Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023:
J.B. Hunt will use the trucks along key routes, including in the greater Los Angeles and Phoenix areas.Nikola Corporation
The initial truck order will include 10 battery-electric and three hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, with delivery of the first vehicles expected this month. These trucks will be strategically located at facilities servicing J.B. Hunt’s key routes, including in the greater Los Angeles and Phoenix areas. Nikola’s hydrogen arm, HYLA, will supply the hydrogen and fueling infrastructure for the hydrogen fuel cell trucks.
“It’s important for us to be at the forefront of new technologies and innovative solutions that have the potential to change the way we move freight,” said Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer and president of contract services at J.B. Hunt. “These zero-emission trucks from Nikola advance our progress towards achieving our ambitious goal to reduce carbon emission intensity through viable solutions.”
The move is part of J.B. Hunt’s effort to reduce its environmental impact. In November 2022, the company set an ambitious goal to reduce carbon emission intensity 32% by 2034 (with a 2019 baseline). Incorporating alternative powered equipment into its fleet is one of three key focus areas in reaching the goal, the company said.
FTR's Shippers Conditions Index improved in May to 8.6 from a 7.1 reading in April.FTR
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) rose in May to 8.6 from a 7.1 reading in April. “The Shippers Conditions Index rose in May as it became more obvious that there would be abundant capacity available in the system for longer during 2023,” said Todd Tranausky, vice president of rail and intermodal at FTR. “While there are signs that capacity may be as loose as it is going to get, economic uncertainty could keep some shippers on the sidelines as they weigh their own inventory situation.”
