SC Ports awarded $1.3 million grant for emission-reducing trucks
August 19, 2021
Project partners A&R Logistics and Benore to deploy electric trucks
South Carolina Ports received a $1.3 million grant to support project partners as they deploy all-electric, energy-efficient trucks in place of diesel trucks.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant to SC Ports. SC Ports will facilitate the grant to project partners A&R Logistics and Benore Logistic Systems, Inc. with the shared goal of moving cargo more sustainably to significantly reduce emissions over time.
A&R Logistics and Benore Logistic Systems, Inc. will use the funds to replace a combined eight diesel freight haulers with new zero emission, battery electric-powered tractor trucks. When operating, the Peterbilt electric vehicles do not create exhaust or harmful byproducts.
“SC Ports is consistently looking for ways to make our operations more sustainable and efficient,” SC Ports Chief Operating Officer Barbara Melvin said. “The support from the EPA through the $1.3 million DERA grant, and the bold initiative taken by A&R Logistics’ and Benore to deploy the electric trucks, serve as a great model for companies looking to create a more sustainable supply chain.”
A&R Logistics will deploy one truck to move cargo between its new 615,000-square-foot export facility in Moncks Corner and the Port of Charleston; the other will be deployed in the Savannah area.
Benore will deploy six trucks in the Upstate to support the movement of cargo from BMW Manufacturing Co.’s plant to SC Ports’ rail-served Inland Port Greer.
This initiative will provide health benefits to the surrounding communities by reducing air emissions. Replacing older diesel vehicles with electric vehicles significantly reduces the amount of hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions being released into the environment over a vehicle’s lifetime.
The Peterbilt electric vehicles will also showcase the efficiencies of zero-emission vehicles, such as reduced maintenance and vehicle repairs by up to 40% compared to diesel vehicles.
“The ability to move cargo with all-electric trucks significantly reduces emissions in the surrounding communities, which positively impacts residents and businesses,” SC Ports Permitting Manager Mark Messersmith said. “SC Ports is focused on improving air quality in the communities in which it operates through a variety of emissions-reducing programs, such as this innovative electric vehicle initiative. SC Ports anticipates that the efforts of A&R and Benore will showcase the benefits of these electric vehicle trucks and provide a catalyst for other trucking companies.”
In addition to backing from the EPA, the project also received support from the S.C. Energy Office, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, Charleston Community Research to Action Board, Dominion Energy, Town of Mount Pleasant and the City of Charleston.
About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority, established by the state’s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SC Ports is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. Please visit www.scspa.com to learn more about SC Ports.
