Sustainability and EV Integration in Enterprise Yard Operations

Shippers continue to rethink how they operate across the supply chain, and electric vehicle (EV) integration to help meet sustainability targets is one of the areas that continues to gain attention. Improving operational efficiency and working environments through reduction in emissions and carbon footprint is a shared goal. A practical place to begin the electrification process is in the yard. 

The challenge is that many operations lack the infrastructure, capital, or planning to successfully transition to electric vehicles. Integrated yard logistics providers can be instrumental in helping enterprises navigate EV planning, infrastructure setup, and deployment.

EV adoption requires careful planning, strong partnerships, and a deep understanding of both operational needs and available incentives to be successful. In this blog, we walk you through key considerations to help eliminate common challenges presented when working towards EV adoption in enterprise yard operations.  

Planning for EV Integration in Enterprise Yard Operations 

It’s not as simple as swapping out a diesel yard truck for an EV yard truck. Planning for an EV fleet is a cross-functional effort. Here are considerations:  

• Fleet Strategy: Assess your overall strategy and whether a site will move fully away from diesel trucks to EV, or deploy a hybrid fleet offering both. Integrated yard logistics providers can help evaluate the long-term impact of these decisions across your enterprise.
• Site Infrastructure: Assess your yard’s electrical capacity and charging needs. Ensure it is able to support electric vehicle additions, or make upgrades as needed. It’s recommended that yards implement fast charging solutions to minimize equipment downtime for charging. 
• Downtime and Scheduling: Evaluate shift schedules and site needs to determine when it makes most sense for charging to happen to avoid impacting uptime.  
• An OEM Partner: Select an experienced yard-specific EV manufacturer. 
• Incentives and grants: There are often state and federal programs available that can be secured. The right integrated yard logistics provider can simplify the process and assist with the application strategy.
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Don’t just look at upfront costs. Consider lifecycle ROI, including fuel, maintenance, incentives, and uptime improvements. 
• Employee Training: Empower drivers to operate EVs successfully by implementing structured training and a change management program. 

EV Performance and Benefits Across Enterprise Yard Operations 

To be able to successfully present a business case for EV adoption, you must understand what can be gained from implementing EV in yard operations:  

Sustainability and Safety: 

• Sustainability Alignment: Demonstrated commitment towards decarbonization and reducing carbon emissions. This supports broader ESG mandates. 
• Health and Safety Gains: Reduction of NOx emissions, resulting in cleaner air and other health benefits for employees.
  

  Operational Advantages: 

• Fuel Savings: Costs will be significantly lowered. It was recently announced that PepsiCo anticipates saving nearly $1 million annually in fuel costs through EV adoption in its logistics fleet. 
• Improved Uptime: EVs are more reliable as they’re less prone to wear from idling, shifting, and thermal stress. 
• Reduced Operational Costs: Between fuel, maintenance, incentives, and longer asset life, EV yard trucks can lower operational costs. 
  

  Workforce and Maintenance Improvements: 

• Less Maintenance: There is no transmission or engine in many EVs. With those being the costliest maintenance fixes, you’ll see cost savings and less downtime
• Employee Satisfaction: Drivers report a quieter, cleaner, and more comfortable experience with EV yard trucks. 

Industry Incentives to Help Reduce Upfront Financial Costs

Many states are stepping up incentive programs that help ease the capital burden of electrification. Integrated yard logistics providers, like YMX, can be assist in navigating and maximizing these program benefits. 

California: WAIRE and CORE 

Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions: Established in 2021 by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), WAIRE was implemented to reduce emissions in the goods movement sector at large warehouses.

Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project: Provides substantial rebates for purchasing zero-emission equipment like EV yard trucks.

👉 YMX Assistance: We’ve secured $540,000 in CORE vouchers for California shippers. [Learn More]

Texas: TERP 

Texas Emissions Reduction Plan: Administered by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, TERP is a state-funded initiative to help companies reduce NOx emissions and meet federal clean air standards through equipment upgrades. 

 👉 YMX Assistance: With $1.95 million in TERP funding, we help Texas shippers electrify fleets and manage the grant process from start to finish. [Learn More]

Beyond California and Texas, states like Ohio, Illinois, Colorado, and more are rolling out EV-friendly grant and voucher programs to help with the upfront financial impact. 

Moving towards sustainability and EV integration in the yard can certainly feel like a daunting task. However, with the right partner, planning, expertise, and incentives, it is much more feasible.   

YMX leads the industry in EV yard truck deployment, supporting sustainability and operationalizing it. Learn More.