Driving Toward Zero: Jim Gillis on the Front Lines of Sustainable Drayage

Jim Gillis- President, Pacific Region @ IMC Logistics joins Kev Talks to share what it really takes to run a zero-emissions drayage fleet in California. He talks through the hard truths behind electric and hydrogen truck adoption—from charging delays and infrastructure gaps to the financial strain on operators. Jim also challenges common “zero emissions” assumptions, explaining how energy sourcing and battery life cycles shape the real environmental impact.

Looking ahead, Jim outlines his vision for energy-independent drayage using on-site power, behind-the-fence charging, and a balanced mix of technologies. His message to logistics leaders: start now, test often, and don’t wait for perfect conditions to act.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mandates vs. Reality: California’s clean truck regulations are moving faster than infrastructure and technology can support, placing stress on carriers trying to comply.

2. Battery Electric vs. Hydrogen: Each technology has trade-offs. Battery trucks may work well for short hauls with predictable routes. Hydrogen could serve longer-distance drayage but faces refueling and sourcing challenges.

3. "Zero Emissions" Isn’t Simple: True sustainability depends on the full energy lifecycle—how electricity or hydrogen is produced and where it comes from.

4. Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Even with available vehicles, deployment is often stalled by delays in utility approvals, charger installations, and high capital costs.

5. Fleet Economics: The up-front cost and operating uncertainty of zero-emission trucks create financial barriers for small and medium-sized carriers.

6. Collaboration is Key: Shippers, BCOs, and 3PLs need to align internally and externally on realistic, data-backed sustainability goals.

7. 2035 Vision: A mature zero-emission drayage operation will likely include behind-the-fence charging, microgrids, and a hybrid approach to vehicle powertrains.

8. Jim’s Advice: "Start testing now. Don’t wait for a silver bullet. Every step you take today puts you in a better position to meet tomorrow’s requirements."