By Eva Richardson – The Logistic News
Date: April 3, 2025
California-based 4 Gen Logistics is setting a powerful precedent in sustainable transportation, officially announcing its commitment to achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) operations across its drayage fleet by the end of 2025. This bold move places the firm among a select few logistics providers willing to lead by example in a regulatory landscape that is tightening its grip on carbon-heavy freight operations.
With operations spread across key Southern California logistics hubs such as the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, 4 Gen has already electrified 80% of its fleet. The company is on track to complete its full transition to electric trucks and infrastructure, ahead of looming state mandates and in anticipation of growing customer demands for cleaner supply chains.
“We’re not waiting for 2035 or 2040,” said David Duncan, President of 4 Gen Logistics. “We’re doing it now—because the future of logistics is electric, and our customers expect more than promises. They expect leadership.”
A Strategic Investment in Zero Emissions
The announcement comes at a time when the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is tightening compliance timelines, notably requiring all drayage trucks entering state ports to be zero-emission by 2035. 4 Gen’s aggressive timeline places it nearly a decade ahead of that mandate, allowing the company to gain a competitive edge.
To support the transition, 4 Gen has built its own charging infrastructure with over 60 high-powered chargers across its facilities. The company currently operates more than 100 electric trucks and has partnered with key OEMs like Volvo and Nikola to expand its fleet with Class 8 battery-electric vehicles.
“We’ve moved past the pilot stage,” added Duncan. “This is full-scale commercial adoption, and we’re proof that it can be done profitably.”
Driving a Culture Shift in the Industry
Beyond its own operations, 4 Gen Logistics is pushing for broader industry transformation. The company offers consulting support to peer carriers and is actively engaging with policy makers and infrastructure developers to help accelerate grid readiness and EV accessibility at major freight corridors.
“The real challenge isn’t the trucks—it’s the ecosystem,” said Duncan. “We’re calling on utilities, regulators, and port authorities to move as fast as the innovators. Without grid capacity and streamlined permitting, the rest of the industry will struggle to follow.”
Customer Demand and ESG Pressure Fuel the Shift
Shippers are also fueling the pressure. Increasingly, Fortune 500 companies are incorporating Scope 3 emissions into their sustainability reporting, which includes emissions from transportation providers.
“We’ve seen a surge in demand for emission-free drayage from top-tier clients,” said 4 Gen’s sustainability lead, Sarah Molina. “It’s no longer a nice-to-have. It’s becoming a contractual requirement.”
In 2024 alone, 4 Gen secured five major contracts from consumer goods brands looking to green their West Coast operations. These contracts include performance benchmarks tied to carbon reduction and real-time emissions tracking, supported by the company’s advanced telematics platform.
What’s Next for 4 Gen?
With 2025 set to be a pivotal year, 4 Gen is already eyeing the next frontier: battery-electric regional haul and hydrogen-based solutions for long-haul operations. The company is participating in a pilot program with the California Energy Commission to trial hydrogen fuel cell trucks starting in Q3 2025.
“We’re building a playbook for the entire industry,” said Duncan. “Sustainability and performance are no longer in conflict. If anything, the future of freight is clean, smart, and scalable—and we’re proud to be leading that charge.”
About the Author
Eva Richardson is a senior correspondent for The Logistic News, specializing in sustainability and innovation across global supply chains. She is based in San Francisco and contributes regularly to coverage on green logistics, future mobility, and trade policy.
