Volvo Trucks North America, in collaboration with its dealer TEC Equipment, has announced that customer Saldivar’s Trucking will become the first independent owner-operator in the U.S. to deploy a Volvo VNR Electric truck for drayage operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

“While large fleets often make headlines for their ambitious investments in battery-electric vehicles, nearly half of the 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the U.S. are owner-operators running their businesses with just one truck,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “These small operations face unique challenges, from the initial capital investment to securing adequate charging infrastructure. TEC Equipment has been instrumental in supporting owner-operators like Saldivar’s Trucking through the transition to battery-electric vehicles. Their dedication to providing comprehensive support and securing necessary funding demonstrates how crucial dealer partners are in turning the vision of owning a battery-electric vehicle into a reality for fleets of all sizes.”

California Air Resources Board (CARB)’s Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) Rule, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2024, places zero-emissions vehicle requirements on fleets of all sizes concerning new drayage trucks operating at California seaports or intermodal railyards. These requirements present financial challenges for smaller operators, many of whom lack the upfront capital needed to make the transition to electrification.

Saldivar’s Trucking was able to overcome this hurdle by securing $410,000 in funding from CARB’s On-Road Heavy-Duty Voucher Incentive Program (VIP), which provides funding to replace older, heavy-duty trucks with zero-emission vehicles. The program is directed exclusively to small fleets with 10 vehicles or less that operate in California and aims to bridge the gap between the regulatory push for clean transportation and the financial realities faced by small business owners.

Saldivar’s Volvo VNR Electric features a six-battery configuration, with 565 kWh of storage capacity and a 250 kW charging capability. The zero-tailpipe emission truck can charge to 80% in 90 minutes to provide a range of up to 275 miles.

Saldivar’s uses a charging-as-a-service (CaaS) depot owned by Prologis and operated by Performance Team Logistics, A Maersk Company. The CaaS model allows Saldivar’s to charge his Volvo VNR Electric during the day, typically plugging in around 3:30 am to have it fully charged and ready for the next shift at 4:30 pm.