Heavy-duty freight accounts for roughly 8% of global CO2 emissions, yet the path to decarbonization doesn’t start on the open highway. It starts at the port. Drayage, the short-haul movement of containers between ports and nearby warehouses, is one of the most practical entry points for electrification: routes are predictable, daily mileage is manageable, and charging infrastructure is increasingly accessible. Additionally, unlike diesel, electric trucks can offer more predictable energy costs, while diesel price can fluctuate with oil markets and geopolitical shocks. The technology, infrastructure models, and economics are beginning to align. Ports are where the transition begins.

And the transition to electric drayage is already underway, and the companies moving now are gaining early operational experience and insights as the market develops. The Electrifying Drayage Alliance [EDA] was founded to make that first step practical at major ports across North America, Europe and Asia.

EDA connects global brands, cargo owners, fleet operators, infrastructure providers, and other stakeholders across the value chain. Members share real-world insights and emerging opportunities from early deployments that help companies integrate electric drayage into existing operations.

Beyond reducing emissions in one of the economy’s hardest-to-abate sectors, participation also means cleaner air for port workers and surrounding communities. With falling battery costs, growing policy support, and strong industry momentum, the conditions for scaling electric drayage are becoming increasingly favorable. The EDA is helping turn early progress into a model that can be replicated across ports worldwide.

EDA is a voluntary, pre-competitive initiative. Participants make independent commercial and operational decisions.