Last Updated on: 15th July 2025, 12:06 am

How shippers can drive the transition to zero-emission trucking

Large companies are the largest buyers of road freight. As part of its Decarbonise Corporate Fleets initiative, the European Commission should set zero-emission (ZE) procurement targets on large shippers, rather than truck operators.

• Large companies (>250 employees and >€50 million) make up only 0.2% of EU companies but generate over half of turnover and buy nearly 40% of road freight.
• Annual ZE procurement targets on large companies reaching 100% in 2039 would create demand for ZE freight in line with truck CO₂ standards.
• Alternatively, only large manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers could be targeted. Together they buy a quarter of road freight.

ZE procurement targets can ensure large shippers support hauliers in their transition to ZETs, thanks to green premiums or longer contracts for example. This would improve the business case of shifting to ZETs, thus also supporting truckmakers in achieving their CO₂ targets, while having only a negligible impact on product prices for end consumers.

Either a 100% ZE procurement target for all large shippers by 2039, or by 2036 for large manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, would align ZE freight demand with truck CO₂ standards.

Download the Buying electric report.

News release from T&E.