Volvo Trucks North America has received a 100-truck order for VNL 300 Daycabs and Mack Trucks Inc. has received a 100-truck order for Pinnacle Axle Back DayCabs under an initial phase of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach Clean Trucks Program.
The program calls for 16,000-plus drayage units currently serving container operations to eventually be replaced with modern, environmentally friendly trucks.
The Volvo VNL 300 Daycabs will be delivered to qualified fleets and independent operators selected by the ports. The trucks are equipped with very fuel efficient, productive and clean Volvo D13 engines rated at 405 hp. The Volvo D13 also meets the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) low-NOx idle requirements through its certified sub-30 g/hr NOx emissions. The Volvo VNL 430 has also been selected as one of the approved models drayage operators may select as part of the Ports' program.
The Pinnacle DayCabs are equipped with a MACK MP7 engine rated at 395 hp and certified to CARB’s requirements. The MP7 is very fuel efficient, with up to 5% better fuel economy on highway than previous engines. In addition, the Mack Pinnacle Axle Back model with 48-inch sleeper will also be available for selection by fleets and independent owner operators operating at the terminals.
According to the ports, beginning October 1, the Clean Trucks Program will bar 1988 and older trucks from entering shipping terminals. By 2012, all 2006 and older trucks will be banned from the Ports, and replaced by a new fleet, reducing truck-related pollution by 80%. To help truckers quickly replace their older vehicles, the Ports are providing financial assistance for the acquisition of newer, cleaner trucks.
Drayage (the transportation from port to receiver of intermodal shipping containers) is a very demanding truck application, with heavy urban-cycle, congested conditions and frequently tight quarters during pickup and delivery of shipping containers. The Volvo and Mack trucks have the visibility needed in such conditions due to the high seat position for the driver, huge windshield and sloping hood. Volvo's 50-degree wheel cut and setback front axle also give the tractors maneuverability.