Dive Brief:
- The Port of Long Beach, the Wonderful Co. and Lincoln Transportation Services have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a port-powered “Green Truck Corridor,” according to a May 12 press release.
- The agreement establishes a framework for coordinating freight movement, linking port operations, inland logistics networks and zero-emissions trucking initiatives. The partners aim to improve supply chain efficiency while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- The proposed route would span about 150 miles between California’s Long Beach and Central Valley, a freight artery that handles more than 300,000 shipping containers of imports and exports each year.
Dive Insight:
The partnership builds on ongoing efforts to decarbonize freight transportation across California while strengthening connections between the state’s seaports and inland distribution hubs.
The Wonderful Co. — owner of brands including Wonderful Pistachios and POM Wonderful — is among California’s largest agricultural land owners, according to its website. The $6 billion privately held company is developing a 2,000-acre master-planned logistics center in Shafter, California, roughly 150 miles from the Port of Long Beach.
The logistics center already hosts 24 tenants, including several Fortune 500 companies, such as Amazon, FedEx and Walmart.
Prior to the announcement with the Port of Long Beach and Lincoln Transportation Services, the Wonderful Co. had already proposed the “Central Valley Green Pass,” a truck bypass around the city of Shafter. The company said the project would reduce pollution in residential areas while easing congestion on California State Route 99, one of the state’s primary north-south freight routes.
The new agreement expands upon that vision by linking port operations with inland freight infrastructure and emerging zero transportation networks.
“This corridor demonstrates how strategic master planning can create real, lasting impact and reflects how that system is being built over time – through coordination, collaboration and long-term planning that improves efficiency today while supporting the transition to cleaner freight,” said Joe Vargas, president of Wonderful Real Estate Development, in the release.
As the corridor’s first lead truck ambassador, Lincoln Transportation Services has ordered 300 Tesla Semi electric trucks, which have a 500-mile estimated range. The first shipment of 50 to 70 trucks is expected to arrive in June.
Additionally, Voltz, an electric truck manufacturer affiliated with Lincoln, plans to produce 100 units, with deliveries expected to begin in Q3 2027.
“By setting a strong example, we hope to inspire our industry partners to join us in creating a more sustainable future,” said Sepehr Matinifar, president of Lincoln Transportation Services, in the release.
Supporting infrastructure is also expanding at the Port of Long Beach. The port currently maintains 102 charging stations and 92 more are expected to be available later this year, which will accommodate growing adoption of zero-emission trucks.
