Earlier this month, Saia took delivery of two Volvo VNR electric trucks that will join our fleet of nearly 5,000 vehicles. The zero-emission, battery-electric tractors from Volvo , a first for us, will be based out of our LAX terminal, running pickup and delivery routes there.

Deployed as part of the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project, the Volvo VNR Electric models will operate in a pilot project through the end of 2021 to demonstrate the ability of battery-electric trucks to successfully transport goods as part of our city operations.

Over the years, Saia has supported a myriad of environmentally friendly initiatives and collaborations, including a long-standing partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Program. Aside from this new pilot project, other alternative fuel initiatives on tap this year include implementing the use of compressed natural gas.

“Volvo Trucks is thrilled to partner with Saia as it begins its electromobility journey. We are confident that the Volvo VNR Electric trucks that Saia has deployed for freight transportation in the greater Los Angeles area will deliver the performance and reliability Saia requires to scale their battery-electric fleet in the future,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “By deploying a robust service model in partnership with TEC Equipment, Volvo Trucks’ largest West Coast dealership, we will ensure Saia maximizes both uptime and its investment in its zero-tailpipe-emission VNR Electric fleet.”