California Air Resources Board - Regulations Changes

CARB has issued numerous changes to their regulations.  CARB stated that they intend to issue fines against carriers, brokers, shippers, and receivers - no matter where they are located.  CARB contends that these regulations apply to any carrier transporting goods on California highways, as well as any entity tendering shipments on California highways. 

These regulations fall into three categories:

1.         Truck and Bus Regulations

2.         Transport Refrigeration Unit Regulations

3.         Greenhouse Gas Regulations

1.  Truck and Bus Regulations:

Particulate matter filters are required on all trucks - the exact deadline depends on the model year of the truck and engine.  

What should you do?  Make certain your trucks operating in the state meet the above requirements - inspectors are actively checking.  If you are running LoadTrek - set up a "California Compliant" equipment group. 

2.  Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Regulation:

TRU regulations were effective January 1, 2013 and apply to brokers, forwarders, shippers, receivers, drivers, and carriers.  CARB has tested and certified each reefer unit that is compliant with their new regulations.  You can check your reefer units' compliance with CARB regulations at the CARB web site.

Drivers are required to provide any California law enforcement officer with complete information on the shipper, receiver, and carrier upon demand.  Shippers, receivers, and carriers are required to dispatch only compliant reefer equipment within the state.

How can you as a carrier comply?  Check your reefers and dispatch only CARB-compliant reefers to the state.  If you are running LoadTrek, use the "California Compliant" equipment group.  We are watching some exciting developments in alternative-fueled reefers.  We will keep you posted as the technology is ready for public release. 

3.  Greenhouse Gas Regulations:

Owners of 53 foot or longer box type trailers, and the owners of the trucks that pull these trailers, must use SmartWay verified low rolling resistance tires.  However, this applies only if the engine in the tractor pulling the trailer is model year 2010 or older.  You are allowed to run non-low rolling resistance tires until the end of their useful life or January 1, 2015 - whichever comes first. 

Because SmartWay-compliant tires are commonplace, you may wish to consider equipping your entire on-road fleet with these tires.