Freight road transport analysis in the metro Sao Paulo: Logistical activities and CO2 emissions

•This research presents an exhaustive assessment of urban freight in São Paulo.•Indicators provide a baseline for assessing trends in freight efficiency over time.•This paper has potential significant impact on other Latin-American cities.•This study provides tools to complement global emission inventories in urban areas.•Results provide freight metrics to Brazil’s National Determined Commitments (NDC).