Port of Los Angeles reduces costs and dwell times with electric terminal trucks

APM Terminals at the Port of Los Angeles has made significant strides in electrifying its operations, deploying a diverse fleet of electric vehicles and equipment to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The company now operates 36 electric cars and trucks, alongside electric straddle carriers, forklifts, telehandlers, and 22 electric terminal tractors, primarily supplied by Orange EV. This extensive electrification is supported by 51 EV charging stations, underscoring the port’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while improving operational performance. The transition to electric vehicles has delivered substantial cost savings, particularly in fuel and maintenance expenses. More notably, the port has experienced a dramatic reduction in truck dwell times, cutting the average from 90 minutes down to just 35. This improvement in cargo flow and equipment uptime has exceeded initial expectations, demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of electric terminal trucks in a demanding logistics environment. Jon Poelma, Managing Director of APM Terminals Los Angeles, expressed initial scepticism about achieving such high reliability but acknowledged the clear data supporting these gains. Beyond vehicle electrification, the port’s infrastructure also embraces clean energy solutions, with ship-to-shore cranes powered by grid electricity and shore power available for docked vessels. Poelma highlighted that nearly all ships arriving at Pier 400 were connected to shore power last year, a practice not yet common at many global terminals. This integration of electric and grid-powered equipment positions the Port of Los Angeles as a leader in sustainable port operations. The success of APM Terminals’ electrification efforts points to broader implications for the shipping and logistics sector, showcasing how electric technology can enhance both environmental performance and operational efficiency. As ports worldwide face increasing pressure to reduce emissions, the Port of Los Angeles serves as a compelling example of how investment in electric infrastructure and vehicles can yield tangible benefits. This progress may encourage other terminals to accelerate their own transitions to cleaner, more reliable equipment in the near future.