ArcBest Successfully Completes Class 8 Electric Semi-Truck Pilot in Real-World Over-the-Road Operations
ArcBest a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions, has announced the successful completion of a pilot program that tested a Class 8 long-range electric semi-truck in real-world, over-the-road freight operations. The initiative, carried out through the company’s less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier ABF Freight®, underscores ArcBest’s deep commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the future of freight transportation.
The three-week pilot program tested the capabilities of a Tesla Semi electric truck across a range of operational environments typically encountered in daily LTL freight movement. From mountainous terrain to regional metro routes, the trial was designed to evaluate not only the vehicle’s performance and range, but also driver experience, charging infrastructure compatibility, and potential long-term economic impact compared to traditional diesel-powered trucks.
Driving Toward a Greener Freight Future
In recent years, the transportation and logistics industry has come under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. As a sector responsible for a sizable share of global greenhouse gas emissions, freight carriers are exploring new ways to balance operational efficiency with environmental stewardship. For ArcBest, the pilot of a fully electric Class 8 truck represents a tangible step toward a lower-emissions future while maintaining the service quality customers expect.
“Freight transportation is a vital part of the global economy, and we know it also plays a significant role in overall greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dennis Anderson, Chief Innovation Officer at ArcBest. “While the path to decarbonization presents complex challenges — such as infrastructure needs and alternative fuel development — it also opens the door to innovation. Vehicles like the Tesla Semi highlight the progress being made and expand the boundaries of what’s possible as we work toward a more sustainable future for freight.”
Real-World Test Conditions Across Varied Terrain
During the course of the pilot, ABF Freight deployed the Tesla Semi across established dispatch lanes between Reno, Nevada, and Sacramento, California. These routes included highway segments, urban delivery areas, and intermodal shuttle operations, offering a comprehensive look at how the electric truck performs under diverse driving conditions.
The truck’s performance was evaluated over 4,494 total miles, averaging an impressive 321 miles per day. With an energy efficiency rating of 1.55 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per mile, the Tesla Semi demonstrated not only sufficient range for daily regional operations but also notable efficiency in energy consumption — a key metric when evaluating the viability of EV adoption at scale.
One particularly important test involved traversing Donner Pass, a 7,200-foot mountain route notorious for its steep climbs and variable weather. The electric semi handled the elevation with competence, matching or closely mirroring the performance of diesel trucks that regularly travel the same route. This ability to tackle demanding terrain speaks to the evolving powertrain and torque capabilities of modern EVs, particularly for heavy-duty applications.
Strong Driver Experience and Positive Feedback
Beyond mechanical and range performance, a central focus of the pilot was understanding the truck from the driver’s perspective — a critical factor in the adoption of any new technology. Feedback from ABF Freight operators was overwhelmingly positive.
Drivers noted the Tesla Semi’s high comfort levels, user-friendly controls, and enhanced safety features. The truck’s central seating position, panoramic visibility, and touchscreen-based interface were singled out as major improvements over conventional cabs. These features not only improved ease of use but also reduced fatigue, making the electric semi an attractive option for driver retention and satisfaction in an industry facing ongoing labor challenges.
“We’re not looking for a truck that performs well ‘for an EV,’” said Matt Godfrey, President of ABF Freight. “It must meet or exceed the performance and total cost of ownership targets of our most efficient diesel units. This pilot gives us great insight into the potential of EV semis in our operations.”
Godfrey’s comments reflect ArcBest’s broader strategy — one that’s focused on long-term, economically viable innovation. Electric trucks must not only align with sustainability goals but also deliver tangible business benefits. If EVs are to play a central role in the future of freight, they must demonstrate reliable uptime, reduced maintenance costs, and improved fuel economy — all while fitting within the logistical and operational realities of freight carriers.
Challenges Highlight Infrastructure Gaps
While the results of the pilot were encouraging, the program also underscored some of the ongoing challenges that must be addressed before widescale EV truck deployment can occur. Chief among these is the lack of robust, reliable charging infrastructure across long-haul and regional routes.
Unlike smaller EVs in consumer markets, Class 8 electric trucks require high-capacity charging stations and well-planned logistical coordination to minimize downtime. During the pilot, ArcBest observed the need for faster charging capabilities and expanded network availability, particularly in remote or high-traffic freight corridors.
These challenges, however, are not insurmountable. The transportation sector is actively working with utility providers, technology partners, and policymakers to accelerate the rollout of commercial charging networks that can support heavy-duty vehicles. As more companies participate in EV pilots and demand for infrastructure increases, the ecosystem necessary for EV trucking is expected to mature rapidly.
Expanding EV Applications Across ArcBest Operations
The Tesla Semi pilot is just one component of ArcBest’s broader push to integrate electric vehicles and clean energy solutions across its logistics ecosystem. The company has already deployed several electric vehicles across other segments of its operations. This includes:
- Nine electric yard tractors used for trailer movement and yard operations
- Two Class 6 electric straight trucks serving in local delivery applications
- Two electric forklifts to reduce warehouse emissions and noise pollution
Each of these deployments serves as a learning opportunity, helping ArcBest identify best practices, assess ROI, and create a roadmap for sustainable fleet expansion.
The Road Ahead: Building a Smarter, Greener Supply Chain
As ArcBest continues to evolve its logistics solutions, the company remains focused on balancing innovation with pragmatism. The Tesla Semi pilot, while a notable milestone, represents just one step in a multi-year journey toward decarbonizing freight operations.
Future efforts will likely include more extensive EV testing in diverse climates and use cases, increased collaboration with infrastructure partners, and ongoing investment in research and development. ArcBest will also continue to analyze how electric trucks can be integrated with other emerging technologies, such as route optimization software, smart freight tracking, and renewable energy solutions.
“Our goal is to leverage innovation to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and deliver logistics solutions that create long-term value for our customers,” said Anderson. “This pilot has provided valuable insights that will help us make informed decisions as we build a smarter, more sustainable supply chain.
ArcBest® (Nasdaq: ARCB) is a multibillion-dollar integrated logistics company that helps keep the global supply chain moving. Founded in 1923 and now with 14,000 employees across 250 campuses and service centers, the company is a logistics powerhouse, using its technology, expertise and scale to connect shippers with the solutions they need — from ground, air and ocean transportation to fully managed supply chains. ArcBest has a long history of innovation that is enriched by deep customer relationships. With a commitment to helping customers navigate supply chain challenges now and in the future, the company is developing ground-breaking technology like Vaux™, one of the TIME Best Inventions of 2023.
