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Logistics & Transport Emissions Tutorial

Learn how to calculate emissions from transport operations using Dcycle’s ISO 14083-compliant Logistics API.
Estimated time: 25 minutesWhat you’ll learn:
  • Calculate single shipment emissions
  • Understand ISO 14083 methodology
  • Upload bulk shipment data
  • Track emissions by client and route
  • Generate logistics reports

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:
  • Dcycle API credentials (get them here)
  • Basic knowledge of Python or JavaScript
  • Shipment data: origin, destination, weight, transport mode
New API Available! We recommend using the new /v1/logistics/requests endpoints for new integrations:The new API offers simplified authentication, better error handling, and optimized bulk processing.
Using the Dcycle App?You can also track logistics emissions through our web interface:

Understanding Transport Emissions

Logistics emissions are typically Scope 3 (upstream or downstream transportation in your value chain).

ISO 14083 Standard

Dcycle follows ISO 14083, the international standard for quantifying and reporting GHG emissions from transport operations. Key features:
  • Well-to-Wheel (WTW) methodology: Includes fuel production + vehicle operation
  • Distance-based calculation: Accurate route distance with geocoding
  • Load factor consideration: Accounts for vehicle capacity utilization
  • Multi-modal support: Road, rail, sea, air, and intermodal transport

Transport Calculation Flow

WTW (Well-to-Wheel) Breakdown

1

WTT (Well-to-Tank)

Upstream emissions: Fuel extraction, refining, and distributionExample: 0.5 kg CO2e per liter of diesel
2

TTW (Tank-to-Wheel)

Direct emissions: Fuel combustion in vehicleExample: 2.7 kg CO2e per liter of diesel
3

Total WTW

Complete footprint: WTT + TTWExample: 3.2 kg CO2e per liter of diesel

Step 1: Calculate a Single Shipment

Start with a simple shipment calculation:

Understanding TOCs (Transport Operation Categories)

ISO 14083 defines standard vehicle categories: Get all available TOCs:

Step 2: Advanced Shipment Parameters

Specify Exact Locations

For more accurate distance calculation:

Multi-Client Logistics Operations

Track shipments by client:

Shipment Metadata

Add custom fields for reporting:

Step 3: Bulk Upload Shipments

For high-volume operations, use CSV bulk upload:

Prepare CSV File

Upload and Process

CSV Format Requirements

Required fields:
  • origin: Address or city name
  • destination: Address or city name
  • toc: Transport Operation Category code
  • load: Cargo weight
  • load_unit: Unit (kg, ton, lb)
  • year: Calculation year
Optional fields:
  • client_id: Client UUID (from /api/v1/logistics/clients)
  • origin_country: ISO country code (ES, FR, etc.)
  • destination_country: ISO country code
  • shipment_reference: Your internal reference
  • order_number: Order/invoice number
  • delivery_date: YYYY-MM-DD format

Step 4: Query and Analyze

Get Client Report

Generate emissions report by client:

List All Clients

Generate Period Report

Real-World Example: Logistics Management System

Complete workflow for managing transport emissions:

Best Practices

1. Choose Appropriate TOC

Select the most accurate transport category:

2. Validate Addresses

Ensure accurate geocoding:

3. Handle Errors Gracefully

4. Track Data Quality

Monitor calculation accuracy:

Troubleshooting

Issue: Zero Emissions Calculated

Issue: Geocoding Failed

Issue: Bulk Upload Fails

Next Steps

New API: Create Request

New simplified endpoint for single shipments

New API: Bulk Requests

Process up to 5,000 shipments per request

GHG Protocol Tutorial

Track company vehicle emissions

Core Concepts

Learn about ISO 14083 standard