CARB’s drayage truck rules start Jan. 1

Trucks made in 1994 to 2003 must have CARB-approved soot traps effective Jan. 1 as well, while 2004 diesel trucks must have CARB-approved soot traps by Dec. 31, 2011, and 2005-2006 model trucks must have CARB-approved soot traps effective Dec. 31, 2012.

The Trucker News Services

12/31/2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) drayage truck regulations governing trucks made in 1993 and older take effect tomorrow, Jan. 1 of 2010, and CARB has issued a “primer” on the new requirements.

Entry of diesel-powered trucks to ports and rail yards is limited strictly to those in California’s drayage truck registry. (Registration is free and can be completed online at www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/porttruck/porttruck.htm.)

Trucks made in 1994 to 2003 must have CARB-approved soot traps effective Jan. 1 as well, while 2004 diesel trucks must have CARB-approved soot traps by Dec. 31, 2011, and 2005-2006 model trucks must have CARB-approved soot traps effective Dec. 31, 2012.

The regulation applies only to diesel-fueled trucks weighing more than 33,000 pounds that haul cargo to and from California ports and intermodal rail yards. Owners of other vehicles that frequent ports and rail cargo centers may obtain a CARB sticker that identifies the vehicle as exempt.

CARB notes that although the sticker isn’t necessary for entry “it may ease access.” To apply for an exemption sticker go to www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/porttruck/DTRExemption.pdf.

Initially, CARB enforcement officers will focus on making sure trucks entering the ports are in the registry. However, CARB can cite owners whose trucks aren’t registered or have noncompliant engines, with enforcement ranging “from warnings to fines to criminal prosecution,” the agency noted on its Web site.

Heavier trucks sitting outside the ports or at rail yards waiting for a transfer load are still subject to CARB regulations concerning idling and exhaust smoke.

Although there are no plans to delay the regulations, CARB is offering an extension through April 30 to port and rail yard truck owners who have been approved for grants or who have secured private funding for soot traps or replacement trucks but are waiting for the new equipment to be delivered. To apply for this extension visit www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/porttruck/porttruck.htm. Soot traps cost an estimated $12,000 to $25,000, depending on the age of the truck.

CARB through local air districts and ports made $85 million available to meet regulations, according to the agency.

For more information go to www.arb.ca.gov/drayagetruck or call the drayage truck hotline at (888) 247-4821.

The Trucker staff may be contacted to comment at editor@thetrucker.com.