Port Authority, CALSTART launch $45M

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is partnering with the transportation nonprofit CALSTART on a $45 million incentive program. The initiative aims to electrify the heavy-duty truck fleets operated by the port's tenants.

CALSTART hopes this funding will act as a catalyst, scaling up zero-emission terminal and drayage trucks from pilot programs to mainstream choices. The plan also targets the associated charging infrastructure.

"Deploying zero-emission trucks at scale requires pairing accessible vehicle incentives with reliable, high-capacity charging," said CALSTART Executive Vice President of Regional Market Acceleration Alycia Gilde. She stated the partnership lowers the barrier to entry for drayage operators.

Program Structure and Funding

The $45 million initiative comprises two parts: the Clean Truck Incentive (CTI) Program and the Green Drayage Accelerator (GDA). The funding breakdown allocates $39 million for point-of-sale vouchers. These vouchers are for purchasing zero-emission drayage trucks, yard tractors, and supporting charging infrastructure. More than $5 million is dedicated to developing five new electric vehicle charging hubs within ten miles of Port facilities.

A separate $3 million planning grant will fund the creation of a Port Community Advisory Council. All these programs are funded through a larger $451 million grant awarded to the Port Authority by the US Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Ports Program. The Port Authority calls this the largest sustainability grant in its history.

Port Authority's Net-Zero Goals

Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia linked the incentives directly to the organization's environmental targets. "The Port Authority has committed to reaching net-zero by 2050, and we can't get there without bringing our tenants, contractors, and partners like the trucking community along with us," Garcia explained.

She said the new programs make it financially realistic for drayage operators to switch to zero-emission trucks and yard equipment. Garcia emphasized that these incentives, paired with other programs and regulations, represent real action backing ambitious sustainability commitments.

Broader Electrification Context

This program joins other port electrification efforts across the country. The source cites examples like the work at APM Terminals Elizabeth operations. It also mentions the more than $200 million being spent by Yusen Terminals in Los Angeles. These efforts share a common goal: moving containers without diesel emissions.

Port executives are optimistic the additional funds will make a tangible difference in reducing air and water pollution in and around the Port of New York and New Jersey. The initiative focuses on modernizing the East Coast supply chain while delivering immediate air quality improvements to local communities.

The source for this report is CALSTART, with a featured image provided by Volvo Trucks.