I’m looking for companies in NJ that own Green Big Rigs.

Okay, this is a bit of a challenge, but a fun one! Finding companies in NJ that own “Green” (presumably meaning environmentally friendly, like electric or hybrid) big rigs is tricky because:

1. Green Big Rig Adoption is Still Early: While the technology is advancing rapidly, widespread adoption of electric or hybrid big rigs is still in its early stages.
2. Company Fleet Data is Often Private: Companies don’t always publicly disclose the details of their vehicle fleets, especially when it comes to newer technologies.
3. “Ownership” Can Be Complicated: Some companies lease vehicles rather than own them outright, which can make tracking ownership harder.

However, here’s a multi-pronged approach to try and find some potential leads for you:

1. Focus on Industries Likely to Embrace Green Tech Early:

• Ports & Logistics: Ports are under increasing pressure to reduce emissions. Companies operating within or near ports (like Port Newark-Elizabeth) might be early adopters. Look for:
  • Drayage Companies: These companies move containers short distances, often within port areas. They are prime candidates for electric trucks due to their shorter, more predictable routes.
  • Warehouse and Distribution Centers: Large warehouse operators near ports might also be investing in green fleets.
  • Examples to research in NJ near ports:
    • FAPS, Inc. (Newark)
    • STG Logistics (locations in Kearny and Elizabeth)
    • East Coast Warehouse & Distribution (Elizabeth)
    • Romark Logistics (Elizabeth)
• Food & Beverage Distribution: Companies that deliver perishable goods often have shorter, more regular routes that are well-suited for electric trucks.
  • Examples to research:
    • Wakefern Food Corp. (Keasbey) – They are a large cooperative, so they may be pushing member companies to adopt green tech.
    • Anheuser-Busch (Newark Brewery)
    • Goya Foods (Secaucus)
• Retail with Strong Sustainability Initiatives: Large retailers with public commitments to sustainability might be piloting or expanding green truck fleets.
  • Examples to research:
    • IKEA (has a distribution center in NJ)
    • Walmart (several distribution centers in NJ)
    • Amazon (growing presence in NJ with fulfillment centers)
• Waste Management: This industry is moving towards alternative fuels and cleaner technologies.
  • Examples to research:
    • Waste Management (they have operations in NJ and have invested in alternative fuel vehicles, including some electric)
    • Republic Services (also present in NJ and investing in new technologies)

2. Leverage Public Announcements and News:

• Industry News: Monitor industry publications related to trucking, logistics, and sustainability. Look for articles about companies testing or deploying electric or hybrid trucks. Examples include:
  • Transport Topics
  • Fleet Owner
  • Green Car Reports (they sometimes cover commercial vehicles)
  • Commercial Carrier Journal
• Press Releases: Check the websites of major truck manufacturers (Volvo, Daimler, PACCAR, Tesla, Nikola, BYD) for press releases about deliveries to companies in New Jersey.
• State Government Incentives: The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) often promotes programs to encourage the adoption of clean vehicles. They may have lists of companies participating in these programs. Search the NJDEP website for their “Drive Green” program and related initiatives.
  • NJDEP (nj.gov/dep)

3. Contact Industry Associations:

• New Jersey Motor Truck Association (NJMTA): They might have insights into which member companies are exploring greener fleets.
• North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE): They are a leading resource on truck efficiency and technology adoption.

4. Utilize Online Resources (with Caution):

• Company Websites: Look at the “sustainability” or “corporate responsibility” sections of company websites for information about their environmental initiatives.
• LinkedIn: Search for companies in the industries mentioned above and filter by location (New Jersey). Look for mentions of “electric trucks,” “hybrid trucks,” “sustainability,” or “green fleet” in company profiles or posts. This is a long shot, but worth a try.

Important Considerations and Realistic Expectations:

• Pilot Programs: Be aware that many companies might be in the pilot program stage. They might only have a small number of green trucks in operation to test the technology.
• Limited Information: You might find companies that are interested in green tech but haven’t fully committed yet. Public information is likely to be limited.
• Focus on Building Relationships: If you’re in this industry, this research is a good starting point for networking. Reach out to companies and express your interest in their sustainability efforts. Even if they aren’t heavily invested in green big rigs yet, they might be in the future.
• Contact the manufacturers Ask them directly if they can share the contact information for any companies based in New Jersey that have ordered or shown interest in ordering any green big rigs.

This is a challenging task, but with persistence and a bit of detective work, you should be able to uncover some leads. Good luck with your search!