The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are taking another major step toward zero-emission freight transportation, committing a combined $40 million to expand electric truck charging infrastructure across Southern California.

According to Trucking Dive, the investment is part of a broader agreement between the two San Pedro Bay ports aimed at accelerating the adoption of zero-emission trucks and supporting cleaner goods movement throughout one of the nation’s most important freight gateways.

Where the $40 million will go

Each port will contribute $20 million to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which will oversee funding for future regional charging infrastructure projects.

The ports are also moving forward with financial incentive programs designed to make zero-emission trucks more accessible to operators.

Funding comes from the ports’ Clean Truck Fund programs, which collect a $10 fee per twenty-foot equivalent unit from certain loaded containers moved by trucks. Since the programs began in April 2022, they have generated hundreds of millions of dollars for clean transportation initiatives.

Why charging infrastructure matters for drayage trucking

The transition to electric heavy-duty trucks depends on more than vehicle availability. Fleets also need reliable charging infrastructure positioned where trucks actually operate.

That challenge is particularly important in drayage, where trucks frequently move containers between ports, warehouses, rail facilities, and distribution centers.

Expanding regional charging capacity could make electric trucks more practical for these operations while reducing one of the biggest barriers fleets face when considering zero-emission equipment.

Ports are preparing for long-term freight growth

The investment is also connected to longer-term capacity planning. The Port of Long Beach expects to handle as many as 20 million TEUs by 2050 while pursuing its goal of becoming a 100% zero-emissions port.

Supporting that level of freight activity while reducing emissions will require significant investment in both vehicles and infrastructure.

For trucking companies serving Southern California ports, this means the transition toward zero-emission drayage is increasingly moving from long-term planning toward infrastructure development and financial incentives.

What this means for trucking

The $40 million commitment does not mean diesel trucks will disappear from port operations overnight. Cost, charging availability, vehicle range, equipment utilization, and operational requirements will continue to influence how quickly individual fleets can transition.

However, the investment demonstrates where port transportation strategy is heading. As charging networks expand and incentives become available, carriers operating in and around the San Pedro Bay ports will have more infrastructure supporting zero-emission equipment.

For fleets, the key will be evaluating when the economics and operational capabilities of electric trucks align with their specific routes and freight requirements.

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