Sonwil Distribution Center deployed Orange EV’s T-Series pure-electric terminal truck at its 300,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center in Buffalo, New York.

The company says replacing diesel with an Orange EV electric yard truck delivers on Sonwil’s commitment to customers to provide solutions that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and help achieve sustainability goals.

“Sonwil’s philosophy is simple,” said Dave Harper, president of Innovative Transportation Services (ITS), Sonwil’s transportation arm. “We put the customer first, continually working to add value, meet the customer’s evolving needs, and strengthen their competitive advantage.” 

For example, to increase efficiency and sustainability, ITS has worked with industry partners to design custom trailers, both dry and refrigerated, to haul increased loads. The specialized dry trailers carry over 55% more per load, resulting in fewer trips, significantly lower costs, and a smaller carbon footprint.

Orange EV’s electric terminal truck solution includes not only trucks, but also charging capabilities, telematics, on-site training, manuals, customized operator settings, warranty, etc. Building both new and remanufactured vehicles, Orange EV designs and manufactures each truck to customer specifications. Sonwil is operating a new T-Series Extended Duty Terminal Truck with Standard Onboard Charging. 

Proponents of electric yard trucks say diesel yard trucks are costly to operate due to fuel expense, maintenance, and emission control requirements; they also pose risks to employee health and safety. Fumes, heat, and dust are a few of Sonwil’s biggest challenges with diesel.

Orange EV’s electric terminal trucks (aka yard trucks, horses, spotters, hostlers, etc.) operate in all segments of the container-handling market including ports, rail intermodal, manufacturing, distribution, parcel, waste transfer, LTL freight, third-party logistics, and more.