After extensive development, the Northwest Seaport Alliance has announced a significant new program aimed at transitioning to zero-emissions trucks, focusing on the drayage routes that deliver freight containers from ports to distribution centers.
This innovative initiative is particularly pertinent as diesel trucks, which are currently used for these short-haul journeys, contribute greatly to air pollution, emitting particulate matter and other harmful toxins that affect local communities.
A lively atmosphere marked the launch event at Terminal 46 in Seattle, where attendees had the opportunity to experience a brand-new all-electric Kenworth semi. One who tested the truck’s horn sparked laughter, celebrating a notable milestone in clean transportation.
The Alliance has chosen Zeem Solutions, hailing from California, to manage this new program and construct a state-of-the-art charging facility for the electric trucks. This facility will resemble modern truck stops and will be strategically located between the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, near the I-5 exit ramp just south of SeaTac Airport and along SR-99.
Designed to cater to the highest volume of truck deliveries, the facility aims to centralize charging options for various types of heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles, helping fleets transition to cleaner technologies. Zeem Solutions serves as a comprehensive service provider for commercial fleets moving to electric vehicles, offering essential services like charging, parking, vehicle leasing, and maintenance.
The company is known for providing flat fees to ease the financial burden associated with this transition. They have expanded their service range beyond California, now operating facilities in places like New Jersey and planning for Long Beach, California.
Moreover, the newly constructed Zeem site will be capable of charging up to 250 zero-emissions vehicles daily and will offer overnight parking for 70 trucks. In a significant push toward this transition, Zeem is also placing 19 of Kenworth’s battery-electric semis with trucking companies in the area.
Paul Gioupis, CEO of Zeem, shared with the crowd, “These 19 trucks will be the beginning, and we expect to have hundreds of trucks operating out of that SeaTac site.”
He also emphasized ongoing efforts to identify suitable properties for future development at the ports of Seattle and Tacoma.
In a positive step for local businesses, Samy Zewdu, owner-operator of Ephrata Trucking based in Seattle, is among those purchasing several of the subsidized trucks. Each truck costs over $300,000, but thanks to the program, Zewdu will only pay 20% out of pocket, with the remaining costs covered by port incentives.
He expressed enthusiasm about the demand for zero-emissions transportation, stating, “If you bring electric trucks, yeah, we’re gonna get more jobs – we got offers.”
Zewdu is one of six local fleet operators participating in the new program, which allows for diverse strategies, with some opting to lease trucks as a way to reduce initial costs.
Crucially, the incentive program was developed with direct input from the driving community. Many drivers felt overlooked in past initiatives designed to introduce electric trucks to the region’s ports.
This time, the framework followed by the Puget Sound Zero Emissions Truck Collaborative includes a Decarbonizing Drayage Roadmap, which incorporates feedback from drivers and emphasizes socially equitable distribution of new trucks to minimize impacts on the workforce.
The roadmap outlines nearly 70 recommendations aimed at transitioning the entire drayage fleet to zero-emissions vehicles by 2050 or sooner. It focuses on alleviating financial burdens for drivers while ensuring they have access to adequate charging and parking infrastructure.
Despite the promising outlook, the Kenworth electric trucks currently have a range of only about 200 miles. Zewdu highlighted the necessity of acquiring multiple trucks to allow for shifts while some vehicles recharge.
Despite the shift to electric, Zewdu anticipates substantial reductions in operational costs, along with significant environmental benefits, as these new trucks will eliminate the diesel fuel expense and the resultant local pollution.
Joel Creswell, who leads climate pollution reduction efforts at the state Department of Ecology, remarked on the project’s importance, noting, “The diesel trucks currently used for drayage are some of the worst polluters on our roads.”
He believes this project represents a significant turning point since the incentives make it feasible for drivers to switch to cleaner alternatives, which would otherwise remain financially out of reach.
However, some in the region remain skeptical. With about 4,000 drayage drivers, only 19 trucks under this initial program may not be enough to catalyze a widespread transition to zero-emission trucks.
Dawit Habte, owner of Afar Trucking, echoed this sentiment. He considers the initiative beneficial but is holding back from investing in the electric trucks due to economic uncertainties, particularly related to President Donald Trump’s tariffs affecting shipping volumes and drayage contracts.
As the infrastructure continues to take shape and the initial electric trucks showcase their viability, Creswell and others hope that this endeavor will inspire further momentum across the industry.
The groundbreaking for the charging facility is anticipated to occur this fall, marking a critical step toward transforming drayage operations in the Northwest.
image source from：knkx
