#United States #Washington #Zero-Emission #GMA Trucking #Smart Freight Centre

Global Partnership Aims to Accelerate Adoption of Zero-Emission Trucks

In a remarkable step towards a sustainable future, the Center for Green Market Activation (GMA) has joined forces with the Smart Freight Centre to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles in the trucking industry. This initiative, announced on December 17, 2024, involves the release of a request for proposal (RFP) that seeks to deploy approximately 250 Class 8 zero-emission trucks, such as battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The Goal of the Initiative

The primary objective of this ambitious pilot program is to convert up to 14 million miles of freight transportation to zero-emission using these trucks. For perspective, in 2023, only 760 new Class 8 zero-emission trucks were introduced in the U.S., highlighting the crucial need for significant investments and collective action within the industry.

GMA Trucking aims to directly address the various challenges associated with the integration of zero-emission technology into the trucking sector, including issues related to utilization, infrastructure, and market readiness. By creating connections between U.S. carriers and corporations striving to meet their climate objectives, the initiative is set to stimulate demand for zero-emission trucking services. As Kim Carnahan, CEO of GMA, stated, “This is a very clear, very loud demand signal for any carrier paying attention. Companies want zero-emission trucking services and are willing to make the investments needed to access them.”

Understanding the Book and Claim System

This RFP represents the first time that a book and claim procurement model will be used to boost the implementation of zero-emission trucks. This model has gained traction in other sectors, such as aviation and maritime, and now aims to make a significant impact in the heavy-duty trucking field. By utilizing this approach, GMA Trucking expects to provide its members with an innovative framework for achieving their “Scope 3” climate targets, which focus on emissions resulting indirectly from their operations.

Participants and Future Directions

Numerous companies have signed on, including well-known names like CarbonLeap, Etsy, Kuehne+Nagel, Netflix, and Reckitt, joining the founding members such as eBay, Meta, PepsiCo, and REI Co-op. The pilot procurement will not only aid carriers in recovering the higher operational costs associated with zero-emission trucks but also foster the expansion of this technology into regions where it is currently underutilized.

Christoph Wolff, CEO of Smart Freight Centre, emphasized the importance of transparent emissions accounting, stating, “Book and claim systems drive greater investment into low carbon transport solutions, and its implementation for zero-emission trucks can channel aggregated demand to innovative road freight carriers.”

Following the review of proposals, GMA Trucking will facilitate the establishment of bi-lateral contracts between the selected carriers and participating member companies. Additionally, GMA Trucking intends to run recurring RFP processes to ensure ongoing procurement of zero-emission trucking service attributes, thereby advancing the decarbonization of the trucking sector, which accounts for over 3% of global carbon emissions.

Conclusion

This initiative stands at a critical juncture, aiming to generate momentum towards a greener future in freight transportation. By showcasing the growing demand for zero-emission services among corporate buyers, GMA Trucking is poised to catalyze major shifts in the trucking landscape, ultimately contributing to the larger goal of reducing global emissions and addressing climate change impacts. For more information or to respond to the RFP, interested carriers can visit GMA's website. An informative webinar for potential respondents is scheduled for January 17, 2025, providing valuable insights into the process.

About GMA

The Center for Green Market Activation is dedicated to fostering innovative approaches that enable the uptake of low-carbon goods and services across industries like trucking and aviation. By forming strategic partnerships and utilizing demand aggregation, GMA champions the evolution of green markets.

About SFC

The Smart Freight Centre assists organizations in decarbonizing their shipping operations through standardized emissions accounting and collaborative decarbonization strategies. Its initiatives aim to unite various stakeholders in achieving lower carbon footprints while enhancing efficiency across the transport sector.