ArcBest, an integrated logistics company, has announced the purchase of two Tesla Semi Class 8 electric trucks by its less-than-truckload carrier ABF Freight.

The company tested the Semis in a 2025 pilot, which focused mainly on the Reno-Sacramento corridor. In the next phase of testing, ABF will evaluate performance across a broader segment of its network before making additional investment decisions.

The company plans to benchmark the electric trucks against its diesel fleet using “the same approach to total cost of ownership, operational efficiency, safety and employee experience that guides fleet investments across the business.”

During the 2025 pilot, the Tesla Semi achieved an average energy efficiency of around 1.55 kWh per mile. Driver feedback from the pilot was positive. Operators highlighted visibility, comfort and overall performance, including operation on demanding routes such as the 7,200-foot climb over the Donner Pass.

ABF expects to gain additional insight into the everyday performance of the Teslas by expanding deployment to additional lanes and driver groups.

“Our 2025 pilot gave us valuable insight into how electric Class 8 equipment can perform in real-world LTL operations,” said Matt Godfrey, President of ABF Freight. “Adding Tesla Semis to our lineup allows us to expand that across more lanes and operating conditions to evaluate whether heavy-duty electric vehicles meet the same standards for safety, reliability and performance across our existing fleet.”

Source: ArcBest