Evaluating the Contribution of Truck-to-Rail Modal Shift to CO₂ Reduction in Hinterland Transport

This study aims to evaluate the contribution of truck-to-rail modal shift (T2R) to CO₂ reduction in hinterland transport. To this end, a comprehensive analytical framework is constructed by revising the activity-based method. This framework considers the CO₂ from main-haulage, pre/post-haulage and handling, and integrates the well-to-wheel (WTW) emission factors. Then, the data for case study is collected through public literature and face-to-face interview. The results show that total CO₂ emissions will be underestimated by 28.72% or 75.79%, if CO₂ from both pre/post-haulage and handling or well-to-tank emissions are omitted. Besides, a shift of one TEU from road to rail can reduce CO₂ 101.05 kg. Moreover, the best scenario will make a contribution of 8.41% to CO₂ reduction by operating double-stack block freight train with higher departure frequency. It is reasonable and advisable to use door-to-port WTW CO₂ intensity for evaluating the contribution of T2R to CO₂ reduction in hinterland transport.