Tradelink Transport, a minority-owned trucking company based in Compton, California, has a goal to go net-zero by 2030. It recently jumpstarted that objective by adding 15 Volvo VNR Electric trucks to its drayage operations at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, a milestone in Tradelink’s commitment to cut emissions and improving air quality in one of the nation’s busiest freight corridors.
Working with Volvo Trucks and TEC Equipment, a La Mirada-based Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle Dealer, Tradelink’s battery-electric fleet will operate within a 100-mile radius, making runs to the Inland San Bernardino and Riverside areas in the mornings, followed by shorter local routes in the afternoons. The trucks operate five to six days a week, returning to base each evening to be charged overnight.
“Over the last three years, we have gained valuable insights into deploying battery-electric trucks and the supporting charging infrastructure,” said Rigoberto Cea, president of Tradelink Transport. “Having the right team makes all the difference, and Volvo Trucks and TEC Equipment have been invaluable partners in helping us scale our electric fleet. We are also fortunate to have a great landlord who was open and willing to work through the easements when deploying infrastructure.”
Tradelink’s 48-truck fleet also includes 21 compressed natural gas trucks and 12 traditional diesel-powered trucks.
“Transitioning to battery-electric trucks represents a major shift in business operations and demands collaboration and meticulous planning,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “We are immensely grateful to Tradelink Transport for placing their trust in Volvo Trucks and our comprehensive electromobility ecosystem to partner with them on the shift towards zero. Their deployment of 15 Volvo VNR Electric trucks stands as a true example of how visionary fleets can lead the charge in electrification, and help their business reach their sustainability goals while elevating operational efficiency.”
To support the 15 battery-electric truck acquisition, Tradelink worked with TEC Equipment to leverage California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), Carl Moyer Program, and the Southern California Edison Drayage Rebate. Tradelink also participated in Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Charge Ready Transport Infrastructure program, which covered the civil construction of its five-acre facility through an SCE-approved contractor, with additional work completed by Brytemove Energy. To further support their infrastructure investment, Tradelink received funds through an EnergIIZE grant from the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program that is implemented by CALSTART. Tradelink’s facility features an advanced charging network that includes six ABB Terra 184 chargers and one ABB Terra 350 with dual dispensers.
“At TEC Equipment, we understand the critical importance for fleets to adopt more sustainable transportation options and we are thrilled to have supported Tradelink in securing the necessary funding to enable their growing fleet’s move to battery-electric trucks,” said Melanie Des Laurier, new truck sales at TEC Equipment. “Tradelink’s new Volvo VNR Electric trucks represent a forward-thinking approach to reducing tailpipe emissions and noise associated with transportation and promoting cleaner air quality. With TEC Equipment’s comprehensive support, including helping to secure grants and incentives, Tradelink is well-equipped to lead by example in the transition to zero-emission technology.”
