EVwire brief: Paper Transport (PTI), a dedicated freight carrier, is partnering with Tesla to evaluate the Tesla Semi Long Range in its Chicago-market operations. PTI is running the truck through its dedicated freight model, which keeps routes fixed and mileage consistent week to week.
The evaluation will see the Tesla Semi operate within PTI's dedicated transportation model, where predictable routes and consistent daily mileage provide an ideal environment for assessing the truck's performance, reliability, and operating economics.
Paper Transport shared the news on its LinkedIn post, which included photos of a pre-refresh Tesla Semi pulling a container with PTI livery.
PTI CEO Tyler Ellison framed the move as an extension of the company's existing sustainability strategy.
"PTI has been a leader in sustainable transportation solutions for over 15 years. We take a consultative approach to helping customers identify and implement the right transportation solution for their network. Our partnership with Tesla expands our portfolio alongside renewable natural gas and intermodal, giving customers more ways to reduce Scope 3 emissions without compromising service or economics."
Bryan Ellen, PTI's Vice President of Maintenance, added his own take on the fit between the two companies.
"We are excited to partner with Tesla, leveraging their ever-evolving technology. We are bullish in our estimation of the parallels available between our dedicated model and the efficiency of their fully electric Class 8 tractor. We anticipate a growing synergy between our businesses as we work to facilitate this sustainable solution for our customers."
Dedicated, depot-based routes are becoming the proving ground of choice for the Tesla Semi.
Context:
Sustainability isn't new territory for PTI. The company has racked up more than 87 million miles running on compressed and renewable natural gas, and now offers customers a menu that spans RNG, intermodal, and battery-electric trucking for cutting Scope 3 emissions.
PTI's pilot adds to a fast-growing list of dedicated carriers testing or committing to the Tesla Semi. In Southern California, ATC Logistics recently signed on for 20 Tesla Semis out of Forum Mobility's Rancho Dominguez depot, following a similar 20-truck order from QX Logistix. Tesla has also been putting the truck in front of a wider audience, showcasing it at the Port Laredo Global Trade Summit in Texas.
Source: Paper Transport on LinkedIn, PTI press release
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