Tradelink rolls out 15 Volvo VNR Electric trucks for sustainable drayage

Tradelink deploys 15 Volvo VNR Electric trucks at LA and Long Beach ports, advancing zero-emission goals and cleaner freight transport. Read how they're doing it.

Tradelink Transport has taken a decisive step toward decarbonizing freight operations by deploying 15 Volvo VNR Electric trucks at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize its fleet and reduce emissions across one of the busiest freight corridors in the United States.

The electric trucks now make up nearly a third of Tradelink’s diverse fleet, which consists of 48 vehicles, including 21 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks and 12 diesel-powered units. This is not a pilot—Tradelink is fully committed to the transformation. According to company president Rigoberto Cea, the transition to zero-emission vehicles began in 2022, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2024, well ahead of the California Air Resources Board’s 2030 target.

Going electric involves more than vehicle purchases. Tradelink developed a five-acre site equipped with ABB chargers (180 kW and 360 kW) and solar panels to support operations. The charging infrastructure was partially funded through public programs like HVIP, the Southern California Edison Charge Ready Transport Infrastructure program, and a grant from the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program.

The Volvo VNR Electric trucks operate within a 100-mile radius, covering routes to San Bernardino and Riverside in the mornings, followed by local deliveries in the afternoon. The trucks run five to six days a week and recharge overnight.

Beyond environmental goals, Tradelink emphasizes the driver experience. The company uses an employee-driver model and reports high satisfaction from drivers due to the trucks’ quiet operation, minimal vibration, and smooth handling. According to Cea, once drivers get behind the wheel of electric trucks, they often prefer them over conventional vehicles—a sentiment that helps with retention and overall morale.

To ensure efficient operations, Tradelink partnered with Volvo Trucks and TEC Equipment – La Mirada, utilizing Volvo’s Electric Performance Generator (EPG) route planning tool. This collaboration helped optimize routes based on vehicle configuration, terrain, temperature, and traffic conditions.

Tradelink’s experience aligns with broader industry trends. Companies like NFI Industries and Schneider National are also scaling their electric truck fleets in California. While specific figures on Tradelink’s emissions reductions or cost savings haven’t been disclosed, electric trucks generally offer lower long-term operational costs.

Volvo has not specified a battery lifespan for the VNR Electric, but its Volvo Energy division is working on battery reuse and recycling solutions, including repurposing for stationary energy storage.

Though Tradelink hasn't confirmed the next wave of electric truck purchases, its aggressive infrastructure buildout suggests that further expansion is only a matter of time.

Source: electriccarsreport.com