Green shipping services
If you are looking for an environmentally sustainable way to transport freight cargo, make sure you book with LeShuttle Freight. Whatever you need to ship, we can be your low emission route between the UK and mainland Europe.
Why choose LeShuttle Freight for your sustainable shipping?
The facts speak for themselves. Using LeShuttle Freight carries significantly less environmental impact than ferry transport.
Carbon emissions for trucks on our shuttles are 14 times lower* than a ferry per crossing. Folkestone is also 25km closer to the main M20 road link in the UK than Dover, so if your freight is coming from London you will be saving a further 20 kg of CO2 each way. The efficiency of our service reduces dwell time and idle periods, further minimizing the environmental footprint of your freight.
How does LeShuttle Freight facilitate green logistics?
We help customers achieve their sustainability goals by providing a carbon-friendly cross-channel freight route, as well as the fastest, safest and the most reliable service. Offering unmatched transit times of just 35 minutes between Folkestone and Calais, we operate up to six departures per hour, 365 days a year. There is also no requirement to book a specific departure time on a standard service, if your company has an account with us.
Having to rely on ferry freight brings a degree of uncertainty, with sea crossings not only longer but more likely to be affected by the weather and other external factors, as well as ferries being intrinsically more polluting. LeShuttle Freight has built-in reliability, offering carriers greater peace of mind and the flexibility to board any shuttle.
What other green shipping solutions can LeShuttle Freight offer?
LeShuttle Freight is committed to reducing its environmental impact, in accordance with the decarbonisation plan of the Getlink Group. Rail infrastructure is inherently sustainable, but LeShuttle Freight has always felt a responsibility to do more, and since 2019 has introduced the following:
- Developed renewable sources of energy for its electricity consumption
- Optimised the number of vehicles per shuttle
- Electrification of tunnel maintenance equipment
- Electrification of terminal fleet vehicles
(*According to the 2024 JMJ Conseil study, a journey by ferry is estimated at 130 kg CO2eq. A journey in an electric Truck Shuttle is 9 kg CO2eq.)
Frequently asked questions
How does LeShuttle Freight contribute to more eco friendly shipping?
Using LeShuttle Freight significantly reduces the environmental impact of cross-Channel freight transport. With LeShuttle as your freight partner, you're making an environmentally responsible choice. Carbon emissions for trucks on our shuttles are 14 times lower than ferry alternatives per crossing.
What happens during the crossing?
Drivers leave their vehicles once they have boarded and parked up in the shuttle, and travel in an air-conditioned ‘Club Car’ where they can relax during the crossing. The time drivers spend in the Club Car counts as a mandatory break in their tachograph, so they can be on their way as soon as they exit our terminal after the crossing.
Is using LeShuttle Freight quicker than a ferry?
Yes, LeShuttle Freight is significantly faster than ferry alternatives for freight transport. Crossings take just 35 minutes between Folkestone and Calais, compared to at least 90 minutes for ferry freight. When you factor in more frequent departures (up to six per hour), no weather-related delays, and faster loading/unloading procedures, the time advantage becomes even more substantial.
