Estes, the largest privately owned freight carrier in North America, electrifies its fleet by adding 12 Freightliner eCascadia electric semis for local deliveries in California.
The big picture: The move towards electric vehicles (EVs) is part of Estes' larger sustainability efforts, with the new EVs joining over 300 electric forklifts and two electric yard jockeys at their Banning, California terminal.
Key details: Each eCascadia semi can travel up to 230 miles on a single charge. This transition is aimed at reducing the company's carbon footprint and is embraced by drivers for the trucks' silent and smooth operation.
Why it matters: Shipping and logistics companies are increasingly turning to EVs, not just for environmental reasons, but also for the added benefit of improved driver experience and potential solutions to driver retention challenges.
Catch-up: Estes joins a roster of companies, including Coca-Cola, Schneider, CarMax, and Frito-Lay, which have integrated Freightliner eCascadia trucks into their operations.
What they're saying: "This EV initiative is just one more way that Estes is focusing on sustainability and the environment,” says Sara Graf, Estes vice president of sustainability, culture, and communications.
The bottom line: This deployment signals growing enthusiasm for electrification in the shipping industry, with operational efficiency and ecological responsibility driving the switch to electric fleets.