GLEC Framework 3.3 out: how shippers measure freight Scope 3 now

Market Context & Direct Impact

Smart Freight Centre has issued GLEC Framework version 3.3, dated October 2026, for logistics emissions. The GLEC Framework version 3.3 was published on 27 October 2026 as a methodology for calculating and reporting logistics GHG footprints across multi-modal supply chains; shippers, carriers and logistics service providers can implement it. The GLEC Framework is in alignment with ISO 14083, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the UN-led Global Green Freight Action Plan and CDP reporting; a crosswalk document explains changes between versions. Read that crosswalk before restating any earlier freight figure, so the version change does not get mixed into the trend.

Carrier choice moves the Scope 3 number, so lane averages can mislead. Container carriers operating on the same trade lane can record emissions-intensity differences of up to 35%, according to VesselBot's latest analysis. Across the carriers compared on four major fronthaul routes, the gap between the most and least efficient ranged from 20% to 35%. A vessel carrying more cargo may generate higher total emissions while still operating more efficiently when measured per unit of cargo and distance. This is one analytics firm's dataset, so test the spread on your own lanes. Freight transportation and logistics activities currently contribute 8‒10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Transport Forum. Smart Freight Centre's 12 June 2026 sector guidance applies ISO 14083:2023 and the GLEC Framework to post, parcel and e-commerce flows.

Core Executive Takeaways

• Version 3.3 is liveGLEC 3.3 was published on 27 October, so confirm which version each carrier and 3PL used before you restate freight figures.
• Averages hide the spreadVesselBot reports gaps of up to 35% between carriers on one lane, so a lane-average factor can hide your best and worst options.
• Freight is largeThe ITF puts freight and logistics at 8‒10% of global GHG emissions, which makes carrier-level data worth the effort for Scope 3 reporting.

Strategic Playbook

1. 1
   Pull version-matched data

   Ask each carrier and forwarder for the GLEC or ISO 14083 method version and the emission intensity inputs behind your top lanes, and log that version in your Scope 3 workbook.

2. 2
   Baseline by carrier

   Set your freight baseline per carrier and per lane, not on a single lane average, and re-run the baseline when the crosswalk changes the method.

Filed 21:26 GMT, 7 November 2026, for the third edition of 7 Nov.
As agents only.

Sources

1. GLEC Framework for Logistics Emissions Accounting and Reporting version 3.3, October 2026Smart Freight Centre, published 27 October 2026
2. Application of ISO 14083:2023 and the GLEC Framework for the Post & Parcel and E-commerce SectorSmart Freight Centre, published 12 June 2026
3. SFC Interpretations Public SummarySmart Freight Centre, published 30 June 2026
4. Carrier emissions intensity varies by up to 35% on major routesContainer News, published 4 November 2026

Claims ledger: 7 facts and where each comes from

• GLEC Framework version 3.3 was published on 27 October 2026 as a methodology for calculating and reporting logistics GHG footprints across multi-modal supply chains; shippers, carriers and logistics service providers can implement it.¹
• The GLEC Framework is in alignment with ISO 14083, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the UN-led Global Green Freight Action Plan and CDP reporting; a crosswalk document explains changes between versions.¹
• Smart Freight Centre published sector guidance on 12 June 2026 applying ISO 14083:2023 and the GLEC Framework to post and parcel and e-commerce.²
• Freight transportation and logistics activities currently contribute 8‒10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Transport Forum.³
• Container carriers operating on the same trade lane can record emissions-intensity differences of up to 35%, according to VesselBot's latest analysis.⁴
• Across four major fronthaul routes, the gap between the most and least efficient carrier ranged from 20% to 35%.⁴
• A vessel carrying more cargo may generate higher total emissions while still operating more efficiently when measured per unit of cargo and distance.⁴

Every figure above is tied to a cited source that was checked on the day of filing. Found an error? Tell the desk.