ArcBest buys two Tesla Semis after successful testing in California, more orders could follow

In what is becoming a familiar story, another major trucking company is putting its confidence in the Tesla Semi after a successful testing period. The latest to join the growing list is ArcBest, who announced this week that its carrier, ABF Freight, has purchased two Tesla Semi trucks following a successful pilot program conducted in 2025.

According to the company, the new Tesla Semis will primarily be deployed on linehaul routes within California, with plans to extend operations into Reno, Nevada, and potentially other regions as the company expands its testing.

While the purchase is relatively small, it represents a significant step forward for ArcBest, which operates one of the largest LTL networks in North America. The company says the decision was driven by the results of last year’s pilot program, which put the electric truck through real-world freight operations.

“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.”

Strong Efficiency Results

One of the most notable findings from the pilot was the truck’s energy efficiency. According to ArcBest, the Tesla Semi achieved an average consumption rate of approximately 1.55 kWh per mile during testing. That is an extremely impressive figure for a fully loaded Class 8 truck operating in commercial service, and even exceeds Tesla’s own advertised estimates.

With the purchase, the company plans to compare the performance of the Tesla Semis against its conventional diesel fleet over a longer period, evaluating factors such as operating costs, efficiency, safety, reliability, and driver satisfaction before making future purchasing decisions.

Drivers Impressed by Performance

Just as important as the efficiency data was the feedback from drivers. According to ArcBest, operators responded positively to the Tesla Semi during the pilot, highlighting the truck’s visibility, comfort, and overall driving experience.

One area where the electric truck particularly stood out was on demanding mountain routes. The company said drivers reported reliable performance while crossing Donner Pass, a challenging Sierra Nevada corridor that reaches elevations of approximately 7,200 feet and is frequently used by commercial freight carriers traveling between California and Nevada.

“Driver feedback from the pilot was positive. Operators highlighted strong visibility, comfort and overall performance, including reliable operation on demanding routes such as the 7,200-foot climb over Donner Pass.”

The company added that drivers participating in orientation sessions for the newly purchased trucks have echoed similar observations, praising both the comfort and ease of operation while maintaining the capabilities expected from a Class 8 tractor.

Growing Industry Confidence

The announcement comes after Covenant Logistics shared similarly positive impressions from its own Tesla Semi testing program, including successful operation over California’s steep Grapevine corridor. Combined with recent fleet orders from companies like King Fio Trucking, the latest purchase from ArcBest adds to a growing list of operators reporting positive real-world experiences with Tesla’s electric truck.

As Tesla finally begins high-volume Semi production in Nevada, these kinds of endorsements from established freight carriers continue to provide evidence that Tesla’s class 8 electric truck is increasingly proving itself in demanding commercial applications.