4 Gen Logistics Accelerates Toward a Fully Zero-Emission Drayage Fleet, Builds Port Charging Hubs to Power a Cleaner Inland Empire
4 Gen Logistics is moving to a fully zero-emission drayage fleet by the end of 2025, deploying electric and hydrogen trucks and building large port charging hubs to reduce pollution and transform freight in the Inland Empire.
- Company goal: 100% zero-tailpipe emissions drayage fleet by the end of 2025, ahead of state deadlines.
- Fleet today: 79 zero-emission vehicles including Volvo VNR Electrics, Kenworth T680E BEVs and Nikola hydrogen fuel cell trucks (coverage also in Electrek).
- Charging backbone: Long Beach depot operates 30 ultra-fast 350 kW chargers, with another 60 high-powered chargers planned.
- Funding & partners: Backing from Electrify America (including a $25M “Green City” investment), MSRC, CARB and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Key information
Company goal: 4 Gen aims for a 100% zero-tailpipe emissions drayage fleet by the end of 2025 — a timeline the company says is well ahead of some state deadlines.
Fleet as of 2024: The company operates 79 zero-emission vehicles, including Volvo VNR Electrics, Kenworth T680E BEVs and Nikola hydrogen fuel cell trucks (additional coverage at Electrek).
Major charging hub: The Long Beach depot runs 30 ultra-fast 350 kW chargers, described by company materials as the largest heavy-duty charging cluster at any North American port.
Expansion planned: Work continues through 2024 to add an additional 60 high-powered chargers at the Port of Long Beach to meet growing demand.
Funding & partners: Key partners and funders include Electrify America (with about $25 million for the “Green City” initiative), MSRC, the California Air Resources Board and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
From yard to highway — how the fleet rollout works
4 Gen began its electric transition in 2022 with orders for Volvo VNR Electric trucks and expanded to Class 8 electric tractors and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The mixed ZEV fleet now moves containers and trailers between the San Pedro Bay ports and inland distribution centers (Comvoy; Electrek).
Driver feedback: Operators report smoother acceleration, high torque and quieter runs — benefits that, combined with lower fuel and maintenance costs, point to reduced total cost of ownership over time despite high upfront prices.
Operationally, electric trucks suit predictable, short-haul drayage runs; hydrogen fuel cell trucks are used where longer range or fast refueling is needed. The company and observers note that infrastructure remains a key constraint.
Building the backbone — Port of Long Beach charging and Rialto depot
A central pillar is charging infrastructure. The Long Beach depot currently operates 30 ultra-fast 350 kW chargers, intended for quick turnarounds on short-haul drayage shifts and called the largest such cluster at any North American port by company materials.
Rialto, in the Inland Empire, hosts a strategic depot to serve trucks traveling inland from the ports. Work to install an additional 60 chargers at Long Beach continued through 2024 to match demand (DSLLog).
Electrify America’s role: As a key partner, Electrify America’s “Green City” initiative has committed about $25 million to build scalable heavy-duty charging for this program (Comvoy).
Funding, partners and the politics of moving early
4 Gen’s electrification mixes private investment and public grants: support comes from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC), the California Air Resources Board and both the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, helping offset infrastructure costs and speed installations.
The timeline — aiming for full conversion by 2025 — reduces regulatory risk but raises questions about utility upgrades and operating costs. Even as some California clean-fleet rules shift, 4 Gen intends to meet its 2025 target regardless (Duncan & Sons / 4 Gen; Electrek).
Operational impact on Southern California freight
Drayage—the short-haul movement of containers between ports and rail or distribution centers—is vital to Southern California freight. 4 Gen’s experience shows electric and hydrogen trucks can meet the stop-start, heavy-load needs of port work in real-world operations (Comvoy).
The mixed BEV and hydrogen fleet matches job profiles: BEVs for predictable short runs, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for longer-range or quick-refuel needs. Industry watchers suggest 4 Gen’s investments could encourage other carriers to adopt zero-emission tech sooner (Electrek; Drive4Gen).
Gaps and questions still under investigation
Despite progress, key questions remain:
- Grid capacity: How will local utilities handle peak charging loads as more heavy-duty trucks plug in?
- Lifecycle costs: What are long-term maintenance and battery replacement costs for heavy-duty BEVs versus diesel?
- Hydrogen scale: Can hydrogen fueling scale affordably along drayage corridors?
4 Gen and partners have not released detailed public models on grid impacts, leaving municipal planners and grid operators seeking more data (Comvoy; Electrek).
Implications for the Inland Empire
Economic impact
Job shifts and training: The region may see new roles in EV charging installation, maintenance and electric vehicle service. 4 Gen’s Rialto depot places charging and fleet work locally, creating technician and electrician opportunities (DSLLog).
Warehouse competitiveness: Distribution centers that host charging or coordinate schedules with ZEV fleets could become more attractive to shippers seeking lower-emission supply chains (Comvoy).
Political consequences
Local policy and permitting: Cities will face permit and zoning decisions for larger charging sites and possible grid upgrades, requiring coordination among utilities, ports and municipalities.
Air quality and regulation: Early adoption could ease regulatory pressure but also raise expectations among residents and health advocates for faster air quality improvements (Duncan & Sons / 4 Gen).
Social effects
Health benefits: Reduced diesel emissions can lower local pollution levels, improving respiratory health for communities near highways and warehouses (Comvoy).
Community relations: Local investment in clean tech can strengthen ties with residents, but companies must manage construction impacts, noise and traffic during buildouts.
Cultural relevance
Pride in local leadership: With roots in the region, 4 Gen serves as an example of how Inland Empire businesses can lead on climate and health while keeping freight moving (Drive4Gen).
Changing job identity: The shift from diesel mechanics to EV technicians may reshape career pathways and training programs at trade schools and community colleges.
Practical applications for residents
- Cleaner air near schools and homes: Electrifying drayage should reduce soot and diesel odors on heavy-haul days (Comvoy).
- Local infrastructure projects: Road crews, utilities and planners will need to coordinate closely with ports and operators for charger installs and truck traffic management (Duncan & Sons / 4 Gen).
Sources and reporting notes
Reporting for this story relied on company statements and industry coverage, including 4 Gen Logistics and partner press materials. Key sources cited in this article include:
- Comvoy: 4 Gen Logistics — Leading the charge towards zero-emission freight
- Duncan & Sons / 4 Gen press materials
- Electrek coverage
- DSLLog reporting and DSLLog on Long Beach chargers
- Drive4Gen company post
This reporting examines technical and community effects of 4 Gen’s drayage electrification and the role of Port of Long Beach charging infrastructure in supporting that shift (Comvoy; Duncan & Sons / 4 Gen).
Reporting note: All facts, figures and URLs in this article reflect published company materials and industry coverage as listed above.
