KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Pilot Flying J, the largest retail operator of travel centers in North America, plans to offer clean, affordable and healthful Shorepower anti-idling technology at five truckstops in California and one in Texas.
Pilot Flying J has signed an agreement with Shorepower Technologies to install power pedestals at its travel centers in Bakersfield, Dunnigan, Lebec, Lodi and Weed, Calif., and in Dallas.
Each site will have between 24 and 48 electrified parking spots, which will be installed over the next three to six months.
By connecting to a Shorepower pedestal, truck drivers can operate in-cab heating and air conditioning systems and communications and entertainment equipment without idling their trucks during their rest periods. Avoiding idling saves money in fuel costs and engine wear, reduces emissions and gives drivers a more comfortable, restful sleep.
Shorepower also helps drivers comply with the increasing number of anti-idling laws passed by states and local jurisdictions. Both California and a number of cities and counties in Texas have such laws.
The Pilot Flying J installations are part of the Shorepower Truck Electrification Project (STEP), a federally funded program aimed at reducing truck idling. Qualifying truckstops can receive a complete TSE system at no cost to them and with Shorepower handling paperwork and other details.
The program is administered by Cascade Sierra Solutions, a Eugene, Ore.-based organization, in partnership with Shorepower Technologies under contract to the U.S. Department of Energy.
A second component of STEP is providing equipment-purchase incentives to about 5,000 vehicle owners who will commit to using the hook-ups to reduce engine idling. Truck owners can apply online to Cascade Sierra Solutions for rebates up to 20% of the installed equipment price, or a maximum amount by category; up to 25 rebates per fleet are available.
Shorepower pedestals provide access to 120 VAC, 208 VAC or 240 VAC power sources, sold at a rate of $1 per hour, and to cable TV at most locations, with wireless Internet available for an additional charge. Access and payment can be handled with a card, smartphone, laptop or telephone activation system.
"Pilot Flying J is proud to be part of a program that reduces greenhouse emissions," said Bill Mulligan, vice president of development for Pilot Flying J. "By offering Shorepower technology at these locations, we hope to provide additional convenience and cost savings for professional drivers. The convenience of our customers is always our top priority."
Jeff Kim, president and CEO of Shorepower Technologies, said, "This is a huge validation for the benefits of truckstop electrification. When a company of the size and reach of Pilot Flying J recognizes TSE as something its customers want and need, and commits to offering that service to them, that sends a message."
He added, "Pilot Flying J's plan to add six locations also helps us increase the reach of Shorepower along heavily traveled routes, including Interstate 5, the West Coast's most important north-south freight corridor."
Shorepower, based in Portland, Ore., and Utica, N.Y., is a transportation electrification infrastructure company offering solutions for connecting cars and trucks to the electrical grid. Products and services offered include SmartWay-verified truck stop electrification (TSE), as well as charging stations for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Pilot Flying J is based in Knoxville, Tenn., and has more than 550 retail locations across North America. It is also one of the nation's largest wholesale fuel providers, delivering more than 500 million gallons of fuel to thousands of customers in 47 states and eight Canadian provinces. The company employs approximately 20,000 people and is the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America.
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