4 Gen Logistics: Leading the Charge Towards Zero-Emission Freight

The San Pedro Bay Port Complex consists of the two busiest container ports in the United States: Los Angeles and Long Beach. The complex handles an immense volume of cargo, but it also contributes significantly to air pollution in Southern California. Recognizing the urgent need for change, 4 Gen Logistics, a drayage company that hauls between the Port Complex and the Inland Empire, has emerged as a leader in the transition to zero-emission freight transportation.

The Need for Sustainability in Transportation

4 Gen Logistics began its zero-emission journey in 2022 with an order of 41 Volvo VNR Electric trucks, driven by a desire to reduce their environmental footprint and improve air quality in their communities.

“We are committed to leading the charge with the most sustainable drayage fleet in the industry,” said David Duncan, CEO of 4 Gen Logistics. “With our partners, we are setting the standard for the industry and demonstrating that zero-emission freight operations are not just a goal but a reality today. We thank Electrify America for their partnership, MSRC, CARB, and the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles for providing the necessary grant awards to make us one of the first purchasers and industry leaders of ZEV operations.”

This initial investment demonstrated their commitment to sustainability and paved the way for further expansion of their electric fleet. Today, 4 Gen Logistics operates 79 zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), including Class 8 Volvo VNRs, Kenworth T680E BEVs, and Nikola hydrogen fuel cell trucks. It aims to achieve a fully electric fleet by 2025—a full decade ahead of California's regulatory mandates.

To support this growing fleet, 4 Gen Logistics has made significant investments in charging infrastructure. In collaboration with Electrify America, they have launched two heavy-duty vehicle charging depots strategically located in Long Beach and Rialto, California. The Long Beach facility boasts 30 hyper-fast chargers with up to 350kW power output, making it the largest charging depot at any North American port.

This depot ensures that 4 Gen Logistics can efficiently recharge its electric trucks, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency. Their Rialto depot further expands charging capacity and provides a strategic location for recharging trucks traveling between the port and inland distribution centers.

Critical OEM and Dealer Assistance

"The transition to battery-electric vehicles represents a significant shift in the transportation industry, but it's not without its challenges. Cost barriers for fleets adopting battery-electric vehicles are a major concern, along with the supporting infrastructure needed to effectively integrate these vehicles into daily operations,” said James Barker, electromobility territory finance manager, Volvo Financial Services. "4 Gen Logistics is one of the progressive fleets that is leading the way in overcoming these challenges and dedicated to scaling zero-emissions vehicles to reduce their impact on the communities where its freight trucks operate. By providing resources and support, Volvo Trucks North America and Volvo Financial Services are making the electromobility transition easier for companies like 4 Gen Logistics. This partnership not only benefits the environment but also helps drive the long-term growth and success of businesses committed to reducing their carbon footprint."

In addition, 4 Gen Logistics received funding support from California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) and the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) for the purchase of the Volvo VNR Electric trucks.

TEC Equipment’s Fontana and La Mirada dealership sales teams assisted 4 Gen Logistics in evaluating funding options and determining the ideal configuration of the Volvo VNR Electric truck that would meet the needs of their daily operations. The dealerships have also led driver training to help 4 Gen Logistics’ drivers understand how to maximize range with regenerative braking. The dealerships will help 4 Gen Logistics maximize uptime for their Volvo VNR Electric trucks as part of the Volvo Gold Contract, a premier service offering for the Volvo VNR Electric model that provides a turn-key solution to provide customers with operational peace of mind with electric vehicles.

Local Support: A Driving Force in Green Solutions

4 Gen Logistics' ambitious strides towards zero-emission freight wouldn't be possible without the strong support and commitment of the Port of Long Beach. Recognizing the significant impact of drayage trucks on local air quality, the Port of Long Beach has actively encouraged the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

“We are continuing a mission begun by the Harbor Commission and Port staff in 2005, when the Green Port Policy was adopted,” said Sharon L. Weissman, Long Beach Harbor Commission President. “The future is zero emissions, and alongside partners such as 4 Gen Logistics, Electrify America, Volvo, and Kenworth, we are going to lead the industry there.”

The Port of Long Beach's commitment to sustainability creates a favorable environment for companies like 4 Gen Logistics to thrive. By providing the necessary support and infrastructure, the port is playing a crucial role in driving the transition to zero-emission freight transportation and creating a cleaner, healthier future for the region. 

Outcomes and Benefits of Fleet Electrification

The impact of 4 Gen Logistics' zero-emission efforts is significant. Their electric trucks have already contributed to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with further reductions expected as they continue to expand their ZEV fleet. Beyond the environmental benefits, the transition to electric trucks has also improved driver satisfaction. Drivers appreciate the quieter operation and smoother ride of the electric vehicles, contributing to a better working environment.

“Feedback from our drivers showed that the Volvo VNR Electric was their preferred truck choice — from the quiet motor, smooth ride, and hauling power,” confided Duncan. “That was a key factor in our purchasing decision.”

4 Gen Logistics' commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. They have been recognized for their leadership in the industry, setting an example for other drayage companies to follow. Their proactive approach to adopting electric trucks and developing charging infrastructure demonstrates that zero-emission freight transportation is not just a future goal, but a present-day reality.

Collaboration: A Key Ingredient for Success

The journey towards zero-emission commercial transportation is not one that any company can undertake alone. As 4 Gen Logistics' experience demonstrates, successful implementation of sustainable solutions requires collaboration and support from a diverse network of stakeholders.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Volvo Trucks North America play a crucial role in developing and producing the electric vehicles that form the foundation of a zero-emission fleet. Dealers provide essential sales and service support, ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of these vehicles. Infrastructure providers, such as Electrify America, are vital for building the robust charging networks needed to power the electric fleet. And finally, public entities like the Port of Long Beach provide critical policy support, financial incentives, and infrastructure development that create a favorable environment for companies to invest in zero-emission solutions.

4 Gen Logistics' success story highlights the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. By working together, these stakeholders are accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the freight industry. Their collective efforts demonstrate that a collaborative approach is essential for overcoming the challenges and realizing the full potential of zero-emission freight transportation. This serves as a valuable lesson for other companies looking to embark on their own sustainability journeys: building strong partnerships and leveraging the expertise of multiple stakeholders is crucial for achieving ambitious zero-emission goals.

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