Estes has introduced its first emission-free Class 8 electric trucks into its national fleet, with a focus on operations along the West Coast through its Banning, California terminal.
The fleet now includes 12 Freightliner eCascadia vehicles, capable of covering approximately 230 miles on a single charge, making them well-suited for local pickup and delivery tasks.
“Our EV trucks pleasantly surprised our drivers with how much they enjoyed operating them, noting their quietness, smoothness, and agility,” said Michael Haynes, Banning Terminal Manager.
It’s worth noting that Estes also boasts 300 electric forklifts, constituting 10 percent of its total forklift count, and two electric yard jockeys for trailer repositioning within a terminal and lot.
“This electric vehicle initiative is just another way Estes focuses on sustainability and the environment,” stated Sara Graf, Vice President of Sustainability, Culture, and Communications at Estes.
On the other side of the country, Estes and Dynamic Energy Solutions recently completed two photovoltaic solar installations on the roofs of Estes terminals in Lakewood and Pine Brook, New Jersey.
Both installations offset nearly 100 percent of the energy demand for the facilities.
Over 25 years, the total expected savings are projected to surpass one million dollars, considering projected energy savings and future energy costs.
“The freight transport industry consumes a significant amount of energy, and efforts like these help Estes offset expenses in this area while promoting our investment in clean and sustainable energy sources,” said Webb Estes, President and Chief Operating Officer.
The New Jersey terminals mark the fourth and fifth solar installations completed by Estes in collaboration with Dynamic Energy.
Similar solar projects have been implemented on rooftops at Estes terminals in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania; Elkton and Baltimore, Maryland; and Greensboro, North Carolina. Additional projects are underway in Norfolk, Virginia, and Joliet, Illinois.
In total, the 2.4 MW portfolio is expected to generate approximately 1,667,000 kilowatt-hours per year, offsetting around 1,180 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, according to the transportation company.
“The transportation and logistics sector accounts for about a third of the country’s energy consumption, and it is crucial that more organizations like Estes take steps to offset their energy use through solar and other renewable energy sources,” said John Conley, President and CEO of Dynamic Energy.
