Decarbonizing ports, one truck at a time

In a major step toward cleaner ports, the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) and more than 25 partners across several industry sectors have unveiled a plan to eliminate drayage truck emissions in Puget Sound by 2050.

The Decarbonizing Drayage Roadmap stems from a collaborative effort to reduce the environmental impact of freight movement between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. With 67 concrete recommendations, the plan offers a clear pathway towards an equitable and achievable zero-emission transition.

It sets out a phased approach to replacing diesel trucks with electric or hydrogen-powered models, along with financial incentives and charging infrastructure. Prioritizing equity, it provides targeted assistance to small businesses and to communities that have long been affected by port-related pollution.

By focusing on the first- and last-mile links between ports and inland destinations, the plan strengthens efforts already underway to cut maritime-related emissions at berths—advancing the progress towards a fully decarbonized supply chain in the Puget Sound region.