Volvo Trucks North America customer Hight Logistics, a privately owned port drayage services business, is expanding its all-electric fleet with the delivery of five zero-tailpipe emission Volvo VNR Electric trucks.
At the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Las Vegas, Hight Logistics signed a sales order for an additional nine Volvo VNR Electric trucks in 2024 and 10 more for Q1 2025. With a focus on environmental sustainability, Hight Logistics has created the new Hight Electric division, which is focused on acquiring battery-electric vehicles and developing charging infrastructure.
“It is a privilege to work with customers who share in our mission of decarbonizing transportation to truly move the world we want to live in, and we are thrilled that Hight Logistics is expanding their fully battery-electric fleet with the Volvo VNR Electric,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We had a tremendous meeting with Rudy Diaz at ACT Expo last month where he officially signed his deal and look forward to working with everyone at Hight Logistics to support them as they continue making a difference in the communities they serve.”
Initially, Hight Logistics integrated three Volvo VNR Electric trucks with a four-battery configuration, including one leased from Forum Mobility, in order to learn how battery-electric trucks can be integrated into its fleet and operations. With this recent acquisition, the company will soon operate a total of 27 Volvo VNR Electric trucks under the Hight Electric division. The Class 8 Volvo VNR Electric model, available in various configurations, can achieve an 80% charge in about 90 minutes for the six-battery package and 60 minutes for the four-battery package. Hight Logistics ordered 24 new trucks with the six-battery configuration, which provides a range of up to 275 miles.
The Volvo VNR Electric truck is well-suited for drayage operations and is designed as a zero-tailpipe emission transportation solution for fleet operators supporting local and regional distribution, pickup and delivery, and food and beverage distribution. Drivers can utilize the truck’s electric HVAC system to run air conditioning while waiting to be loaded or unloaded, adhering to no-idle zone regulations within the port.
The trucks will make daily runs out of the Ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Oakland. Routes range from 20 to 140 miles round trip, and trucks will charge overnight and at its warehouse between runs. Hight Logistics has installed six dual charging stations, allowing 12 trucks to charge simultaneously.
See also: Volvo Trucks launches On Demand EV adoption service
“Our customers care about moving cargo in a sustainable way, and they are seeking us out because our battery-electric fleet can help them reduce their carbon footprint,” said Rudy Diaz, founder and CEO of Hight Logistics. “We are fully committed to the investment in zero emissions trucks, and our investment in the Volvo VNR Electric trucks is a public declaration that we are helping to lead the shift to sustainable drayage transportation solutions.”
Hight Logistics worked with its local Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle Dealership, TEC Equipment in La Mirada, to identify the ideal configuration for its operations to maximize the performance capabilities and benefits of the zero-tailpipe emission Volvo VNR Electric model. TEC Equipment will also provide ongoing support, including preventive maintenance, service, and charging facilities to maximize uptime.
Hight Logistics received funding support from California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project and the Innovative Small e-Fleet program within HVIP, which aids fleets in the adoption of cleaner transport solutions by providing financial incentives for the purchase of hybrid and zero-emission vehicles. In addition, Hight Logistics was able to leverage funding from the California Environmental Protection Agency’s California Climate Investments and the federal U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Ports Plus grants, which focus on serving the disadvantaged communities surrounding the ports.
