As someone who has spent over three decades in the trucking and logistics industry, I have witnessed firsthand the growing importance of sustainability and the accelerating shift toward zero-emission technologies. At TCI Transportation, we’ve been on the front lines of this transition, adopting clean technologies and helping our customers navigate the complex regulatory and economic landscape. In this article, I’d like to share some of the key insights and lessons we’ve learned along the way, in hopes of assisting others in the industry who are embarking on their own sustainability journeys.
Early Solar Adoption
At TCI, our sustainability journey began with the adoption of solar power at our facilities in Commerce, Fontana, and Phoenix. Primarily driven by the potential for long-term cost savings, we recognized that generating our own clean electricity could also significantly reduce our environmental footprint.
Installing solar arrays with a combined capacity of nearly one megawatt was a substantial undertaking, but the benefits were clear. Within 3-4 years, we achieved payback on our investment through lower electricity bills, tax credits, and depreciation benefits. Additionally, we’ve avoided a substantial amount of annual carbon dioxide emissions, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can go hand-in-hand.
Our early solar adoption was a key milestone, laying the groundwork for our future efforts in fleet electrification and supporting customers transitioning to zero-emission trucking. It showcased the value of proactive investments in clean technologies, even without immediate regulatory pressures.
At TCI, we take pride in our early solar leadership and remain committed to expanding renewable energy usage across our operations. By generating clean power, we not only reduce our environmental impact but also demonstrate the business case for clean technologies in our industry—a powerful message as we work towards a more sustainable future for trucking and logistics.
The Sustainability Imperative
Today, the transportation sector finds itself at a critical juncture, facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact as one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Governments worldwide are setting ambitious targets to phase out fossil fuel vehicles and accelerate the adoption of zero-emission alternatives. In the U.S., California is at the forefront of this movement, implementing aggressive policies like the Advanced Clean Fleets rule, which mandates a growing percentage of commercial vehicles to be zero-emission starting in 2025.
This regulatory push is accompanied by a growing demand from shippers and consumers for cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions. Companies that fail to embrace sustainability risk losing not only customers but also investors and employees who are increasingly prioritizing environmentally responsible practices. The message is clear: sustainability is no longer a mere option or a nice-to-have – it has become a business imperative.
For the trucking and logistics industry, this means that companies must adapt and innovate to remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. Those who proactively invest in clean technologies, such as electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and implement sustainable practices throughout their operations will be better positioned to meet the evolving needs and expectations of their stakeholders.
The Economic Case for Clean Technologies
Of course, embracing sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing – it also has to make economic sense. Fortunately, the business case for clean technologies in trucking is getting stronger every year. While zero-emission trucks still have higher upfront costs than their diesel counterparts, the total cost of ownership can be lower when you factor in reduced fuel and maintenance costs, as well as government incentives.
At TCI, we’ve seen this firsthand with our deployments of electric yard trucks. By leveraging California’s HVIP and CORE voucher programs, which provide incentives in excess of $100,000 per vehicle, we’ve been able to offer our customers electric yard trucks at a lower monthly cost than equivalent diesel models. When you add in the fuel and maintenance savings over the life of the vehicle, the economics become very compelling.
Navigating the Challenges
That said, the transition to zero-emission trucking is not without its challenges. Range anxiety is a major concern for many fleets, particularly those with long-haul operations or unpredictable routes. While battery technology is improving rapidly, the energy density of diesel still outperforms even the most advanced lithium-ion chemistries. This means that electric trucks will have a tougher time replacing diesel in long-haul trucking until we see major breakthroughs in battery technology or the development of alternative zero-emission solutions like hydrogen fuel cells.
Charging infrastructure is another critical challenge. While yard trucks and other vehicles with predictable routes can rely on overnight or opportunity charging at a central depot, longer-range trucks will need a network of high-powered charging stations along key freight corridors. Utilities and charging providers are working hard to roll out this infrastructure, but it will take time and significant investment to build out a truly comprehensive network.
Beyond infrastructure, there are also challenges around workforce training and fleet integration. Technicians need to be trained in high-voltage safety and EV repair, while fleet managers need to rethink their operational and maintenance procedures. At TCI, we’re investing heavily in technician training and working closely with our OEM partners to ensure we have the skills and knowledge to support our growing EV fleet.
Planning for an Electric Future
Despite these challenges, electric vehicles will play a significant role in the future of trucking – and the key to success is proactive planning and preparation. At TCI, we’re working closely with our customers to evaluate where EVs can feasibly be deployed today and developing roadmaps to guide their adoption over time. This includes providing detailed total cost of ownership analyses, identifying available incentives, and helping customers install charging infrastructure at their facilities.
We’re also keeping a close eye on emerging technologies like hydrogen fuel cells, which could play a major role in long-haul trucking. While the economics of hydrogen are not as favorable as battery EVs today, that could change as the cost of renewable hydrogen production falls and the fueling infrastructure expands. Several major OEMs are developing Class 8 fuel cell trucks with ranges of 500 miles or more, and California has set ambitious targets to deploy 200 hydrogen stations by 2025.
The other critical piece of the puzzle is the electric grid. As more and more EVs hit the road, they will place increasing demands on the grid, particularly during peak charging times. Utilities and regulators will need to make significant investments in grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and energy storage to ensure the grid can handle this increased load. Fleet Managers will also need to think carefully about their charging strategies and consider solutions like managed charging and vehicle-to-grid integration to minimize costs and strain on the grid.
Collaboration is Key
At TCI, one of the most crucial lessons we’ve learned is that navigating the transition to zero-emission trucking requires collaboration on multiple fronts. No single company can tackle this challenge alone. Successful adoption of clean technologies depends on close partnerships between fleets, utilities, policymakers, and technology providers.
We’ve experienced the power of collaboration firsthand through our work with utilities like Southern California Edison. Their support, through make-ready infrastructure programs and technical assistance, has been instrumental in our successful EV deployments. By working together, we’ve been able to overcome obstacles and accelerate the adoption of zero-emission solutions.
Engaging with industry groups and peer-to-peer networks has also proven invaluable. Organizations such as the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), CALSTART, and the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo provide essential platforms for fleet managers to connect with sustainability leaders, share best practices, and stay informed about the latest industry developments.
These collaborative efforts not only help individual companies navigate the complexities of clean technology adoption but also foster a sense of shared purpose and collective progress within the industry. By learning from and supporting one another, we can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future for trucking and logistics.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future of trucking and logistics, I’m excited by the opportunities that zero-emission technologies present to not only reduce our environmental impact but also to create a more efficient, resilient, and profitable industry. By embracing sustainability as a core business strategy and proactively planning for the transition, we can position ourselves to thrive in the low-carbon economy of the future.
At the same time, I recognize that this transition will not be easy – and it will not happen overnight. It will require significant investment, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace change and innovation. However, I’m confident that by working together and learning from each other, we can overcome the challenges and build a cleaner, more sustainable freight transportation system that benefits our customers, our communities, and our planet.
So to my colleagues and peers in the industry, I encourage you to start your sustainability journey today, if you haven’t already. Engage with your customers, partners, and employees to understand their needs and expectations. Evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of clean technologies for your fleet. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help and learn from others who have gone before you. Together, we can navigate the road to zero-emission trucking and build a better future for our industry and our world.
