Fleet

At Estes, we want to build a cleaner, more efficient fleet. That's why we continue to make long-term investments that reduce emissions, enhance performance, and support a more sustainable supply chain. From alternative fuels and electric vehicles to advanced technologies that lower emissions and improve efficiency, we’re delivering smarter solutions for our customers and the planet.

Growing Our Electric Fleet & Boosting Performance

Estes continues to invest in electric vehicles and cleaner technologies across our nationwide fleet, including 12 electric Freightliner eCascadias now operating out of our Banning, CA terminal. With a range of 150-220 miles per charge, these EV trucks power our pickup and delivery routes throughout Southern California.

Estes Truck Aerodynamics

Today, our fleet also includes 175 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tractors—78% of which consume Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), a cleaner fuel made from biogenic methane captured from organic waste. While CNG already emits fewer greenhouse gases than diesel, RNG takes sustainability a step further with its renewable, low-carbon footprint.

Across our network, Estes also operates two electric yard jockeys and has 305 electric forklifts—which now make up nearly 10% of our total forklift fleet. And by the end of 2025, we plan to grow that number to 350 units, further strengthening our commitment to cleaner, more efficient freight operations.

By equipping our trucks with advanced aerodynamic features, we’re improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions across the board. With less drag and smoother airflow, our fleet moves with greater precision, lowering fuel consumption and shrinking our carbon footprint in the process.

Explore the tabs below to see how Estes is putting sustainability into motion across our fleet operations.

Reducing our environmental impact starts with how we power our fleet. That’s why we’re investing in alternative and low-emission fuels, advanced fleet technologies, and smarter practices that reduce waste and drive long-term efficiency on the road and across our operations.

Low-Emission Fuels

  • Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): Our fleet includes 175 trucks that run on emission-reducing compressed natural gas—71 of which use renewable fuel
  • ULSD Fuel: Our standard trucks run exclusively on ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel) which helps reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions
  • Biodiesel: We use a B5 biodiesel blend in select states
  • Propane: Many of our forklifts have been converted from gasoline or diesel to cleaner-burning propane

Less Consumption

  • Electric: We operate 12 electric tractors and over 300 electric forklifts, which emit no harmful fumes or greenhouse gases
  • PrePass and E-ZPass: Our drivers use PrePass and E-ZPass to bypass weigh stations and toll plazas, reducing idle time and fuel consumption
  • Efficient Driving: All of our tractors are equipped with Samsara hardware to identify fuel-wasting behaviors such as excessive idling, high speeds, and over-RPM driving
  • Fuel Economy: Our trucks are equipped with technology that tracks fuel usage and identifies opportunities to reduce waste
  • Improved Aerodynamics: We’ve installed aerodynamic skirts on long-haul trailers to cut fuel consumption by up to 5%, as well as air shields, rear wheel covers, and mud flaps to further reduce air drag and fuel usage
  • Synthetic Lubricants: Our drivetrains (transmissions and rears) use synthetic lubricants to reduce friction and improve fuel mileage
  • Low-Profile Tires: Our entire fleet uses low-profile tires to reduce rolling resistance and fuel usage
  • Speed Management: Power units are regulated to operate between 65 and 67 mph, helping improve overall fuel efficiency
  • Weight Reduction: Switching from steel to aluminum fuel tanks reduces each power unit’s weight by 65 pounds, boosting fuel economy
  • Card-Locked Fuel Systems: Vehicles are equipped with secure, card-locked fueling systems to prevent unauthorized use and reduce fuel waste. These systems also feature breakaway hoses to minimize the risk of spills and protect soil and water from contamination

From route optimization to reducing empty miles, we're finding smarter, more sustainable ways to move freight.

  • Route-Planning Technology: We use advanced route-optimization software to move freight more efficiently—reducing mileage, emissions, and unnecessary fuel use
  • Fewer Empty Loads: Fleet tracking and load consolidation technology help us reduce empty miles, cut emissions, and shrink our carbon footprint
  • Intermodal Transportation: When possible, we shift long-haul shipments to rail to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions

At Estes, we’re committed to reducing waste and extending the life of our equipment through thoughtful recycling and reuse practices. Key initiatives include:

  • Battery core recycling
  • Rebuilding engines, gearboxes, hydraulic cylinders, and fifth wheels
  • Refurbishing and converting older trailers for continued use
  • Scrap metal recycling
  • Used oil recycling
  • Tire recapping and recycling