Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Dec. 16, 2024:
Schneider’s BEV fleet hits 6 million miles
Schneider's fleet of nearly 100 Freightliner eCascadia battery-electric trucks operates primarily in Southern Califonria.Schneider
Schneider National (CCJ Top 250, No. 6) marked another significant milestone as its battery electric vehicle (BEV) fleet has surpassed 6 million zero-emission miles, highlighting its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing cleaner transportation.
“Reaching 6 million zero-emission miles is a testament to our steadfast dedication to sustainability and innovation,” said Schneider President and CEO Mark Rourke. “Leading the way in adopting electric vehicle technology not only benefits the environment but also serves as an example of the broad service capabilities and flexibility we can offer to customers.”
This latest achievement means Schneider has had a reduction of 20 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions since the company started using BEVs – equivalent to removing more than 2,100 gas-powered passenger vehicles from the road for one year.
Schneider operates one of the largest BEV fleets in North America, which includes nearly 100 Freightliner eCascadias. To power its electric fleet, the company operates a large charging depot at its Southern California Operations Center in South El Monte. The depot features 16 350 kW dual-corded dispensers, allowing the company to charge 32 trucks simultaneously.
The eCascadias primarily operate in Southern California, where they have significantly reduced emissions and contributed to cleaner air quality while transporting freight. Improving air quality in the Southern California community is important to mitigate the effects of smog and improve public health. Aligned with the goal of improving air quality, Schneider's fleet was made possible through a number of grants from organizations such as California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission’s Joint Electric Truck Scaling Initiative (JETSI), with additional support from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD).
Fifty of Schneider’s 92 eCascadias were made possible by the JETSI – a California-wide initiative working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Of the additional 42 trucks, five are jointly funded by the U.S. EPA FY18 Targeted Airshed Grant and Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP), seven are funded by the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust and 30 trucks are funded by HVIP.
Graves again selected to lead House transportation committee
The House Steering Committee on Thursday voted to allow Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri) to continue serving as chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the 119th Congress.
The Steering Committee last week approved a waiver to allow Graves to continue to hold the position. According to a Politico report, GOP rules prevent a member from leading or being ranking member of the same committee for three consecutive terms.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected by my Steering Committee colleagues to serve as Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman for the 119th Congress,” Graves said. “Over the last two years, our committee has worked hard to pass a number of major infrastructure bills, including the FAA Reauthorization Act and the Water Resources Development Act, and we have a golden opportunity to do much more in the next Congress.”
Graves added that T&I “will hit the ground running in 2025” and “will work with President Trump to advance his infrastructure priorities, developing the next long-term highway bill, and focusing on fixing the real infrastructure that moves people and goods safely and efficiently throughout our country.”
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association congratulated Graves on his selection to again lead the committee.
“OOIDA congratulates Chairman Graves on being selected by his colleagues to continue leading the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee in the 119th Congress,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer. “We have a strong relationship with Chairman Graves and look forward to working with him and his committee next year on a surface transportation reauthorization bill that includes pro-trucker priorities like expanded truck parking, fighting freight fraud, and allowing restroom access at shippers and receivers.”
The House Republican Conference still must vote to approve the Steering Committee’s recommendations.
Averitt delivers holiday cards to troops
Averitt (CCJ Top 250, No. 24) continued its support of military service members by participating in the "10,000 for the Troops" program organized by New Country 96.3 KSCS in Dallas/Fort Worth.
In 2024, Averitt associates collected and shipped more than 18,000 holiday cards to troops overseas. Contributions included 4,000 cards from Averitt's corporate office and additional cards from 17 different facilities, primarily in Texas.
The cards were carefully organized, counted and prepared for delivery to ensure they reached service members in time for the holidays. The initiative, part of a long-standing collaboration with the radio station, aims to boost morale and show appreciation to military personnel during the festive season.
“Our partnership with this program is both an honor and a privilege,” said Larry Vannatta, regional vice president of sales for Texas. “Seeing the impact of our efforts is truly rewarding.”
In addition to collecting cards, Averitt matched the time contributed by associates with a contribution to Averitt Cares for Kids, the company’s charitable giving organization that primarily supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
