Freight

Fast, efficient freight transportation moves goods to markets in a timely manner while providing jobs and supporting our international trade. However, all of these activities produce significant amounts of greenhouse gases.

In the commercial sector, freight transportation decisions are made in a complex business environment that imposes different requirements for speed, reliability and types of service (e.g., refrigerated goods) and depends on a wide range of factors including distance, door-to-door costs and access to infrastructure.

Given that freight activity is expected to increase by 60 percent by 2020, increasing fuel efficiency within each mode and better integrating freight services to make greater use of low-emission vehicles and modes will be critical to meeting Canada's climate change objectives.

With regards to freight transportation, the Climate Change Plan for Canada called for the creation of the Commercial Transportation Energy Efficiency and Fuels Initiative. The new Freight Efficiency Program will provide financial incentives for the purchase and installation of energy efficiency enhancing equipment in the air, marine and rail modes; and education and awareness to support improved decision-making by shippers.