Smart Freight Conversations

Episode 35 | The Catalyst Series: What BloombergNEF's Data Says About Electric Trucking's Momentum

The data on electric trucks might surprise you. In the latest episode of Smart Freight Conversations: The Catalyst Series, Andy Golding sits down with Colin McKerracher, Head of Clean Transport at BloombergNEF, to unpack what 20 years of energy transition data reveal about freight electrification. Some numbers worth knowing: - Electrified transport is now the single largest category of global energy transition investment, ahead of wind and solar - Medium- and heavy-duty electric truck sales are already approaching 25% in China - The technology debate is settled: hydrogen isn't scaling for trucking, batteries have won Despite policy rollbacks and geopolitical uncertainty, Colin says he's never been more optimistic about the pace of change. His reasoning: progress isn't automatic – it's built decision by decision, company by company. Explore our courses and other educational resources: https://academy.smartfreightcentre.org/fec?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=program+page Learn more about SFC: https://smartfreightcentre.org/en/ Follow us on social media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-freight-centre/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/smartfreightcentre.bsky.social YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@smartfreightcentre

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Episode 34 | The Catalyst Series: Understanding EACs, Carbon Insetting, and Credible Scope 3 Claims

What happens when a carrier decarbonizes but its customer isn't paying for it? The reduction happens, but nobody can claim it. That gap is exactly what Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) are built to close. In the latest episode of Smart Freight Conversations: The Catalyst Series, Andy Golding talks with Maria Lacalle, Head of Customer Decarbonization at Carboninsets, about how EACs work and why trust is the hardest part of scaling Book and Claim. Key takeaways: -EACs let buyers claim Scope 3 reductions without direct physical access to lower-carbon fuel - Carboninsets connects buyers and sellers directly, keeping chain of custody intact - Most buyers follow SFC's MBM Framework, including its two-year vintage rule - Road freight is the mode everyone's now focused on 🎧 Listen to the full episode. Explore our courses and other educational resources: https://academy.smartfreightcentre.org/bookandclaim?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=educational_media Learn more about SFC: https://smartfreightcentre.org/en/ Follow us on social media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-freight-centre/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/smartfreightcentre.bsky.social YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@smartfreightcentre

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Episode 33 | The Catalyst Series: Fueling the Future – Airbus on Scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Book and Claim

Scaling SAF takes more than one company at the table. In the latest episode of Smart Freight Conversations, Andy Golding, Director Strategic Services at SFC, sits down with Cécile Calvet Fabre and Andrea Caderon, SAF Program Managers at Airbus, to talk about what it takes to turn aircraft manufacturer ambition into real CO2 emissions reductions across air transport. Key highlights: - Airbus has committed to reducing its Scope 3 CO2 emissions by 46% by 2035, and Scope 1&2 emissions by 63% by 2030. - SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle, but currently makes up less than 1% of the global jet fuel mix actual production. - The Airbus Book and Claim Demonstrator is helping the industry learn by doing in developing the voluntary SAF certificates market - Regulatory recognition of book and claim could be a powerful lever to unlock voluntary SAF demand. Learn more about sustainable aviation fuel and freight decarbonization: https://academy.smartfreightcentre.org/aviation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=educational+media Learn more about SFC: https://smartfreightcentre.org/en/ Follow us on social media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-freight-centre/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/smartfreightcentre.bsky.social YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@smartfreightcentre

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Episode 32 | The Catalyst Series: Scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel Through Collaboration Between Neste and Finnair

No single company can scale sustainable aviation fuel on its own. In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations: The Catalyst Series, Andy Golding, Director Strategic Services at Smart Freight Centre, sits down with Joerg Huebeler (Neste) and Tarja Koski (Finnair) to discuss what five years of partnership between a fuel producer and an airline looks like, and what it takes to scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across the industry. Topics covered: - Partnerships like this one are what make solutions like SAF applicable across the value chain. - Finnair has doubled its SAF usage every year since 2023, reaching 1.6% of total fuel burn in 2025. - Neste aims to help customers save 20 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2030. - Standardization and regulation will be the next major driver of adoption. Learn more about sustainable aviation fuel and freight decarbonization: https://academy.smartfreightcentre.org/aviation?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=educational+media Learn more about SFC: https://smartfreightcentre.org/en/ Follow us on social media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-freight-centre/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/smartfreightcentre.bsky.social Buzzsprout https://smartfreightconversations.buzzsprout.com

