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Terminal tractors: A solid start toward zero-emission trucking

Sept. 20, 2022

Diesel vehicles will be delivering freight for years to come, but switching to electric terminal tractors allows fleets to learn about the vehicles, then apply the data elsewhere in their operations.

Patrick Gaskins

The future will include cleaner freight movement. But exactly what the power source of cleaner vehicles will be remains to be seen. Given traditional trade cycles and supply chain issues with getting new vehicles to fleets, it is likely that diesel-powered vehicles will be delivering freight for years to come.

However, fleets need to start exploring some of the other powertrain options. While change can be difficult, especially given the tight margins fleets are operating on, the industry needs to begin making steps toward a zero-emission future.

One place to start is with terminal tractors, which a North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) report lauds as an exceptional way for heavy-duty fleets to learn about and implement battery electric vehicles into operations. They are a good fit for the current state of battery-electric technology, as they travel a few miles a day, operate at low speed, stay close to a home base or remain in the fleet yard, and can plug into chargers when drivers are on break.

While an electric terminal tractor costs more than its diesel-powered equivalent, there are incentives to help mitigate the cost difference. And the cost of battery packs continues to drop, meaning cost parity may be on the horizon.

It is easy for fleet managers and fleet maintenance managers to keep a close eye on their terminal tractors to check operational performance and get direct feedback from drivers. They can do all of this without having to worry about where and how the vehicles will charge—simply plug it into existing power at the yard.

A combination of regulatory and societal pressures is leading the trucking industry to consider ways to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce its carbon footprint. Switching to battery-electric terminal tractors allows fleets to learn about these vehicles and then apply the data to other vehicles in their operation.

Patrick Gaskins, SVP of Corcentric Fleet Solutions, oversees both sales and operations for the company's fleet offerings. Gaskins joined the company in 2010, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a financial services professional in the transportation industry. He leads a team that works with a supply base of more than 160 manufacturers to help the country’s largest fleets manage all aspects of their fleet operations and fleet-related spend.

About the Author

Patrick Gaskins | Senior vice president, Fleet Solutions

Patrick Gaskins is a financial services professional serving the transportation industry for over 30 years. Gaskins earned his BBA in Finance from the University of Miami, FL in 1989, and received his CTP certification from the National Private Truck Council in 2002. He has held positions with GE Capital, TCF Equipment Finance, and various small independent lessors.

He began his career with Corcentric in 2010 as Vice President of Financial Services, was promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations, and is now taking the role of Senior Vice President, Fleet Solutions. In his new role he will lead Corcentric’s Captial Equipment Solutions, Fleet Procurement, Supply Management, and Remarketing teams. Gaskins will bring to the Fleet practice his expertise in developing data driven solutions to complex transportation transactions, driving efficiencies, and reducing expenses for Corcentric’s customers.

The Fleet Solutions practice leverages technology and the purchasing power of over 1,700 member fleets operating approximately 800,000 assets to provide its members with access to cost effective national account purchasing programs, fleet financing, asset management, and remarketing services.