APM Terminals Pier 400 electrifies fleet with Orange EV and upskills workforce

APM Terminals Pier 400 has deployed the largest fleet of electric terminal tractors (ETTs) in the Port of Los Angeles, This marks a significant milestone in the terminal’s effort to decarbonize operations while strengthening the skills of the ILWU workforce. The ETTs were delivered and trainings were coordinated in collaboration with the electric vehicle manufacturer Orange EV and Pier 400’s labor and maintenance partner the Pacific Crane Maintenance Company (PCMC). The rollout reflects Pier 400’s strategy to drive progress through innovation and inclusive workforce development.

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’ broader ambition to achieve net-zero emissions at Pier 400 by 2030 — a goal underpinned by a clear roadmap to reduce energy consumption, replace legacy equipment, and decarbonize operations at scale.

“This is not just an investment in equipment, it’s an investment in the upskilling of the workforce,” said Jon Poelma, Managing Director of APM Terminals Pier 400. “Our partnership with PCMC is foundational to our success, and this rollout reflects how we move forward together. As we decarbonize Pier 400, we’re not only deploying new technology — we’re upskilling our workforce through hands-on training and taking significant steps in our commitment to cleaner air for our community.”

Hands-on training for a new generation of equipment

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.

The training effort is part of a larger initiative to ensure the Pier 400 workforce is ready for the evolving technological demands of terminal operations. In collaboration with its workforce, the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), and OEMs, APM Terminals is making strategic investments in workforce readiness through programs that teach, show, and refresh the skills necessary for maintaining and operating modern, zero-emission cargo handling equipment.

“This training has given our mechanics both the confidence and capability to support the port’s clean energy future,” said Joe Gregorio Jr., President and Chief Operations Officer, PCMC. “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.”

Electric terminal tractors designed and built in the US

The new electric terminal tractors are manufactured by Orange EV, a Kansas City-based company that pioneered the first commercially deployed 100 percent electric Class 8 terminal trucks in the United States. Orange EV has deployed more than 1,400 trucks across over 300 fleets with performance records exceeding 22.6 million miles and 8.3 million hours of operation. The vehicles are compliant with Build America, Buy America standards and supported through a domestic service and parts supply network. For container terminal operations, the tractors are considered a diesel equivalent.

“We’re proud to partner with APM Terminals Pier 400 in scaling up zero-emission operations,” said Bill Hamlin, Executive Director at Orange EV. “Designed for the toughest port duty cycles, the HUSK-e continues to prove itself – not just in demos, but also in long-term deployments delivering all-day power, performance, and reliability.”

Looking ahead

This initial rollout is also informing broader industry upskilling efforts. 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 better insights on how to maintain the tractors and effectively train ILWU mechanics to do the same.

With 20 electric units expected to be operating by the end of July, Pier 400’s electrification program is becoming a scalable model for zero-emission terminal operations in North America.