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Episode 31 | The Catalyst Series: How DSV Scales Freight Decarbonization Through Data and Partnerships

95% of DSV's emissions sit in Scope 3. No single company can solve that alone. In the latest episode of the Smart Freight Conversations: The Catalyst Series, Andy Golding, Director Strategic Services at SFC sits down with Natalia Lykova, Senior Director of Group Sustainability Insights at DSV, to share how one of the world's largest logistics providers is turning emissions data into real decarbonization decisions. Key insights from the conversation: - Why data only matters when it drives action, not just reporting - How engaging procurement early reshaped DSV's Book and Claim process - Why trust and standards are essential to scaling credible decarbonization - What multimodal decarbonization looks like in practice, from electrification to SAF This episode is a practical look at how sustainability, data, and business intersect at one of the industry's largest logistics providers. 🎧 Listen to the full episode. – Available on YouTube, Spotify, Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts, and more here Explore our courses and other educational resources here. Follow us on social media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-freight-centre/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/smartfreightcentre.bsky.social Buzzsprout https://smartfreightconversations.buzzsprout.com

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Episode 30 | The Catalyst Series: From Measurement to Action: Decarbonizing Multimodal Logistics with GEODIS

How can logistics companies move from emissions measurement to meaningful decarbonization action? In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations: The Catalyst Series, Andy Golding, Director of Strategic Services at Smart Freight Centre, speaks with Cécile Bray, Global Head of Climate and Environment Programs at GEODIS, about how global logistics providers are approaching decarbonization across multimodal supply chains. The conversation explores emissions measurement, operational efficiency, modal shift, low-emission solutions, organizational alignment, and the practical steps needed to reduce freight emissions at scale. Whether you're working in logistics, sustainability, procurement, or supply chain management, this episode offers valuable insights into turning decarbonization ambition into action. Explore our courses and other educational resources: https://academy.smartfreightcentre.org/glec?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=program_page Learn more about SFC: https://smartfreightcentre.org/en/ Follow us on social media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-freight-centre/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/smartfreightcentre.bsky.social YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@smartfreightcentre

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Episode 29 | The Catalyst Series: How Procter & Gamble Is Scaling Solutions for Freight Decarbonization

How does one of the world's largest consumer goods companies reduce transportation emission intensity by 8% in a single year? In this Catalyst Series episode, Andy Golding speaks with Frank Kreßmann, Director of Global Transportation Sustainability at Procter & Gamble, about how P&G is driving freight decarbonization across a global supply chain serving 5 billion consumers. In this episode: - How shifting road freight to intermodal delivered measurable results fast - Why long-haul, cross-border battery electric freight is feasible today - How Book and Claim offers a practical path to scaling biofuels now - Why internal training is essential for embedding decarbonization into daily decisions "If you want to make the right decision, you need to understand what right looks like." - Frank Kreßmann, Procter & Gamble Explore our courses and other educational resources to learn more about this topic: https://academy.smartfreightcentre.org/sustainable-logistics?utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=educational-media Learn more about SFC: https://smartfreightcentre.org/en/ Follow us on social media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-freight-centre/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/smartfreightcentre.bsky.social YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@smartfreightcentre

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Episode 28 | The Catalyst Series: Electrifying Drayage: A Trucker’s Real-World Story

