ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — PGT Trucking Inc. has purchased their first Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle semi-truck, becoming the first flatbed trucking company to actively grow its fleet with zero-emissions equipment.
PGT will immediately utilize the Nikola Tre BEV on a select customer account, primarily operating on local, dedicated routes, a news release stated.
“Our customers have expressed a need for sustainable shipping solutions, and we are working to align ourselves with their green energy commitments,” Gregg Troian, PGT Trucking president, said. “With the purchase of the Nikola Tre BEV, PGT is prepared to meet these demands. PGT will continue to revolutionize the industry through the Future of Flatbed, utilizing innovative technology and zero-emissions equipment to provide progressive transportation services for our customers, enhanced lifestyle benefits for our drivers and sustainable shipping methods for the environment.”
PGT’s new Research and Development Department, led by Laurence Cox, vice president of sustainability, has been tasked with analyzing and applying the company’s green fleet solutions, identifying additional short-haul usages for the battery-electric truck and exploring new initiatives to support its operation across multiple platforms.
Previously, PGT signed a letter of intent to lease 100 Nikola Tre fuel cell electric vehicle trucks, and PGT’s R&D Department will help prepare for the full integration of these units into PGT’s fleet, which are anticipated to arrive later this year.
With the addition of the new zero-emissions equipment, PGT is on track to reach its sustainability goal, reducing carbon emissions from its company-owned fleet by 35% by the year 2025, according to the news release.
“This is a tangible example of how PGT is shaping the Future of Flatbed in the transportation sector, solidifying our commitment to our customers’ sustainability goals,” Cox said. “We are excited to put our Nikola Tre BEV to work, further refining the application of this advanced equipment through our R&D department.”
PGT’s Future of Flatbed Fleet will be the first to drive the Nikola Tre BEV, working with PGT’s R&D Department, dedicated partners and customer representatives to haul flatbed loads in real world scenarios.
The drivers were selected during an extensive application process and prepared for their roles by receiving advanced training on the equipment, attending product development meetings and participating in pilot programs.
“PGT’s decision to place a Nikola Tre BEV immediately into operation is telling of their commitment to drive forward their ambitious corporate sustainability initiatives today,” Nikola Corporation President and CEO Michael Lohscheller said. “We are extremely proud to partner with another well-respected industry leader by providing progressive zero-emission transportation solutions that are intended to improve safety, reduce costs and CO2 emissions, and improve overall total cost of ownership.”
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Zero emissions?? Needing to clarify this statement-there is absolutely no vehicle produced thats Zero Emissions!! Setting aside the fact that emissions were created to manufacture this truck the daily use of this truck creates the emissions that can’t be contained from the tires that emit emissions into the atmosphere from use.