The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) is helping drayage fleets transition to zero-emission vehicles by expanding access to education and free technical assistance through the NWSA’s Zero-Emission Drayage Assistance Program (ZEDAP). Drayage operators can receive free, personalized support to better understand zero-emission truck options, available incentives, and key operational considerations, including charging and route planning.
Through personalized guidance and educational resources, the program helps drayage operators transition to ZEVs with ease.
The program is designed to improve access to information, support informed decision-making, and contribute to cleaner air and healthier ports and communities.
Benefits of ZEVs
For Operators:
Fleets have reported saving $27,000 per year on fuel* and up to $7,000 per year in maintenance costs when using Class 8 zero-emission trucks.
Zero‑emission trucks also eliminate tailpipe emissions where people work and wait (terminal gates, loading docks, yard queues), improving on‑site air quality for drivers, longshore workers and terminal staff.
*Estimate based on average electricity cost of $0.12/kWh and energy consumption of approximately 2.1 kWh per mile (~$0.25 per mile). Actual costs vary by utility rate, mileage, and duty cycle.
For Communities:
Communities near the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma experience some of the highest cumulative environmental health impacts in Washington, according to the Washington State Department of Health’s Environmental Health Disparities Map. These impacts are driven in part by exposure to diesel emissions from freight activity.
Reducing diesel truck activity at ports can help lower air pollution exposure in nearby communities. Transitioning drayage trucks to zero-emissions can play an important role in improving local air quality, especially along high-traffic freight corridors and in neighborhoods located near port operations.
A 2023 study of electrifying diesel heavy‑duty drayage trucks at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach showed that communities around ports can see a reduction in long-term health issues like asthma when drayage operators fully adopt zero-emission trucks.
Learn About Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs)
Fleets in the U.S. are already adopting zero-emission trucks. Learn how fleets in California are successfully making the transition below:
“Currently we run 55 zero-emission vehicles here in Rialto, California. Forty of those vehicles are battery electric and 15 hydrogen fuel cells. Our drivers are doing anywhere from 250 to 350 miles a day. Out of all the drivers that we have, they prefer to stay in these battery electric vehicles.” -Dennis Agular, Terminal Manager at 4Gen Logistics.
“The hydrogen-electric has a lot of torque - loaded or empty - drives the same.” -Robert Sanchez, Driver, 4Gen Logistics, Family-Owned Drayage Fleet.
“When it comes to just regular service, obviously there's no PMs, there's no oil to change.” -Dennis Agular, Terminal Manager at 4Gen Logistics.
“They're very powerful, they stop on a dime. You don't have to get fuel; you don’t have to get your hands dirty. All you got to do is plug it in.” -Jose Viegas, Driver, Hight Logistics.
What You Should Know About ZEVs
Fuel SavingsDrayage operators can save up to $135,000 in fuel their first 5 years of owning a ZEV.* |
Maintenance CostsZEVs have fewer moving parts than diesel vehicles, which can reduce routine maintenance needs. Some fleets report saving up to $35,000 in maintenance costs over the first five years of operation. |
PerformanceZEVs are reported to have increased satisfaction year-over-year as vehicle models improve range and reliability. |
Driver ExperienceDrivers report ZEVs to be more enjoyable to drive than diesel counterparts due to their lower noise, lower vibrations, and smoother acceleration. |
*Estimate based on average electricity cost of $0.12/kWh and energy consumption of approximately 2.1 kWh per mile (~$0.25 per mile). Actual costs vary by utility rate, mileage, and duty cycle.
FAQs
What is a zero-emission truck?
Zero-emission trucks are vehicles that produce no tailpipe emissions. For drayage operations, the two main types are:
- Battery-electric trucks (BEVs): Powered by electricity and charged at a depot or charging station.
- Hydrogen fuel cell trucks (FCEVs): Powered by hydrogen and refueled similarly to diesel.
How much does a zero-emission drayage truck cost?
A zero-emission drayage truck typically costs $260,000 - $450,000 but varies depending on the vehicle manufacture and dealer. With incentives, drayage providers can get a brand new zero-emission truck for roughly the same price as a used diesel truck.
Can I get funding to help buy a zero-emission Class 8 truck?
Yes. The Washington Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure and Fleet Program (WAZIP) offers point-of-sale discounts to help offset the cost of eligible zero-emission Class 8 trucks, including drayage use cases. Drayage trucks may be eligible for enhanced voucher amounts of $200,000. Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis and apply at purchase — no waiting for rebates.
Are used or second-hand zero-emission trucks available?
Used models may be available and are eligible for incentives.
What is the range of a Class 8 zero-emission truck?
Range varies by model and configuration, from about 200 to 500 miles before recharging or refueling. Contact our Zero-Emission Drayage Assistance Program for more information.
How long does it take to charge or refuel a zero-emission trucks?
Charging or refueling time depends on the charger type and setup:
Battery-electric trucks: Charging time varies based on the type of charger.
- AC (Level 2) charging provides slower, steady charging that is best suited for overnight charging.
- DC fast charging delivers higher power that can significantly reduce charge time, often taking 1-2 hours depending on battery size and charger capacity.
Many fleets align charging with existing downtime, such as overnight parking, between shifts, or scheduled breaks, to minimize operational disruption.
Hydrogen fuel cell trucks: Refueling typically takes 20-40 minutes.
What charging infrastructure is available?
Zeem Solutions is developing a SeaTac Depot (Opening Q1 2027) designed to support commercial fleets and drayage operations in the region. This SeaTac Depot is strategically located near key logistics corridors, including State Route 99 and Interstate 5, at 2612 S. 208th Street in SeaTac, Washington, and will include charging for all vehicle classes and manufacturers.
What maintenance is required for zero-emission trucks?
Zero-emission trucks generally require regular inspections of tires and system checks. There are fewer moving parts so there is less routine maintenance done to zero-emission trucks, including no oil changes and less brake wear due to regenerative braking.
Can a zero-emission truck handle a full drayage duty cycle?
In most cases, yes, depending on the route and operational needs. Drayage routes typically fall within the range of today’s battery-electric trucks and fleets are successfully operating zero-emission trucks in other port environments today.
Interested in Trying ZEVs?
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