​​MHX Intermodal Electrification Blueprint for Heavy Goods Movement​

The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and their associated transportation hubs, including nearby railyards and warehouses, are an epicenter of freight movement in Southern California that connect international goods movement to the rest of the US. The concentration of toxic air contaminants and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Los Angeles air basin is known to have negative impacts on low-income communities, specifically within the vicinity of these transportation operations. To help address this problem, the CEC funded a medium and heavy-duty fleet electrification Blueprint, to facilitate planning for a zero-emission future at these hubs. The Blueprint highlights the efforts of MHX LLC, a transload and transportation service provider, to plan for and deploy zero-emission fleets and equipment while coordinating and facilitating input from key stakeholders. The Blueprint outlines strategies for integrated zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) planning and engagement processes to accelerate a cost-effective ZEV transition. The objectives of the agreement include engaging internal and external stakeholders, defining fleet operator and driver needs, identifying workforce education and training resources, advancing facility site design, developing a phased approach to infrastructure deployment, and mapping the ecosystem of strategic partners and business model innovations supported by ZEV market adoption. The report identifies several barriers to project implementation, including the lack of availability of zero-emission alternatives for certain equipment and vehicles, potential electrical capacity shortcomings, and supply chain challenges. The report stresses the need for collaboration between logistics companies, policymakers, utility companies, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan for the electrification of medium and heavy-duty fleets and proposes a replicable plan for MDHD ZEV and ZEV charging deployment, stakeholder outreach, and workforce development strategies for fleet electrification.