Carbon Calculator
What's the most environmentally-friendly way to transport goods? The answer is freight rail. The EPA estimates that every ton-mile of freight that moves by rail instead of by highway reduces greenhouse emissions by two-thirds. But what does that really mean? Our easy-to-use carbon calculator will estimate the amount of carbon dioxide that can be prevented from entering our environment just by using freight rail instead of trucks. We'll even tell you how many seedlings you'd need to plant to have the same effect.
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The AAR carbon calculator estimates are intended for illustration purposes only. Rail emission estimates assume 392.4 ton-miles per gallon of fuel based on an industry average (436 miles per gallon) adjusted downward by 10 percent to account for geographic factors. Rail commodity carload or intermodal averages tons were developed based on railroad reports to the STB. Truck emission estimates assume 6.5 miles per gallon and use commodity average tons per truck estimated by the AAR. Individual AAR member rail carriers may also have similar carbon calculators on their web sites that reflect their particular conditions and which may produce results differing from AAR’s calculator. For more specific information, please contact us at 202-639-2100.