The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are proposing a new incentive scheme designed to reduce the cost of operating zero-emission trucks at the San Pedro Bay port complex and encourage wider adoption of cleaner drayage equipment.
Announced on September 15, the proposed three-year Zero-Emission Truck Rewards Incentive Program (ZE-TRIP) would provide qualifying zero-emission trucks with an incentive of $60 for every terminal visit, with payments reaching as much as $36,000 per vehicle each year.
The ports are currently seeking public input on the draft proposal. Comments can be submitted through November 2, while a virtual public hearing is scheduled for September 29 from 10 a.m. to noon.
The initiative forms part of the ports’ joint Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), which aims to reduce air pollution generated by port operations. The plan was first introduced in 2006 and has since been updated twice.
One of its longer-term objectives is to achieve zero emissions from on-road drayage trucks serving the two ports by 2035.
Building on earlier truck incentives
ZE-TRIP follows previous financial programs launched by the two ports to support the transition toward zero-emission trucks.
In 2023, the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach announced a $60 million voucher initiative intended to help companies purchase zero-emission Class 8 drayage trucks for use within the San Pedro Bay complex.
The latest proposal is intended to address another part of the transition: the ongoing cost of owning and operating zero-emission vehicles.
“This incentive program is another tool in our decarbonization playbook, helping offset the higher costs of owning and operating zero-emission trucks based on direct feedback from truckers about what they need,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba.
Charging infrastructure also in focus
The two ports are pursuing infrastructure investment alongside the vehicle incentives.
Last month, the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach announced a $40 million investment in regional electric-truck charging infrastructure. The project is part of an updated clean-air agreement with the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The combination of vehicle incentives and charging infrastructure reflects the broader effort by the San Pedro Bay ports to support the transition to zero-emission freight operations.
Other U.S. ports are pursuing similar approaches. The Port of New York and New Jersey recently launched a voucher program aimed at lowering the cost of zero-emission drayage and yard trucks.
Under that program, qualifying Class 8 drayage trucks can receive vouchers worth $230,000, while off-road terminal trucks are eligible for vouchers of $150,000, according to a September press release.
