Paper Transport Inc. (PTI) has partnered with Tesla to evaluate the Tesla Semi Long Range in dedicated operations in the Chicago market, advancing fleet electrification for specific trucking routes, according to a blog post by PTI reported by FreightWaves.
Partnership Details
PTI, based in De Pere, Wisconsin, announced the partnership to further its sustainability strategy. The company is evaluating the Tesla Semi within its dedicated operating model, where predictable routes and consistent mileage provide an ideal environment for assessing battery-electric performance. PTI CEO Tyler Ellison said, “PTI has been a leader in sustainable transportation solutions for over 15 years. We take a consultative approach to helping customers identify and implement the right transportation solution for their network. Our partnership with Tesla expands our portfolio alongside renewable natural gas and intermodal, giving customers more ways to reduce Scope 3 emissions without compromising service or economics.”
Tesla Semi Production Ramp
The PTI pilot connects to Tesla’s broader production plans for the Class 8 electric truck. Tesla announced that its long-awaited Tesla Semi would begin volume production earlier this year (2026). During Tesla’s Q1 earnings call, CEO Elon Musk cautioned that output would ramp slowly at first before accelerating later in the year and into 2027. Musk emphasized that new products like the Semi will follow a typical “S-curve” ramp, with early production limited by supply chain complexity before scaling rapidly. Tesla has also highlighted deployment of Megachargers and heavy-duty charging infrastructure alongside the Semi rollout, signaling a broader push into commercial freight electrification.
PTI’s Sustainability Track Record
PTI’s partnership with Tesla builds on its 15-year commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. The company has logged over 87 million miles using compressed and renewable natural gas. PTI aims to help customers reduce Scope 3 emissions through renewable natural gas (RNG), intermodal, and battery-electric transportation solutions. Sustainability is a key differentiator for shippers aiming to meet rising demand for environmentally responsible supply chains.
Implications for Shippers
For logistics managers and freight forwarders, the evaluation of the Tesla Semi in a dedicated operating model suggests that electric trucks are moving closer to viable deployment in predictable, high-mileage routes. PTI’s consultative approach, combining RNG, intermodal, and now battery-electric options, offers shippers a portfolio of low-carbon solutions. As Tesla scales Semi production and charging infrastructure, carriers operating dedicated fleets may soon have access to zero-emission alternatives that maintain performance and cost efficiency. Shippers seeking to reduce Scope 3 emissions can engage with partners like PTI to pilot electric trucks on suitable lanes, starting in markets like Chicago where infrastructure and route density support early adoption.
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