Mack® MD Electric powers through for Pronto

Like many trucking companies, Pronto Freight Ways started with a single truck. Founder and president Paul Wozniak began the Taylor, Michigan-based business in 1999, supporting the freight forwarding industry in Detroit and Chicago. Pronto now covers 48 states and Ontario with a fleet of nearly 90 straight trucks and day cabs and 53-foot dry vans. For the past 15 years, the diverse carrier – handling truckload, local pickup and delivery, drayage, and warehouse and logistics operations – has counted almost exclusively on Mack Trucks to power its operations.

“Mack^® trucks have been dependable with minimal problems and easy to maintain and take care of,” said Wozniak. “With our dealer, Interstate Trucksource, we’ve been able to get them serviced quickly, which is important to us.”

So when Pronto was offered the opportunity to field test one of the new Mack MD Electric trucks, the company was eager to say yes.

A new era in the Motor City

In a city synonymous with internal combustion engines, Pronto Freight Ways leadership carefully monitors the climate for electric vehicles (EVs). When opportunity knocked, Pronto answered, partnering with Mack to add a Mack MD Electric to their daily regional operations.

“They knew our fleet, they knew our operations, and we jumped all over the opportunity,” said Pronto general manager Steve Narbut.

“We’re honored to be part of Mack’s MD Electric pilot program and have the ability to show our customers that we’re utilizing an EV truck,” said Wozniak. “Even prior to getting the MD Electric, we were asked about our green plan. Electric vehicles will be part of the future and for our company.”

A simple, sustainable solution

Pronto knew there were questions to be answered, such as charging infrastructure and vehicle range as they integrated their MD Electric into the fleet.

“We didn’t know what to expect, quite honestly,” said Narbut. “Our concern’s always been range, and we knew it would not be the same as a diesel internal combustion engine. However, we accepted that and worked the MD Electric into one of our closer routes with many stops, and it’s worked out very well. It’s perfect for the five-to-six hour run.”

At the end of the day, the truck is plugged in and left overnight. “With the power coming into our facility, we are able to use a standard vehicle charger, so we had it wired in, and we had a spot where we could set it,” said Narbut. “It was really pretty easy. The cost wasn’t prohibitive. It was fairly seamless.”

When it comes to maintenance and upkeep of their Mack MD Electric, Narbut says there’s “very little,” and pre-trip inspections are “pretty simple” compared to diesel-powered units, since EVs don't require fluid checks or inspections for exhaust systems and other combustion-related components.

A driver’s truck

“It’s been quite surprising how easy the MD Electric is to drive; the quietness, the easy maneuvering, and it rides better than diesel models,” said Pronto driver Russ McLaughlin. “The silence of the electric truck makes it easier to relax in between driving. It makes driving less stressful, and I didn’t expect that when I first drove it. It’s perfect.”

A typical day for McLaughlin with the MD Electric is making pickups and deliveries across the Detroit metro area over the course of about six hours, and overall, McLaughlin says the MD Electric delivers the qualities he appreciates in Mack trucks, with some additional benefits from the electric driveline.

“I had never driven a Mack prior to coming to Pronto, so I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I have found them quite fascinating,” said McLaughlin. “Mack trucks are easy to drive, they steer nicely, and they have good acceleration. Overall, I’m pleased with Mack trucks, and I’d buy one if I were to get a truck of my own.”

The verdict on testing the Mack MD Electric

Pronto Freight Ways was hand-picked to participate in Mack’s MD Electric test program, ensuring the MD Electric was assigned routes well-suited for EV operations. It has lived up to Pronto’s expectations of Mack and may be finding a permanent place in the Pronto fleet in the future, opening doors to work with environmentally conscious customers.

“With the green initiatives through many of our customers and partners, it’s really been a big selling point for us, showing our customers that we’re trying to do our part for the environment and reduce the use of fossil fuels,” said Narbut. “The Mack MD Electric is a solid vehicle, drives well, operates well, and I think it would be a benefit for anyone to have, honestly.”

The MD Electric is now in production and entering regular service with Mack customers, so more fleets will soon discover the same qualities that won over Pronto.