Pier 400's Green Appointments program builds on Clean Truck Express – Green Lane Program
APM Terminals Pier 400 is expanding its Green Lane program with the launch of Green Appointments, integrating eligible low- and zero-emission trucks into the appointment scheduling process while supporting efficient cargo flow through the terminal.
At APM Terminals Pier 400, some of the most impactful operational improvements begin with a simple principle to listen to the people moving cargo every day.
Over the past several years trucking companies have invested in low- and zero-emission equipment as part of their own business and fleet strategies. As those investments increased, conversations across the port community focused on how terminals, trucking companies, and other partners could work together to support evolving fleet technologies while maintaining efficient cargo movement.
Pier 400's response began with the Green Lane initiative, becoming the first marine terminal operator in the San Pedro Bay complex to introduce dedicated expedited lane for qualifying clean trucks. What started as a pilot has become an established part of terminal operations. Now, the terminal is building on that foundation with the launch of Green Appointments, a new scheduling feature designed to further integrate clean truck initiatives into daily terminal operations.
Listening to truckers and building on what works
Green Appointments were developed directly from conversations with trucking partners.
"Green Appointments are a direct result of conversations with our trucking partners," said Jon Poelma, Managing Director of APM Terminals Los Angeles. " Many fleets have invested in cleaner equipment, creating opportunities for terminals and trucking companies to explore new ways of working together. Green Lanes werenour first response. Green Appointments build on those lessons by incorporating clean truck participation into the appointment process while supporting efficient cargo flow through the terminal.
The new program incorporates eligible low- and zero-emission trucks into the terminal's appointment management process, building upon the existing Green Lane program. Together, the programs help create a more connected experience from appointment booking to gate processing.
Where planning meets operations
For truckers, appointments are more than a scheduling tool. They are often the starting point for an entire day's work.
According to Poelma, the goal is to support efficient coordination between terminal operations and drayage providers while improving the overall movement of cargo.
"Truckers have told us that securing appointments is one of the biggest challenges in planning their operations," said Poelma. "Visibility into terminal activity and appointment availability helps all supply chain partners plan more effectively."
The program is designed around the simple operational reality that trucking companies perform best when they can confidently plan their day. By extending benefits into the appointment process, Pier 400 aims to help eligible fleets better coordinate dispatching, driver schedules, and cargo movement while maintaining efficient terminal operations.
A program shaped by industry collaboration
The idea behind Green Appointments reflects the value of direct collaboration across the port ecosystem.
"We went to Pier 400 with a challenge and they listened," said Jennie Donnelly, Founder of King Fio Trucking. "For fleets operating electric trucks, predictability matters. Knowing an appointment is secured before sending a truck to the terminal helps us plan more effectively and make better use of our equipment and drivers. Green Appointments show what can happen when terminals and truckers work together to solve real operational challenges."
For the Port of Los Angeles, the program demonstrates how operational improvements can be driven through partnership.
"Strong supply chains are built through collaboration," said Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. "Green Appointments reflect the kind of practical innovation that comes from listening to industry partners and finding new ways to improve the movement of cargo. By aligning terminal operations with the needs of trucking companies, Pier 400 is helping create a more efficient and predictable experience across the port ecosystem."
The initiative also highlights the role ecosystem partners play in supporting lower-emission drayage operations.
Matt LeDucq, CEO of Forum Mobility, a company that operates nearby electric truck charging depots, applauds APM's leadership. "APM is helping our customers get in and out of the terminal quickly and make more turns per day. This helps our customer fleets and is also good for cargo owners - a real win-win. APM is stepping up in a meaningful way and continues to lead.”
Together, these partnerships have helped shape a program designed to support truckers, improve planning, and enhance cargo flow through one of North America's largest container terminals.
Supporting reliable cargo flow
While Green Appointments are designed to complement the terminal's clean truck initiatives, the program's primary focus is supporting reliable cargo flow and operational efficiency.
The initiative is intended to support reliable cargo movement and support effective coordination among terminal, trucking, and supply chain partners. Appointment availability will continue to be managed dynamically based on operational needs to support efficient terminal performance and cargo flow.
As one of North America's largest container terminals, Pier 400 operates in an environment where even small improvements in efficiency can have meaningful impacts for customers, truckers, and terminal operations alike. Green Appointments build on lessons learned through the Green Lane initiative and demonstrate how operational enhancements can be developed through collaboration with the people using them every day.
Building on a proven approach
Green Appointments are not a standalone program. They are the next chapter in an effort that began by listening and building on what worked.
For Poelma, that progression reflects a broader philosophy at Pier 400.
"Progress happens when industry partners work together," he said. "Truckers, terminals, customers, ports, and infrastructure providers all have a role to play. Green Appointments grew directly from conversations with our partners and are another example of how collaboration can create practical solutions that support both truckers and terminal operations."
