> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.maalbar.dk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Routes

> How to create transport routes between locations in Målbar LCA.

Routes define how your goods are transported between locations. Each route consists of one or more transport legs, each with its own transport type, method, and distance.

<Tip>
  If you don't know the transport distances for your routes, use [EcoTransit](https://www.ecotransit.org/en/) to calculate them. Unlike Google Maps, EcoTransit calculates the most likely routes for goods transportation. See the [EcoTransit section](#calculating-distances-with-ecotransit) below for a step-by-step guide.
</Tip>

## Creating a route

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Routes">
    Click **Routes** in the top navigation bar, then click **+ Create route**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select starting point and destination">
    Select the starting location and the destination from the drop-down menus. These are the locations you have already created on the Locations page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a transport leg">
    Click **Add leg +** to add the first transport leg.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select transport type">
    Choose the transport type from the drop-down list.

    <Note>
      * **Container - transport full load:** a full load driven directly from sender to receiver without reloading at transport hubs.
      * **Freight bulk via transport hubs:** standard freight of less than full load, reloaded and optimised at transport hubs.
      * **Direct trip (own vehicle):** your company's or supplier's own or rented vehicles transport your goods only.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select transport method">
    Choose how the goods are physically transported: air cargo, barge, ferry, sea freight container, freight train, or lorry.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the distance">
    Enter the distance for this leg in kilometres.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add more legs if needed">
    If your route involves multiple transport methods, click **Add leg +** again and repeat the process for each leg.

    For example, a route from Latvia to Denmark via sea might have three legs:

    1. Lorry from supplier to port in Riga
    2. Sea freight from Riga to Copenhagen
    3. Lorry from Copenhagen port to warehouse
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the route">
    Click **Create route** to save.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Calculating distances with EcoTransit

[EcoTransit](https://www.ecotransit.org/en/) is a free tool that calculates transport distances for goods — taking into account realistic freight routing rather than direct road distances.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to EcoTransit">
    Open [ecotransit.org](https://www.ecotransit.org/en/) in your browser.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter origin and destination">
    Type in the origin and destination for your transport leg — for example, a city or port name.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select transport mode">
    Choose the transport mode that matches your route leg (road, sea, rail, or air).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy the distance">
    EcoTransit will calculate the distance in kilometres. Copy this number and enter it into the corresponding leg in Målbar LCA.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Use EcoTransit for each individual leg of your route. If your route has three legs (e.g. lorry → sea → lorry), calculate each leg separately.
</Note>