Can small trucking companies lead the transition to zero-emission freight? In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations: The Catalyst Series, Andy Golding, Director of Strategic Services at Smart Freight Centre, speaks with Jennie Abarca, Owner of King Fio Trucking, about her experience electrifying drayage operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. From purchasing her first electric trucks to navigating customer demand, charging infrastructure, and operational realities, Jennie shares a firsthand perspective on what it takes to make freight electrification work in practice. The conversation explores: - Why drayage is a strong use case for electrification - Lessons learned from deploying electric trucks - The role of collaboration between carriers, shippers, and customers - Challenges facing small carriers in the transition to zero-emission freight - The future of electric trucking Whether you're a carrier, shipper, logistics provider, or sustainability professional, this episode offers practical insights from someone leading the transition on the ground. Explore our courses and other educational resources here. Learn more about SFC: https://smartfreightcentre.org/en/ Follow us on social media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-freight-centre/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/smartfreightcentre.bsky.social Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@smartfreightcentre

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Episode 27 | The Catalyst Series: How C.H. Robinson Scales Low-Emission Freight with Alternative Fuels and Book and Claim

In freight decarbonization, no company can do it alone. In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations, Andy Golding speaks with Tom Fisher, Global Alternative Fuel Program Director at C.H. Robinson, about how collaboration across the logistics ecosystem can help turn ambition into action. Key topics discussed: • Building strong foundations through measurement and efficiency • Why collaboration across shippers, carriers, and partners matters • Book and Claim as a way to unlock scalable emissions reductions • The role of the Electrifying Drayage Alliance (EDA) in accelerating zero-emission freight solutions • Creating the business case for low-emission transport • Why we need action over “analysis paralysis” Whether you're beginning your sustainability journey or looking to scale existing solutions, this episode shares practical insights from strategy to execution. Explore our courses and other educational resources here. #FreightDecarbonization #Logistics #SupplyChain #Sustainability #AlternativeFuels #SmartFreightConversations

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Episode 26 | The Catalyst Series: Scaling SAF – How AIR France–KLM & AIT Worldwide Logistics Are Decarbonizing Air Freight

How can airlines and freight forwarders work together to scale sustainable aviation? In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations: The Catalyst Series, SFC CEO Christoph Wolff speaks with Blaise Brigaud (Senior Vice President Group Sustainability, Air France–KLM) and Chelsea Lamar (Vice President Sustainability, AIT Worldwide Logistics) about how collaboration can accelerate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption through transparent partnerships, Book and Claim systems, and practical decarbonization strategies. Key takeaways: • Book and Claim is essential for scaling SAF adoption today • Trust, transparency, and credible chain of custody are critical for market confidence • Collaboration across shippers, freight forwarders, airlines, and regulators is key to accelerating sustainable air freight From customer demand and commercial realities to regulatory barriers and market scaling, this conversation highlights what it takes to move sustainable air freight from early adoption toward mainstream implementation. Explore our courses in Aviation decarbonization: https://bit.ly/Academy-aviation?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_campaign=program-page #SustainableAviation #SAF #Decarbonization #AirFreight #SupplyChain #BookAndClaim #SmartFreightCentre #Sustainability #AirFranceKLM #AITWorldwideLogistics Learn more about SFC: https://smartfreightcentre.org/en/ Follow us on social media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-freight-centre/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/smartfreightcentre.bsky.social Buzzsprout https://smartfreightconversations.buzzsprout.com

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Episode 25 | Freight Emissions 101: Simplifying Scope 3 and Reporting with The GLEC Framework

Why do freight emissions matter so much for sustainability and logistics professionals? In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations, Andy Golding, Director Strategic Services, sits down with Rebecca Powell, Senior Program Manager for GLEC at SFC, to unpack: - Why freight emissions are a major part of corporate carbon footprints - How the GLEC Framework simplifies logistics emissions accounting - The connection between GLEC Framework and ISO 14083 - Why credible emissions data is essential for sustainable logistics procurement - How businesses can begin their freight decarbonization journey today Whether you are in sustainability, procurement, or logistics, this conversation provides practical insights into building credible emissions reporting and driving zero-emissions logistics. Explore our courses and other educational resources to learn more about this topic: https://bit.ly/Academy-glec?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=program-pag#FreightDecarbonization Learn more about SFC: https://smartfreightcentre.org/en/ Follow us on social media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-freight-centre/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/smartfreightcentre.bsky.social Buzzsprout https://smartfreightconversations.buzzsprout.com

