Saldivar’s Trucking Becomes First Independent Owner-Operator to Deploy Volvo VNR Electric Truck for Drayage in California

Los Angeles, CA — In a groundbreaking achievement for both Volvo Trucks North America and TEC Equipment, independent owner-operator Saldivar’s Trucking has become the first in the U.S. to deploy a Volvo VNR Electric truck for drayage operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. This significant milestone highlights Volvo Trucks’ commitment to advancing electromobility, making sustainable transport accessible even to small independent operators.

Addressing Challenges for Owner-Operators in the EV Transition

While larger fleets have made headlines with their investments in battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), independent owner-operators, who make up nearly half of the 3.5 million truck drivers in the U.S., face significant barriers to entry. Peter Voorhoeve, President of Volvo Trucks North America, emphasized the challenges small operators encounter, from the high upfront costs of electric trucks to limited access to charging infrastructure.

“TEC Equipment has been instrumental in bridging these gaps,” Voorhoeve stated. “By offering comprehensive support, securing funding, and providing the necessary training, they’ve turned the vision of owning a BEV into a reality for operators like Saldivar’s Trucking.”

Overcoming Regulatory and Financial Barriers

The deployment of the VNR Electric truck comes in response to California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) Rule, effective as of January 1, 2024. The ACF Rule mandates zero-emissions vehicles for new drayage trucks operating at California ports and intermodal railyards. While these regulations aim to reduce emissions, they also present financial hurdles, particularly for smaller operators without the capital to invest in electrification.

Saldivar’s Trucking successfully navigated these challenges by securing $410,000 in funding through CARB’s On-Road Heavy-Duty Voucher Incentive Program (VIP). This program targets small fleets with 10 or fewer trucks, helping them transition to zero-emission vehicles. However, independent operators often struggle to utilize such grants due to potential tax implications on their personal income. TEC Equipment collaborated with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to ensure Saldivar’s could access the necessary funding.

Support from TEC Equipment’s Certified EV Dealership Program

The transition was supported by TEC Equipment’s La Mirada dealership, a Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) location. As Volvo’s largest dealership on the West Coast, TEC Equipment has been pivotal in developing the Certified EV Dealership program. Saldivar’s received hands-on training from a dedicated fleet support manager, learning how to maximize the range and efficiency of his new Volvo VNR Electric truck.

“Saldivar’s is thrilled with the performance of his new electric truck, particularly after upgrading from a used 2010 tractor,” said Melanie Des Laurier, New Truck Sales at TEC Equipment. “Driver training helped him overcome initial range anxiety, and he has fully embraced the quiet and comfortable driving experience of an electric vehicle.”

Impressive Specs and Charging Efficiency

Saldivar’s Volvo VNR Electric is equipped with a six-battery configuration, offering 565 kWh of storage and a charging capacity of 250 kW. The truck can reach 80% charge in just 90 minutes, providing a range of up to 275 miles. This range is well-suited for Saldivar’s operations, which include running night shifts at the ports and covering up to 200 miles per day, five days a week.

To minimize downtime, Saldivar’s utilizes a charging-as-a-service (CaaS) depot managed by Prologis and operated by Performance Team Logistics, A Maersk Company. Typically, the truck is plugged in at 3:30 am and is fully charged by 4:30 pm, ready for the next shift. TEC Equipment also guided Saldivar’s through the charging process at the CaaS location, ensuring smooth operations.

Paving the Way for the Future of Drayage

This milestone demonstrates the viability of battery-electric trucks in the drayage sector, even for independent owner-operators. Volvo Trucks North America, along with TEC Equipment, continues to play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and supporting smaller operators in navigating the challenges of electrification.

Stay tuned to Freight Relocators for more updates on how electric trucks are transforming the trucking industry.