Trucking Giant HMD Shifts Gears, Electrifying Fleet with 50 Tesla Semis

HMD Trucking, a prominent Chicago-based freight carrier, is making a significant transition by acquiring 50 Tesla Semi trucks, signaling a strategic shift from its predominantly diesel-powered fleet. Founded 28 years ago by Henry and Daiva Malukas, HMD Trucking has grown from a single-truck operation to a $250 million enterprise boasting nearly 700 big rigs and over 1,000 employees across Illinois and Indiana. Henry Malukas, a veteran driver who has logged over a million miles, sees the Tesla Semi as the future of trucking, capable of handling demanding tasks like peanut butter delivery even in harsh weather conditions.

Malukas attended the Tesla Semi launch event, confirming HMD Trucking's substantial investment, estimated at around $15 million, for these all-electric Class 8 semi-trucks. He expressed profound confidence in the Tesla Semi, describing it as an "amazing product" that offers unparalleled efficiency, low maintenance, and significant fuel cost savings. For drivers, he believes it represents a "dream come true," ushering in a "next level" of trucking technology unseen before.

Despite HMD Trucking's current fleet being 99 percent Peterbilt brand, diesel-powered models, Malukas is resolute in his belief that electric big rigs will eventually replace them all. He argues that the business case for electric trucks is clear-cut, devoid of the emotional attachments often associated with electric passenger cars. Company owners, he states, prioritize the bottom line, and the economic advantages, particularly in maintenance and operating costs, will drive widespread adoption. "This is a miracle in my eyes," Malukas remarked, highlighting the transformative potential.

Addressing operational concerns such as the Semi's maximum 500-mile hauling range and the charging of its immense 850-ish kWh battery packs, Malukas is confident in HMD's strategy. The company plans to leverage Tesla’s expanding network of "Megachargers," which can deliver up to 1.2 megawatts of energy, alongside establishing its own charging infrastructure in Chicago. The Tesla Semi's impressive gross combined weight rating of 82,000 lbs further underscores its capability for heavy loads.

While the surge in diesel fuel prices might seem like opportune timing for the Tesla Semi's launch, Malukas emphasizes that HMD's primary focus for savings lies not just in fuel volatility, but crucially in reduced maintenance and operating expenditures. The intricate and costly processes involved in maintaining diesel vehicles, from oil changes to other regular servicing, are expected to be significantly streamlined with the electric alternative, freeing up resources and improving overall efficiency for delivering loads.

Beyond their trucking empire, Henry and Daiva Malukas are also prominent figures in motorsports through HMD Motorsports, which operates a successful IndyCar NXT team, the developmental series for IndyCar. Their son, David Malukas, is a rising star in the racing world, currently competing for Team Penske in the top-level IndyCar Series. David made headlines in 2026 by securing a heart-breaking second-place finish in the closest ever Indy 500 race, adding another dimension to the Malukas family's dynamic and successful ventures.