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Episode 24 | How To Create LETS in Aviation and Account for It Safely

In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations, Andy Golding, Director Strategic Services at Smart Freight Centre, sits down with Andrea Schoen, Chief Development Officer, to unpack the world of Low Emission Transport Services (LETS) in aviation. What are LETS, and how can they help companies reduce emissions through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)? How does fuel attribution work, and what systems are needed to ensure credibility and avoid double counting? Andrea explains how LETS can be implemented with integrity through proof of sustainability, carbon accounting, registries, and auditing, and how the simple idea of "repacking the emissions rucksack" can help make complex systems more understandable. Key topics discussed: - The role of SAF in aviation LETS - How to attribute low-emission fuels to individual shipments - Key requirements for credible, auditable LETS - How to get started as a carrier, forwarder, or shipper - Why LETS are a crucial mechanism for scalable aviation decarbonization Explore Smart Freight Centre Academy's courses and other educational resources in aviation: https://bit.ly/Academy-maritime

Episode 23 | The Catalyst Series: How ShipZero Is Driving Data-Driven Freight Decarbonization

How do you actually decarbonize freight — without building trucks or producing fuel? In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations, SFC CEO Christoph Wolff speaks with Tobias Bohnhoff, CEO of shipzero, about the critical role of data in freight decarbonization. They discuss: – Why data is the foundation of credible climate action – Primary vs. modeled emissions data – The scaling potential of Book & Claim – How logistics providers build green freight products – The role of policy, business case, and climate budgets Freight decarbonization doesn’t start with fuel — it starts with decision-grade data. To understand more about the topic, explore our course offerings and free educational media resources. Learn more about SFC: https://smartfreightcentre.org/en/ Follow us on social media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-freight-centre/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/smartfreightcentre.bsky.social

Episode 22 | The Catalyst Series: Milence – Enabling Electric Road Freight at Scale

In this episode, Christoph Wolff, CEO of Smart Freight Centre speaks with Roel Vissers, Chief Commercial Officer of Milence, about building Europe’s first dedicated charging network for heavy-duty electric trucks. Milence — a joint venture between Volvo Group, TRATON Group and Daimler Truck — is working to break the “chicken-and-egg” barrier slowing electric truck adoption. In this episode, we cover: • The chicken-and-egg barrier in electrification • Public vs. depot charging economics • Grid constraints and permitting delays • Electric truck availability and use cases • Residual value risk and Total Cost of Ownership With 33 hubs already operational and further expansion planned this year, Milence is shaping the backbone of zero-emission road freight across Europe. Watch the full conversation and learn how infrastructure, policy, and industry collaboration must align to accelerate freight decarbonization. Learn more about SFC: https://smartfreightcentre.org/en/ Follow us on social media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-freight-centre/ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/smartfreightcentre.bsky.social

Episode 21 | The Catalyst Series: Girteka’s Approach to Fleet Innovation, Electrification and Collaboration

What does it really take to deploy zero-emission trucks at scale across Europe? In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations: The Catalyst Series, SFC CEO Christoph Wolff sits down with Girteka’s Former Chief Commercial Officer, Mark Mulder, to share a clear-eyed view of the practical challenges and opportunities – from residual value uncertainty to infrastructure planning and operational realities. In this conversation, we cover: - Operating one of Europe’s largest asset-based fleets - The viability of battery-electric and hydrogen trucks for long-haul - TCO risks and the missing second-hand market for electric vehicles - Why collaborative shipper–carrier design is key to scaling zero-emission freight 🎓 Explore our courses and other educational resources on Road Freight Electrification: https://bit.ly/Academy-fec

Episode 20 | The Catalyst Series: Catalyzing SAF and Navigating the Future of Clean Aviation

In this episode of the Catalyst podcast series, Smart Freight Centre CEO Christoph Wolff sits down with Theye Veen, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder of SkyNRG — one of the world’s pioneers in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). From launching the first SAF-powered flights to navigating the challenges of scaling production, Theye shares SkyNRG’s 15-year journey, key inflection points, and what’s needed to make SAF bankable at scale. The discussion dives into the role of EU mandates like ReFuelEU, the financing "valley of death" for e-SAF projects, and how corporate and policy support can accelerate the path to zero-emission aviation. Want to accelerate your aviation decarbonization journey? Explore our courses and other educational resources here https://bit.ly/Academy-aviation

Episode 19 | The Leadership Series: How is sustainability at the core of UltraTech's success?

