This morning I did a drayage ridealong with Dawit, owner of a small trucking company, and Sammy, a drayage driver. Port drayage is when trucks move the containers that come in on ships to the next step of their journey - for example, to rail or a distribution center. 1/
Many drayage drivers are immigrants. It's hard work, but it's also a flexible job with relatively low barriers to entry and the potential for decent money. However, the trucks, the key part of the job, also cause problems... 2/
Most drayage trucks are 2nd- or 3rd-hand diesel. The drivers breathe diesel fumes as they wait in line to pick up their cargo. The exhaust pollutes neighborhoods as the trucks go back and forth. Climate pollution from diesel in WA has doubled since 1990. The trucks are loud.🔊3/
Zero-emission, electric trucks pose so many benefits: ⚡️no climate or air pollution 💰cost WAY less to fuel and maintain 🤫quiet, fewer vibrations (this really matters when you're in the cab all day) When asked, Dawit and Sammy said YES, they want electric trucks. But... 4/
Electric trucks are prohibitively expensive upfront, especially for people who typically buy used - not new - trucks. So they need help to bring down the sticker price as well as to get a safe place to park and charge. 🔌 5/
#WAleg can help with Climate Commitment Act funds by investing in incentives for charging & parking, plus deliberate assistance specifically for smaller and independent owner-operators like Dawit and Sammy. @WAHouseDems budget holds this promise. 6/
Currently, there are z e r o electric drayage trucks in WA. There are over 900 on the road and ordered in CA. Why? They have an incentive program. It works. So, #WAleg, let's get this done. Let's help those who bring us the goods we use every day. 7/
@autumngales Yooo this is so important! And so messed up how the people least able to afford the costs keep getting stuck in the middle. I remember some reporting about a big emission improvement clampdown rule that got protested and then maybe delayed, a couple years ago at the Port.
@autumngales Great thread. Got to make sure that everyone has access to the benefits of the transition to zero-emission. We bundle all the incentives and costs into a monthly fee lower than the cost of driving diesel - accessible to fleets and independents alike grist.org/transportation…