The I-10 Shipper-Carrier Coalition Welcomes New Members for Sustainable Freight Solutions

New Era for Sustainable Freight Transport

The logistics landscape is witnessing a significant shift toward sustainability, with the I-10 Shipper-Carrier Coalition leading the charge. Recently, major players such as C.H. Robinson, DHL Supply Chain, Electrolux Group, and IKEA have joined this pioneering initiative aimed at testing heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle operations along the I-10 corridor in the US, stretching from Los Angeles to El Paso. This coalition is playing a crucial role in redefining how freight transport can align with climate action goals.

A Coalition Designed for Change

The I-10 Coalition constitutes a diverse array of members who are well-positioned to enact meaningful change in the transportation sector. Previous members include notable names like AIT Worldwide Logistics, Maersk, Microsoft, and PepsiCo, showcasing a robust partnership landscape. Each organization brings unique expertise and resources to ensure the success of this ambitious project.

The role of key partners is pivotal; Terawatt Infrastructure is set to provide strategic charging solutions, reinforcing the viability of electric truck operations with a network of charging hubs planned for launch in 2027. These hubs will utilize state-of-the-art Megawatt Charging System (MCS) capable chargers, ensuring that electric and autonomous vehicles can be powered efficiently.

Commitment to Sustainability

Rachel Schwalbach, Vice President of Environmental, Social, and Governance at C.H. Robinson, expressed her enthusiasm, stating that their commitment to sustainability is unwavering. With a focus on innovation and technology, they aim to address complex sustainability challenges faced by global supply chains. C.H. Robinson looks forward to expanding its infrastructure and sustainability offerings to a vast network of contract carriers and customers.

Similarly, DHL Supply Chain, one of the world’s largest third-party logistics providers, is set on reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Their decarbonization strategy, which includes shifting 30% of their heavy-duty fleet to near-zero emissions by 2030, reflects their commitment to adapting to the sustainability mandates sweeping the industry. This coalition represents a critical step in establishing an accessible EV charging infrastructure, crucial for implementing medium and heavy-duty electric trucks.

Electrolux Group’s Director of Sustainability, Tara Helms, also emphasized the collective responsibility for emissions reduction, stating that the consortium's efforts could potentially electrify transport along the I-10 corridor, driving progress locally and globally. As a brand responsible for a vast supply chain, they recognize their influence in creating sustainable transport initiatives.

IKEA’s Manager of Supply Chain Operations, Doris Martetschläger, reinforced the company's goals to drastically cut GHG emissions from product transport and to transition fully to zero-emission heavy-duty transportation by 2040. This level of commitment emphasizes the urgency of collaborative efforts to decarbonize supply chains on a larger scale.

Leading the Transition

Christoph Wolff, CEO of Smart Freight Centre, stated that the expansion of the coalition is crucial for electrifying long-haul freight transport. He reinforced the message that bold actions and strong collaboration across industries are essential for creating a roadmap toward a zero-emission trucking sector. This coalition’s collective efforts could serve as a model for the future of freight decarbonization.

This initiative exemplifies how major companies can come together to tackle environmental challenges and highlights the shifting dynamics in the freight sector toward more sustainable practices. As the plans progress, the I-10 corridor pilot stands as a testament that through collaboration and forward-thinking, a scalable solution to transport emissions can indeed be achieved.

For more information on the I-10 Shipper-Carrier Coalition and its endeavors, visit the Smart Freight Centre or Terawatt Infrastructure websites.