California drayage operator deploys Class 8 electric truck on live port freight lanes in a three-week pilot, advancing zero-emission goals for last-mile container moves.

COMPTON, CA / ACCESS Newswire / April 29, 2026 / MDB, a Southern California drayage operator specializing in port container moves, today announced the start of a three-week operational pilot using a Tesla Semi Class 8 electric tractor. The vehicle is running on active drayage lanes serving port freight, as MDB evaluates the Tesla Semi's performance in one of the most demanding urban freight environments in the country.

"We're proud to be operating the Tesla Semi, the future of freight isn't a concept-it's in motion."
Haig Melkonyan, Director of Operations, MDB Transportation

The Tesla Semi is a fully electric Class 8 truck rated for a gross combination weight of 82,000 lbs. It offers a range of up to 500 miles on a single charge, consumes less than 2 kWh per mile, and can recover up to 60% of its range in 30 minutes using Tesla's Semi Chargers. Three independent motors on the rear axles deliver instant torque and maintain speed under load, with active safety systems included as standard.

Port drayage is a priority segment for freight electrification, with short, high-frequency routes making charging logistics more tractable than long-haul operations.

MDB will track performance across energy efficiency, cycle time, and driver experience throughout the pilot. Findings will be shared at the close of the deployment window. Customers and partners interested in MDB's drayage operations and sustainability initiatives can reach out directly.

About MDB Transportation

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Compton, California, MDB Transportation is a fully asset-based carrier specializing in port and rail drayage, dedicated services, and full truckload transportation across the Southwest region. Learn more at mdbtransportation.com.

Media Contact
Haig Melkonyan | haig@ailo.us
mdbtransportation.com

SOURCE: MDB Transportation