Schneider is first major carrier to achieve six million zero emission miles with the Freightliner eCascadia

Rhea-AI Summary

Schneider National (NYSE: SNDR) has achieved a significant milestone as its battery electric vehicle (BEV) fleet surpassed six million zero emission miles, resulting in a reduction of 20 million pounds of CO2 emissions. The company operates one of North America's largest BEV fleets with nearly 100 Freightliner eCascadias and a charging depot in Southern California capable of charging 32 trucks simultaneously.

As the first third-party carrier for PepsiCo's zero emission shipments globally, Schneider covered over 31,000 zero emission miles in 2023. The company's BEV fleet was supported by various grants from organizations including California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission's JETSI initiative. Schneider aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 7.5% per mile by 2025 and achieve a 60% reduction by 2035.

Positive

• Achieved 6 million zero emission miles, reducing CO2 emissions by 20 million pounds
• Operates one of North America's largest BEV fleets with nearly 100 Freightliner eCascadias
• Established charging infrastructure capable of charging 32 trucks simultaneously
• First third-party carrier for PepsiCo's zero emission shipments globally

Negative

• None.

Insights

Environmental Technology Analyst

The achievement of 6 million zero-emission miles with Freightliner eCascadias represents a significant milestone in commercial electric vehicle adoption. The reduction of 20 million pounds of CO2 emissions demonstrates the tangible environmental impact of Schneider's fleet electrification strategy. With nearly 100 eCascadias and a charging infrastructure capable of simultaneously charging 32 trucks, this deployment is one of North America's largest and most successful commercial BEV operations. The infrastructure investment and operational success prove the viability of large-scale electric freight operations, particularly in regions with supportive policies and infrastructure.

Supply Chain Analyst

Schneider's BEV initiative has created a competitive advantage in the logistics sector, particularly with sustainability-focused clients like PepsiCo. The successful integration of electric trucks into regular operations, supported by a robust charging infrastructure, positions SNDR as a leader in sustainable logistics solutions. This early-mover advantage could be particularly valuable as more shippers prioritize carbon reduction in their supply chains. The positive driver feedback regarding performance and comfort suggests potential operational benefits beyond environmental impact, including improved driver retention and reduced maintenance costs.

The company champions responsible and cleaner transportation solutions

GREEN BAY, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Schneider National, Inc. (NYSE: SNDR), a premier multimodal provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services, is marking another significant milestone as its battery electric vehicle (BEV) fleet has surpassed six million zero emission miles, highlighting its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing cleaner transportation.

“Reaching six million zero emission miles is a testament to our steadfast dedication to sustainability and innovation,” said Schneider President and CEO Mark Rourke. “Leading the way in adopting electric vehicle technology not only benefits the environment but also serves as an example of the broad service capabilities and flexibility we can offer to customers.”

This latest achievement means Schneider has had an impressive reduction of 20 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions since the company started using BEVs — equivalent to removing over 2,100 gas-powered passenger vehicles from the road for one year.

Schneider operates one of the largest BEV fleets in North America, which includes nearly 100 Freightliner eCascadias from manufacturer Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA). To power its electric fleet, the company operates a large charging depot at its Southern California Operations Center in South El Monte. The depot features 16 350 kW dual-corded dispensers, allowing the company to charge 32 trucks simultaneously.

“Schneider is a great example of the kind of forward-thinking entrepreneurship our industry needs,” said David Carson, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing at DTNA. “They’ve achieved over 6 million zero emission miles, which is a reminder for us all to keep working on overcoming challenges together on the path to zero emissions. At DTNA, we're committed to the shift to zero emissions, alongside pioneers like Schneider, who are showing us what's possible.”

Schneider’s BEV leadership benefits customers

As a responsible company, Schneider has established aggressive sustainability goals and invests in energy-efficient equipment. These efforts also support customers in meeting their own sustainability ambitions, and the BEV fleet has been a key differentiator for customers looking for more efficient transportation solutions. In 2023, Schneider was the first third-party carrier to haul zero emission shipments for PepsiCo globally, traveling more than 31,000 zero emission miles in a few short months.

