US commercial fleets diversified their zero-emission vehicle deployments in 2026, balancing battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology amid shifting federal and state policy frameworks, according to FreightWaves' State of Sustainable Fleets 2026 report.

The Port of Long Beach recognized 4 Gen as the first fully zero-emissions drayage fleet in the United States, operating 79 Class 8 trucks powered by battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell drivetrains across southern California port operations.

Fleet operators cited policy uncertainty as a primary factor in their technology selection strategies, with many carriers opting for diversified powertrain investments rather than committing entirely to a single technology path. Federal regulatory timelines and state-level incentive programs varied significantly, driving region-specific deployment patterns across the country.

Long-term contract rate increases of approximately 8% since fall 2025 provided carriers with improved cash flow to fund capital expenditures on new equipment, including zero-emission and low-emission vehicles. Most carriers maintained replacement-level capital spending for 2026, with growth-related equipment investments concentrated in dedicated fleet operations where customer contracts support longer payback periods.

Source: FreightWaves -- https://www.freightwaves.com/news/state-of-sustainable-fleets-2026