The Port Newark, New Jersey-based Best Transportation added a fully electric Class A tractor to its drayage arsenal and its first mission, picking up a container at the Maher Terminal, also located in the Port, and delivering it to a Costco Wholesale location within the state, went off without a hitch.

The BYD Zero Emissions On-Highway Tractor gave the fleet the honor of being the first trucking company to move a container from the Port of New York and New Jersey using an electric vehicle. Best Transportation called it the first step in its plan to increase the number of electric vehicles in its fleet.

“We made history today,” said Tom Heimgartner, president of Best Transportation. “These are exciting times for our company; we are investing in the future. Not just the future of Best Transportation, but the future of our customers, the consumer and the Port of New York and New Jersey. This is just the first step in our zero-emission vehicle program. We are making every effort to reduce the carbon footprint of our company and our customers' supply chain. The future is here and it is at Best Transportation.”

In an attempt to stay ahead of the learning curve and be ready when the next generation of electric vehicles as they become available, Best Transportation is testing the viability of this new technology. While passenger vehicles have become more popular as of late, commercial trucks have yet to conquer the range and horsepower/torque issues need to haul heavy loads.

Best Transportation completed the test run as part of its ongoing sustainability program. In addition to the BYD Zero Emissions On Highway Tractor, the company plans on introducing four electric yard hostlers for use inside the Port.