Urgent Call to Action for Zero-Emission Drayage Trucks at San Pedro Bay Ports
Key Ideas
  • The study highlights the challenges faced by trucking companies in transitioning to zero-emission drayage fleets by 2035 to meet California's ACF regulation.
  • Researchers emphasize the importance of government and industry coordination to facilitate the transition and establish Southern California as a leader in green commercial transportation.
  • Recommendations include accelerating the development of electric charging infrastructure, expanding subsidies to cover high truck prices, supporting a secondhand zero-emission truck market, and increasing investment in hydrogen-powered truck technology.
  • The San Pedro Bay Ports, a vital economic hub, would need around 31,684 battery-electric trucks by 2035 to comply with regulations, indicating the scale of the transition required.
A recent study commissioned by the Los Angeles Business Council highlights the urgent need for government and industry coordination to achieve zero-emission drayage fleets at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach by 2035. The report, conducted by USC researchers, outlines the challenges faced by trucking companies in complying with California's Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, emphasizing the high cost of zero-emission vehicles, lack of charging infrastructure, and financial constraints on small trucking firms. The study projects that around 31,684 battery-electric trucks would be required at the San Pedro Bay Ports by 2035 to meet regulatory demands. While only 345 zero-emission trucks were in service as of June 2024, the report underscores the pressing need to retire older diesel trucks and phase in green alternatives to align with cargo growth. To support this transition, the study proposes several recommendations, including expediting the development of electric charging infrastructure, increasing subsidies to offset high truck prices, fostering a secondhand zero-emission truck market, and boosting investment in hydrogen-powered truck technology. The research underscores the economic significance of the San Pedro Bay port complex, generating substantial revenue and employment opportunities. By successfully transitioning to zero-emission drayage fleets, Southern California could position itself as a front-runner in sustainable supply chain practices and green commercial transportation. The study's positive sentiment towards addressing these challenges reflects a proactive approach to environmental sustainability and economic growth in the region.
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