Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, March 26, 2025:
15 electric Volvos deployed at California ports
Tradelink Transport recently deployed 15 Volvo VNR Electric units for operation in its drayage business.Volvo Trucks
Tradelink Transport, a minority-owned trucking company based in Compton, California, is advancing sustainable freight transportation by deploying 15 Volvo VNR Electric trucks for drayage operations at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
In addition to its battery-electric trucks, Tradelink operates a diverse fleet of 48 trucks that includes 21 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks and 12 traditional diesel-powered trucks. This strategic mix allows Tradelink to deploy the most efficient and environmentally friendly truck available for each route.
The addition of the Volvo VNR Electric trucks strengthens the company’s ability to serve its customers while advancing its sustainability goals and paving the way for cleaner port drayage operations.
“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.”
Tradelink’s battery-electric fleet primarily operates within a 100-mile radius, making runs to the Inland San Bernardino and Riverside areas in the mornings, followed by shorter local moves in the afternoons. The trucks operate five to six days a week, returning to base each evening to be charged overnight.
The company primarily operates an employee-driver model and views battery-electric trucks as a key tool for driver recruitment and retention. The zero-tailpipe emission Volvo VNR Electric truck significantly reduces noise, heat, and vibration, creating a cleaner and more comfortable work environment.
“Once drivers experience battery-electric trucks, they often don’t want to switch back to conventional vehicles,” said Rigoberto Cea, president, Tradelink Transport. “The Volvo VNR Electric truck provides a smooth, quiet ride, and we’ve seen strong enthusiasm from our team as they adapt to this new technology.”
To ensure a seamless integration of battery-electric trucks into its operations, Tradelink partnered with Volvo Trucks and TEC Equipment – La Mirada, a Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle Dealer. Using Volvo Trucks’ Electric Performance Generator (EPG) route planning tool, the team analyzed real-world operating conditions to determine the most efficient routes for the Volvo VNR Electric trucks. The EPG tool evaluates key factors such as vehicle configuration, battery capacity, terrain, temperature, and traffic patterns, ensuring optimal performance and uptime.
Averitt donates $1.75M to St. Jude
Averitt recently donated $1.75 million to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Averitt
Averitt (CCJ Top 250, No. 24) associates recently presented a record donation of $1,750,001 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through Averitt Charities, the company’s charitable-giving organization.
This marks the fifth consecutive year the donation has increased, further supporting the hospital’s mission of advancing treatments and cures for pediatric catastrophic diseases.
Averitt Charities is funded by $1 weekly payroll contributions from Averitt associates through the company’s Averitt Cares for Kids program. The company also makes matching donations in honor of associate community service hours, achievements, life events and milestones. One hundred percent of Averitt Charities’ funds are designated for charitable efforts.
"The generosity and commitment of our associates continue to inspire me," said Gary Sasser, Averitt's chairman and CEO. "Their dedication to supporting St. Jude helps make a real difference in the lives of children and families facing difficult challenges. We’re especially proud of the one dollar in that donation, which represents ‘The Power of One dollar a week’ and how we can all make a positive impact."
Since becoming the first corporate sponsor of St. Jude in 1990, Averitt Cares for Kids has contributed more than $14 million to the hospital.
RaceTrac set to open 100th high-flow diesel location
As RaceTrac readies to exhibit at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, this week, the convenience store and fuel provider announced it will open the company’s 100th high-flow diesel store for truck drivers later this spring.
While subject to change based on construction timelines, RaceTrac is targeting one of three soon-to-open travel centers, including Tarrant City, Alabama; Monroe, North Carolina, or Texarkana, Texas, as the company’s 100th addition to its high-flow diesel network.
The continued expansion of the company’s diesel network of RaceTrac and RaceWay stores, which began in 2018, affirms its commitment to better serve the trucking community with high-flow diesel canopies available on-site to meet the fueling needs of professional drivers and fleets, the company said.
“Operating our own fleet gives us firsthand knowledge of what it takes to keep trucks on the road and profitable for their operators,” said Nick LaFalce, marketing manager for RaceTrac’s Travel Center and commercial fleet sales program. “At MATS 2025, we’re eager to connect with other trucking companies and demonstrate how RaceTrac and RaceWay can be valuable partners, offering convenient locations, competitive fuel pricing, broad payment acceptance, and services tailored to the specific requirements of the trucking industry.”
RaceTrac and RaceWay will be in booth No. 18060 at MATS and will showcase its range of services designed to support trucking companies and professional drivers.
