Chicago, Illinois — Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) will host a free webinar on September 26 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, focusing on the growing trend of zero‑emission trucks in the freight sector.
The session, titled “Zero‑Emission Trucks Today and Tomorrow,” is the third installment of HDT’s “Road to Zero” series. It tackles the practical hurdles that fleet managers face when transitioning to cleaner powertrains, especially the integration of battery‑electric trucks into day‑to‑day operations. As regulators tighten FMCSA emissions standards and consumer demand for greener logistics rises, the industry is under pressure to adopt low‑carbon alternatives.
The webinar will feature a panel of seasoned professionals. Rick Mihelic, Director of Emerging Technologies at the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, will discuss the council’s Run on Less Electric – Depot project and its findings on electric truck performance. Brad Bayne, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at 4 Gen Logistics, will explain how his company plans to launch the first all‑zero‑emission drayage fleet in North America by 2025. Andrew Erin, Vice President of Technology Advancement at PGT Trucking, will showcase a Class 8 zero‑emission truck that has already begun regular service on a dedicated route. HDT’s editor and associate publisher will moderate the conversation and provide industry context.
What This Means for Drivers
CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators who run electric vehicles will learn how to manage charging schedules without disrupting delivery windows. The discussion will cover battery maintenance protocols that differ from diesel engines, such as monitoring state‑of‑charge and avoiding deep discharges. Owner‑operators can also discover financing programs that offset the higher upfront cost of electric trucks, including federal tax credits and lease‑to‑own options. For OTR truck drivers, the webinar will outline how route planning software can be adjusted to account for charging stops, helping maintain on‑time performance.
Industry Reaction
While the source article does not quote specific carriers, the broader trucking community has shown growing enthusiasm for electrification. Many fleets are already evaluating battery‑electric trucks for regional routes, and several carriers have announced pilot programs that will run through 2027. The industry’s focus on decarbonization aligns with FMCSA’s upcoming regulations that will phase out older diesel rigs in key markets.
Key Points
- HDT’s webinar is part of a three‑part “Road to Zero” series aimed at easing the transition to clean power.
- Panelists include leaders from NACFE, 4 Gen Logistics, and PGT Trucking, each bringing real‑world experience with electric fleets.
- Key questions addressed: optimal use cases, charging infrastructure, maintenance, range extension, financing, and future‑proofing.
- The discussion will also touch on the potential role of hydrogen fuel cells in the next wave of electric trucks.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job‑matching service connects CDL‑A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner‑operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.
Photo by Ronald Plett on Pexels