. A medium-sized logistics company with an annual mileage of 100,000 kilometers and a consumption of 35 liters of diesel per truck would have to expect a price increase of 3,080 euros. For a fleet of 200 vehicles, this means additional costs of over 600,000 euros.

CO2 reduction through digitization

As the calculations show, logistics companies have no choice but to minimize CO2 emissions in order to remain competitive. Since measures such as improvements in vehicle utilization and shifting freight traffic to rail require greater supply chain transparency and digitally networked transport management systems, we at Trustbit are convinced that digitization has a central role to play in CO2 reduction. This is exactly where we take responsibility. As digitization experts with many years of logistics experience, we see ourselves as key players in helping to shape the change.

Article written by Monja Burkard