If you’re in the freight forwarding industry – or even if you’re not – you’ve likely heard of the Tesla Semi. This new semi is touted to be among the safest, most comfortable, most efficient and most powerful trucks on the road today.
In just one month, Tesla has taken orders from many major distributors and manufacturers, including 40 by Anheuser-Busch, 100 by PepsiCo Inc., 50 by Sysco Co. and 15 by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., according to Transport Topics. Bloomberg projects that electric trucks will reach a 25% market share in 2025.
Tesla’s semis will reduce emissions with its clean technology, but is most appealing because of its cost and power. It’s estimated to be 70% cheaper and is said to have more torque than diesel. And while distance at this point is a constraint for Tesla semis, they are working on it.
The electric rig is driven by sustainability and carries many long-term benefits for freight forwarders. But what about the congestion on the roadways and delayed transit time due to collapsing infrastructure? Stay tuned for continued talks of underground tunnels…
With the rise of electric rigs, expedited freight forwards are needing to adapt to new technologies and demands. Our expedited freight industry will be on the forefront of using electric technology, especially for our first and last mile services. How this will change overnight air freight, hot shot expedited freight and the carriers who work tirelessly to deliver goods on-time, we must wait to see in the coming years.