LOS ANGELES, Calif. (August 26, 2025) — Amid rising energy costs and stricter emissions regulations, West Basin Container Terminal (WBCT) at the Port of Los Angeles is opting for propane power to deliver cleaner port operations without sacrificing productivity.
With one of the largest propane terminal tractor fleets in the U.S., WBCT has significantly improved air quality in San Pedro and surrounding communities. Since making the switch from diesel to propane terminal tractors, WBCT has reduced harmful tailpipe nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 99.9% and total hydrocarbon (THC) emissions by 75%.
“Our biggest challenge and our highest costs are our labor and our fuel," said Willy Won, director of engineering for WBCT operator, Ports America. "That has been consistent over the years, but also our goal of doing what's right to lower emissions. This is why WBCT was the first container terminal in the U.S. to fully convert our yard tractor fleet to propane over 20 years ago.”
WBCT started transitioning its entire fleet of diesel terminal tractors to propane in 2003 as part of a planned facility expansion that required the adoption of alternative fuels. Since then, propane has become a core part of its operational and sustainability strategy, and its fleet has grown to 114 propane terminal tractors, 80 of which are advanced ultra-low NOx models with even cleaner performance.
In addition to improving air quality, WBCT is also helping to reduce strain on the local electrical grid — a growing concern as demand for electricity rises. A recent report from the U.S. Department of Energy warns that without dramatic infrastructure improvements, the nation could experience 100 times more blackouts by 2030. This threat has particular significance in California, where electricity demand is climbing and natural disasters that disrupt power are more common. As more gas and diesel vehicles transition to electric, this risk will be further exacerbated due to increased demand on the electric grid from recharging EV fleets. By choosing propane over EV terminal tractors, WBCT has not only reduced strain on the Los Angeles electric grid but has strengthened its own resilience from disruptive power outages and grid instability.
With tariffs and economic uncertainty putting more stress on ports’ bottom lines, WBCT’s utilization of propane has also resulted in operational and financial benefits. The port terminal was able to save 25% on its annual fuel costs by switching from diesel to propane. Compared to other alternative fuels like liquid natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), propane was easier and safer to receive, store, and dispense. Compared to electric models, propane terminal tractors can work longer hours with less downtime.
“When a unit runs out of fuel, it’s about 10 minutes to refuel and put it back to work,” Won said. “Whereas the electric models, sometimes when they run out of charge, they are down for multiple shifts until they can charge up. Propane gives us some flexibility in our operational planning to make sure we don’t have a lot of equipment out of service for as long as it takes to charge.”
As ports across the country seek cleaner, more reliable alternatives to diesel, WBCT stands out as an example for how propane can support both sustainability and operational efficiency. With over two decades of real-world results, WBCT’s investment in propane proves that smart energy choices can reduce emissions, lower costs and ensure greater energy resilience, all while keeping ports from coast to coast on the move.