"PepsiCo is proud to celebrate this milestone driven by Schneider in California. As the first partner using their electric fleet, we’ve demonstrated the power of cross-industry collaboration in reducing emissions. Together, we are working towards a cleaner, healthier environment," said David Allen, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo Foods North America.

Drivers also feel the benefits of the BEV fleet

In addition to customers, Schneider drivers have also embraced the electric trucks because of the excellent on-road experience they create. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with drivers appreciating the smooth ride, reduced engine noise and ease of steering.

“Once you drive an electric truck, you won’t want to go back to a diesel truck,” shared longtime Schneider driver Marty Boots. “The ride quality and the quietness make a huge difference in our daily operations.”

Contributing to our communities

The eCascadias primarily operate in Southern California, where they have significantly reduced emissions and contributed to cleaner air quality while transporting freight. Improving air quality in the Southern California community is important to mitigate the effects of smog and improve public health. Aligned with the goal of improving air quality, Schneider's fleet was made possible through a number of grants from organizations such as California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission’s Joint Electric Truck Scaling Initiative (JETSI), with additional support from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD).

Fifty of Schneider’s 92 eCascadias were made possible by the JETSI — a California-wide initiative working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Of the additional 42 trucks, five are jointly funded by the U.S. EPA FY18 Targeted Airshed Grant and Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP), seven are funded by the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust and 30 trucks are funded by HVIP.

"Achieving six million zero emission miles is more than a milestone — it’s a clear demonstration of how innovation in transportation can lead to cleaner, healthier air for our communities,” said Wayne Nastri, South Coast AQMD’s Executive Officer. “By embracing battery electric vehicles, Schneider is setting a great example for the industry while directly contributing to improved air quality and public health in regions like Southern California.”

Commitments beyond BEVs

With a goal to reduce CO₂ emissions by 7.5% per mile by 2025 and achieve a 60% reduction in CO₂ emissions per mile by 2035, Schneider is paving the way for a more sustainable future in transportation by extending efforts beyond its electric fleet with a broader commitment throughout the industry.

As a responsible carrier, Schneider is exploring a variety of solutions to reduce carbon emissions in addition to the BEVs such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen internal combustion engines. Additionally, all of Schneider’s non-BEV tractors currently use a mixture of biodiesel — a renewable alternative derived from organic waste such as vegetable oil and animal fats — and conventional diesel, thereby reducing traditional diesel consumption.

For more information about Schneider’s sustainability initiatives, please visit: https://schneider.com/company/corporate-responsibility/sustainability.

About Schneider

Schneider is a premier provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services. Offering one of the broadest portfolios in the industry, Schneider’s solutions include Regional and Long-Haul Truckload, Expedited, Dedicated, Bulk, Intermodal, Brokerage, Warehousing, Supply Chain Management, Port Logistics and Logistics Consulting.

Schneider has been safely delivering superior customer experiences and investing in innovation for nearly 90 years. The company’s digital marketplace, Schneider FreightPower®, is revolutionizing the industry giving shippers access to an expanded, highly flexible capacity network and provides carriers with unmatched access to quality drop-and-hook freight – Always Delivering, Always Ahead.

For more information about Schneider, visit Schneider.com or follow the company socially on Facebook, LinkedIn and X: @WeAreSchneider.

Source: Schneider SNDR

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212781266/en/

Kara Leiterman, Media Relations Manager

M 920-370-7188

leitermank@schneider.com

schneider.com/news

Source: Schneider SNDR

FAQ

How many zero emission miles has Schneider (SNDR) achieved with its electric fleet?

Schneider has achieved six million zero emission miles with its battery electric vehicle fleet.

What is Schneider's (SNDR) CO2 emission reduction target for 2035?

Schneider aims to achieve a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions per mile by 2035.

How many Freightliner eCascadias does Schneider (SNDR) operate in its fleet?

Schneider operates nearly 100 Freightliner eCascadias in its battery electric vehicle fleet.

How many trucks can Schneider (SNDR) charge simultaneously at its Southern California depot?

Schneider's Southern California charging depot can charge 32 trucks simultaneously using 16 350 kW dual-corded dispensers.

How many zero emission miles did Schneider (SNDR) achieve with PepsiCo in 2023?

Schneider traveled more than 31,000 zero emission miles for PepsiCo in 2023 as their first third-party carrier globally.