Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), based in Portland, Oregon, is expanding its use of electric trucks to transport components to its manufacturing plants and parts distribution centers (PDCs) across North America. These locations include North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Ohio, Michigan, and Saltillo, Mexico.
Starting in December 2023, DTNA began integrating Freightliner eCascadia semi-trucks into its operations in the Pacific Northwest and at its Daimler truck manufacturing plant in Santiago, Mexico, in January 2024. Additionally, the company plans to utilize Freightliner eM2 box trucks for short-haul operations.
These efforts are part of a larger strategy to increase electrification in its regional logistics networks, particularly for serving manufacturing plants and PDCs within a 250-mile radius. This strategy aligns with the supplier landscape and aims to enhance efficiency by optimizing truck capacity utilization and multi-stop schedules.
DTNA will leverage existing charging infrastructure, such as the Electric Island public charging station in Portland, and upcoming facilities like Duke Energy’s Mount Holly Microgrid Center in the Carolinas and Michigan’s Mobility Charging Hub. Additionally, DTNA offers electrification support to partners through its Detroit eConsulting services.
Jeff Allen, Senior VP of Operations and Specialty Vehicles at DTNA, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability and the development of adaptable electric logistics solutions. The adoption of electric vehicles within their logistics network not only promotes sustainability but also lays the foundation for future innovations.
