CCF initiates transport refrigeration census
23rd March 2026
UK: The Cold Chain Federation has launched the UK’s first transport refrigeration unit census to evidence sector progress on decarbonisation.
The census is designed to establish and chart the progress, investment and challenges across the sector as it transitions towards lower-emission technologies.
The data gathered will help demonstrate the scale of innovation already taking place across the industry, identify barriers to further investment, and strengthen the sector’s engagement with government as policymakers develop decarbonisation policy.
Officially launched at the Cold Chain Federation’s Climate & Energy Summit last week, the census will be open to responses from any business, whether or not they are members of the Cold Chain Federation, operating at least one refrigerated van, rigid vehicle or trailer for approximately two months.
“Businesses in the cold chain are making serious investments to make their refrigerated fleets more sustainable, including embracing low carbon solutions and operational efficiencies,” observed Cold Chain Federation CEO, Tom Southall. “However, there is a complete lack of data to demonstrate this progress to policymakers in government.
He said that the results of the TRU census would provide concrete evidence to showcase progress and identify clear areas where government support might be required to support the timely transition to zero emission TRUs.
“Without this information there is a real risk that new regulation and policy hinders, rather than supports, future decarbonisation efforts.”
The TRU Census is open now and will remain available for approximately two months.
The census can be accessed through the Cold Chain Federation website.






