HMD Trucking Receives First of 50 Tesla Semi Trucks in Chicago

HMD Trucking has taken delivery of its first Tesla Semi, marking a milestone for the company's 50-truck electric fleet order announced in September 2026. The truck, received on November 2 in Chicago, is the first Tesla Semi registered in Illinois.

What the test drive revealed

Before the formal delivery, HMD operated the Semi for more than 4,000 miles (6,437 km) during a summer testing programme. The company reported an average energy consumption of 1.74 kWh per mile, a figure Tesla has cited in its own efficiency claims for the Semi under real-world, mixed-load conditions.

HMD plans to use its initial trucks primarily for local operations around the Chicago area. The company also indicated plans to expand the electric fleet "far beyond the Chicagoland market" as additional units arrive.

Operator perspective

Michael Mahler, COO of HMD Trucking, told Drive Tesla Canada that the company's nearly 15 years of experience with Tesla vehicles gave it a clear understanding of what the Semi can do. "Tesla has been transparent with us regarding the capabilities of Semi every step of the way and it has not disappointed," Mahler said.

What it means for Canadian freight

While this delivery is U.S.-based, the Illinois registration is notable for Canadian operators: cross-border freight corridors run through Chicago, and the presence of Tesla Semi infrastructure in the region could influence Canadian trucking companies evaluating electric conversions on the U.S. side of their routes. Tesla has not yet announced a Canadian Semi sales programme, but the company's North American charging and service build-out — including the Port of Long Beach Megachargers that went live in late October — suggests a broader commercial-EV rollout is underway.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.