Fleets making the change from traditional diesel to battery-electric rigs face a number of challenges, specifically infrastructure and other related costs. Despite this, drayage firms like Compton, California-based Tradelink Transport are pushing ahead, and the company's latest major purchase is proof.
Tradelink Transport has confirmed the acquisition of 14 all-new Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 semis for drayage operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The company already has a fleet of 48 trucks, of which 21 run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and 12 are diesel-powered. The arrival of the zero-tailpipe emission VNR Electrics is a clear sign of Trademark Transport's ongoing efforts to advance sustainability goals for cleaner port drayage operations.
[Related: Volvo's VNR electric hits operational milestone]
The company's new battery-electric fleet will be operating within a 100-mile radius, moving goods to the Inland San Bernardino and Riverside areas in the mornings, and shorter, more localized routes in the afternoons.
All told, the trucks will be operating five to six days a week. They'll be charged overnight to avoid any logistical disturbances.
“Transitioning to battery-electric trucks represents a major shift in business operations and demands collaboration and meticulous planning,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We are immensely grateful to Tradelink Transport for placing their trust in Volvo Trucks and our comprehensive electromobility ecosystem to partner with them on the shift towards zero. Their deployment of 15 Volvo VNR Electric trucks stands as a true example of how visionary fleets can lead the charge in electrification, and help their business reach their sustainability goals while elevating operational efficiency.”
The company already has praise for the Volvos.
“Once drivers experience battery-electric trucks, they often don’t want to switch back to conventional vehicles,” said Rigoberto Cea, president of Tradelink Transport. “The Volvo VNR Electric truck provides a smooth, quiet ride, and we’ve seen strong enthusiasm from our team as they adapt to this new technology.”
TEC Equipment - La Miranda served as Tradelink Transport's certified Volvo Trucks Electric Vehicle dealer, which further assisted the company in key areas such as route planning and real-world operating conditions. The two also worked together to ensure Tradelink Transport took full advantage of California's Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), and various other state rebate programs to help offset onsite charging infrastructure construction costs.
[Related: Volvo's Certified EV dealer network expands again]
"At TEC Equipment, we understand the critical importance for fleets to adopt more sustainable transportation options and we are thrilled to have supported Tradelink in securing the necessary funding to enable their growing fleet’s move to battery-electric trucks,” said Melanie Des Laurier, new truck sales at TEC Equipment. " Tradelink's new Volvo VNR Electric trucks represent a forward-thinking approach to reducing tailpipe emissions and noise associated with transportation and promoting cleaner air quality."
