On Wednesday, MDB Transportation, a California-based logistics company, announced that it has launched a Tesla Semi in a port drayage pilot program.
According to the official press release, MDB is going to test the fully electric Class 8 Tesla Semi-truck for Los Angeles port drayage operations for three weeks. This pilot program will provide the company and Tesla with useful data on cost and emissions savings.
Port drayage is the short-distance movement of containerized cargo between the port and rail terminals, warehouses, etc. Using diesel trucks for such operations is neither cost-effective nor environmentally friendly, as it involves significant idling.
Diesel trucks release harmful gases and consume fuel during idling. An electric truck, on the other hand, does not waste energy while it’s idling.
MDB Transportation’s Tesla Semi moving containers in a three-week pilot drayage program in Los Angeles, California. Credit: MDB Transportation.
Electrifying Port Drayage
Electrifying port drayage operations makes the most economical sense. The trucks roam and transport heavy containers within a limited area all day round.
In this short-haul scenario, even the smaller 300-mile range Tesla Semi makes perfect sense. It has a smaller battery pack that can be charged faster than the 500-mile variant’s large battery.
The quick turnaround time for charging and being ready for operation is the key to smooth drayage operations at any port. Electric trucks, especially the Tesla Semi also accelerate much faster than diesel trucks. This can also cut off delivery time at the port as well, especially if a fleet is used.
In March, Green Fleet Systems (GFS), a Southern California drayage provider specializing in sustainable transportation, added a Tesla Semi-truck to its fleet. The announcement came from their road carrier partner, Apex Logistics International.
Tesla Semi entered volume production earlier this week. There is a large backlog of pre-orders for the Tesla Semi-truck. Apparently, this Class 8 electric semi is going to contribute a significant number of sales and revenue in the coming years for Tesla.
Tesla Semi-truck acquired by Green Field Logistics (GFS) and Apex Logistics for port drayage operations in Southern California. Credit: GFS / Apex Logistics Int.
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