Even though Tesla Semi high-volume production has began, a new company has found another testing partner, and the latest pilot program is targeting one of the most demanding segments in the industry—port drayage.
A Southern California-based logistics company, MDB Transportation, has begun a three-week operational trial of the Tesla Semi, deploying the electric truck on active freight routes serving major port operations in the Los Angeles area.
The pilot puts the Semi into daily service moving containers between marine terminals, rail yards, and distribution hubs—an environment known for tight schedules, heavy loads, and high utilization.
“We’re proud to be operating the Tesla Semi, the future of freight isn’t a concept-it’s in motion,” said Haig Melkonyan, Director of Operations at MDB Transportation.
Real-world testing in a high-pressure environment
Port drayage is widely seen as one of the most practical entry points for electrifying heavy-duty trucking. Routes are typically shorter, repetitive, and predictable, making charging logistics far more manageable compared to long-haul operations. At the same time, these routes demand consistent performance under load, offering an ideal proving ground for electric Class 8 trucks.
MDB’s pilot will evaluate several key metrics, including energy efficiency, turnaround times, and driver experience. The results are expected to provide valuable insight into how electric trucks perform in dense urban freight corridors where stop-and-go traffic and tight delivery windows are the norm.
Tesla Semi specs continue to impress
The Tesla Semi being tested is rated for a gross combination weight of up to 82,000 pounds and offers a range of up to 500 miles on a single charge. Tesla says the truck consumes less than 2 kWh per mile, with those figures regularly being exceeded in real-world testing.
The other part of the viability equation is charging, and the Semi can recover up to 60% of its range in about 30 minutes using Megachargers, of which the first “public” location opened earlier this year.
Other fleet trials
MDB’s pilot is the latest in a growing list of real-world deployments as Tesla enters high-volume production of the Semi. Earlier this year, a Texas-based trial by Mone Transport logged more than 4,700 miles and achieved an average efficiency of 1.64 kWh per mile—beating both Tesla’s original projections and prior test results.
Other operators, including Hight Logistics, have also begun integrating the Semi into their fleets in port drayage applications where the economics of electrification are most compelling.
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