APM Terminals Pier 400 has deployed the largest fleet of electric terminal tractors (ETTs) in the Port of Los Angeles in collaboration with electric vehicle manufacturer Orange EV and Pier 400's labor and maintenance partner, the Pacific Crane Maintenance Company (PCMC).
The initial deployment includes 10 fully commissioned ETTs with another 10 arriving by the end of July, replacing nearly 30% of Pier 400's diesel terminal tractor fleet. The move supports APM Terminals' ambition to achieve net-zero emissions at Pier 400 by 2030.
"This is not just an investment in equipment, it's an investment in the upskilling of the workforce," Jon Poelma, managing director of APM Terminals Pier 400, said. "Our partnership with PCMC is foundational to our success, and this rollout reflects how we move forward together."
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In mid-May, Pier 400 sponsored three days of paid training for 21 ILWU Local 13 union mechanics employed by PCMC that covered safety protocols, diagnostics, and routine maintenance for the new electric tractors. The program was led by Orange EV technicians, combining classroom instruction with real-world application.
"This training has given our mechanics both the confidence and capability to support the port's clean energy future," Joe Gregorio Jr., president and COO of PCMC, said. "We're proud to be part of an effort that values upskilling and union craftsmanship alongside much-needed progress to decarbonize supply chains. PCMC is dedicated to supporting both APM Terminals and our mechanics in the shift to decarbonize operations."
The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) plans to institute an electric tractor training program at the ILWU-PMA Maintenance & Repair Training Center, expanding access to hands-on instruction for union mechanics. Managers and instructors from PMA's M&R Training Center also participated in Pier 400's training to gain a better understanding of how to maintain tractors and train ILWU mechanics effectively.
