Port of Long Beach unveils EV freight corridor

The Port of Long Beach, The Wonderful Company and Lincoln Transportation Services have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop what is described as the world’s first port-powered Green Truck Corridor linking Long Beach with California’s Central Valley.

The initiative aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality along one of the busiest freight trucking routes in the US, connecting the San Pedro Bay port complex with inland agricultural and logistics hubs.

The agreement was signed by Dr Noel Hacegaba, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, Jose Cardenas, CEO of Lincoln Transportation Services, and Joe Vargas, President of Wonderful Real Estate Development.

The corridor will connect the Port of Long Beach, which handles more than $300 billion in cargo annually, with California’s Central Valley agricultural sector, valued at approximately $40 billion.

Mayor Rex Richardson said: “By launching the world’s first port-powered Green Truck Corridor, the Port of Long Beach continues to demonstrate that we can advance our economy and reduce our emissions at the same time.

“This represents yet another example of how Long Beach is leading the way by fostering innovation in partnership with private industry in our city and across the region.”

The signing followed unanimous approval of the MoU by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners.

The framework outlines plans for closer integration between port operations, inland logistics infrastructure and zero-emission trucking deployment.

More than 300,000 TEUs currently move between the San Pedro Bay ports complex and the southern Central Valley each year.

A central component of the project is the Wonderful Logistics Center (WLC) in Shafter, California. The 2,000-acre logistics hub is located along the BNSF Railway main line and serves as a key inland distribution point connecting ports with businesses across the western US.

Frank Colonna, President of the Long Beach Harbor Commission, stated: “I want to thank Lincoln Transportation Services and The Wonderful Company for their participation in the Port’s first corridor dedicated to green trucks.

“Our industry partners have always been key to our success in improving the environment – and this is another great example of that.”

Lincoln Transportation Services will act as the corridor’s lead truck operator. The company has ordered 300 Tesla Semi electric trucks and expects to receive its first 50 to 70 vehicles in June.

Its affiliated company, Voltz, is also manufacturing 100 electric trucks scheduled for delivery by Q3 2027.

Dr Noel Hacegaba, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, said: “By collaborating with The Wonderful Company and Lincoln Transportation Services to launch this first-of-its-kind Green Truck Corridor, we are accelerating the deployment of clean trucks on one of the nation’s busiest inland trade routes.”

The project forms part of the Port of Long Beach’s wider strategy to become a zero-emissions seaport. The corridor will include rapid charging infrastructure at both the Port of Long Beach and Shafter.

The port currently operates 102 EV truck charging stations, with a further 92 expected to become operational later this year.