Schneider National is marking another significant zero-emissions milestone. The company announced that its battery electric vehicle (BEV) fleet has surpassed 6 million zero-emission miles, highlighting its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing cleaner transportation. 

The milestone means Schneider has cut 20 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions since the company started using BEVs — equivalent to removing more than 2,100 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the road for one year. 

Schneider operates one of the largest battery-electric truck fleets in North America, which includes nearly 100 Freightliner eCascadias from Daimler Truck North America. 

To power its electric fleet, the company operates a large charging depot at its Southern California Operations Center in South El Monte. The depot features 16 350 kW dual-corded dispensers, allowing the company to charge 32 trucks simultaneously.

“Schneider is a great example of the kind of forward-thinking entrepreneurship our industry needs,” said David Carson, senior vice president, sales and marketing at DTNA. 

“They’ve achieved over 6 million zero emission miles, which is a reminder for us all to keep working on overcoming challenges together on the path to zero emissions."

Schneider's Electric Trucks Offer Benefits for Customers and Drivers

Schneider said it has established aggressive sustainability goals and invests in energy-efficient equipment. 

“Reaching 6 million zero emission miles is a testament to our steadfast dedication to sustainability and innovation,” said Schneider President and CEO Mark Rourke. “Leading the way in adopting electric vehicle technology not only benefits the environment but also serves as an example of the broad service capabilities and flexibility we can offer to customers.” 

These efforts also support customers in meeting their own sustainability ambitions, and the electric-truck fleet has been a key differentiator for customers looking for more efficient transportation solutions. 

In 2023, Schneider said it was the first third-party carrier to haul zero emission shipments for PepsiCo globally, traveling more than 31,000 zero-emission miles in a few short months. 

"PepsiCo is proud to celebrate this milestone driven by Schneider in California. As the first partner using their electric fleet, we’ve demonstrated the power of cross-industry collaboration in reducing emissions. Together, we are working towards a cleaner, healthier environment," said David Allen, vice president and chief sustainability officer, PepsiCo Foods North America.

Schneider drivers have also embraced the electric trucks because of the excellent on-road experience. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with drivers appreciating the smooth ride, reduced engine noise and ease of steering. 

“Once you drive an electric truck, you won’t want to go back to a diesel truck,” said longtime Schneider driver Marty Boots. “The ride quality and the quietness make a huge difference in our daily operations.” 

The eCascadias primarily operate in Southern California, where they have significantly reduced emissions and contributed to cleaner air quality while transporting freight and getting ahead of the state's Clean Trucks Act and Clean Fleets Act regulations.

How Grants Helped Schneider Scale its Electric Truck Fleet

Schneider's fleet was made possible through a number of grants from organizations such as California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission’s Joint Electric Truck Scaling Initiative (JETSI), with additional support from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD).

Fifty of Schneider’s 92 eCascadias were made possible by the JETSI — a California-wide initiative working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Of the additional 42 trucks, five are jointly funded by the U.S. EPA FY18 Targeted Airshed Grant and Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP), seven are funded by the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust and 30 trucks are funded by HVIP.

Schneider's goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 7.5% per mile by 2025 and achieve a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions per mile by 2035, extending its sustainability efforts beyond its electric fleet with a broader commitment throughout the industry. 

The company is exploring a variety of solutions to reduce carbon emissions in addition to electric trucks, such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen internal combustion engines. 

Additionally, all of Schneider’s non-electric tractors currently use a mixture of biodiesel — a renewable alternative made from organic waste such as vegetable oil and animal fats — and conventional diesel, reducing traditional diesel consumption.