Cargo Transporters Inc. in Claremont, N.C.is expanding into the Charlotte market and is expected to create 50 jobs and invest $28 million.
The trucking terminal in Charlotte will open in early January, according to a release from the company.
"We are growing our presence in other markets where we have a growing customer base," said John Pope, chairman of the company. "In the past, all operations were centrally controlled in Claremont, but this will allow us to manage assets and professional drivers outside Catawba County."
The release said the company plans to hire at least 50 professional drivers in the next 10 months. It plans to put 20 trucks there immediately, as well as some staff.
The $23 million investment the company plans includes about 165 new trucks and 200 trailers in the next 10 months, Pope said. Most of the replacements will be for older equipment but a portion will be for growth, he said.
The investment will make the company's trucks some of the most environmentally friendly and technically advanced fleets in the southeast, the release said.
The trucks consume no fossil fuel while parked, the company said.
The trucks and trailers are U.S. EPA SmartWay certified, Pope said. They use a number of high efficiency features, such as wide-based tires, advance aerodynamics, more efficient engines and battery powered sleeper bunk heat/AC/power.
"The driver can heat and cool the cab as well as power small electronics such as TV or refrigerator with battery power while parked," Pope said. "Those batteries automatically recharge while the truck is being driven next time."
Cargo Transporters also is working with Duke Energy to add more than 20 electrified parking spots for its trucks at the main Claremont terminal. Pope said the 20 electrified spots provide power while the truck is parked so it doesn't have to run the main engine or use the batteries. It directly converts the power for heat/AC while parked, he said.
"With the purchase of these vehicles, we are providing our professional drivers the most advanced commercial vehicle to travel the nation's highways," Pope said.
The company runs almost 500 trucks, 1,500 trailers and employs about 640 people, according to the release.