In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations: The Leadership Series, we sit down with Rajeev Mehta, Chief Logistics Officer at UltraTech Cement, to explore how India’s largest cement producer is driving sustainability across its logistics network. UltraTech is rethinking low-carbon logistics across every mode of transport: Expanding coastal and rail terminals to shift freight to cleaner modes Piloting EVs and scaling up LNG and CNG transport Reducing emissions through ready-mix concrete and bulk distribution Building a culture of sustainability through training and stakeholder education Rajeev shares how data and people are central to UltraTech’s decarbonization journey, as well as why customer demand for zero-emission deliveries is accelerating change across the sector. He highlights the importance of innovation, collaboration, and education in stimulating change. Watch the full episode to learn how UltraTech is turning sustainability from a corporate goal into everyday practice across one of India’s largest supply chains. Want to follow in their footsteps and start your own decarbonization journey? Explore SFC Academy: https://bit.ly/SFCAcademyCourseCatalog

Episode 18 | The Leadership Series: Is Verification the Missing Link in Emissions Credibility?

In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations: The Leadership Series, we sit down with Patricia Pinilla, Sustainability Initiatives Director at Normec Verifavia, to explore the real-world value of independent verification in the logistics decarbonization journey. Patricia shares how Normec Verifavia: Bridges the gap between Smart Freight Centre frameworks and customer understanding Supports clients with verified Market-Based Measures (MBMs) Provides assurance that goes beyond regulation to create real accountability Builds trust across the supply chain, from carriers to shippers Helps organizations prepare for assurance through data transparency and readiness Whether you're a carrier, LSP, or shipper, this episode offers an inside look at how verification supports market confidence and why understanding MBMs is becoming essential. Learn more with the Smart Freight Centre Academy course on Book and Claim (Market Based Measures): https://bit.ly/4klWgoT

Episode 17 | The Leadership Series: How is Lenovo Powering Low-Carbon Logistics Through Innovation?

In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations: The Leadership Series, we speak with Golden Xing, Director of Global Logistics Operations at Lenovo, to explore how one of the world’s leading technology companies is advancing decarbonization across its global supply chain. Golden shares how Lenovo: Became the first PC and smartphone manufacturer with near- and long-term emission reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Cut logistics emissions intensity by 32% over seven years, reaching its 2030 target five years early. Shifts freight from air to ocean to reduce emissions while maintaining delivery performance. Leads industry adoption of sustainable aviation and marine fuels in China and beyond. Expands the use of electric vehicles for final-mile delivery, now exceeding 35% of Lenovo’s fleet in China From supplier engagement to clean transport innovation, Lenovo is showing how data, partnership, and accountability can make low-carbon logistics a reality. Want to follow in their footsteps and start your own decarbonization journey? Explore SFC Academy: https://bit.ly/SFCAcademyCourseCatalog #SmartFreightConversations #LeadershipSeries #SmartFreightCentre #Decarbonization #Lenovo

Episode 16 | The Leadership Series: How Sovereign Speed Is Turning Emissions Strategy into Action

In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations: The Leadership Series, Moritz Tölke, Director for Green Projects at Sovereign Speed, shares how a medium-sized carrier is driving meaningful climate action without waiting for perfect conditions. Moritz breaks down how Sovereign Speed: Is deploying HVO100 and scaling fleet electrification Uses primary fuel data instead of modeled estimates Builds trust with LSPs and shippers through transparent collaboration Tracks performance against science-based targets (SBTi) Actively contributes to Smart Freight Centre initiatives like Book & Claim, MBM, and sustainable procurement This episode highlights how real decarbonization happens at the intersection of partnership, standards, and operational accountability, especially when the carriers themselves take the lead.