New California trailer regulations target particulate and greenhouse gas emissions

May 1, 2009
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company addressed two new CARB (California Air Resources Board) regulations at a press briefing during the Mid-America Trucking

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company addressed two new CARB (California Air Resources Board) regulations at a press briefing during the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville. Both regulations affect trailer equipment spec requirements and values. The regulations have been adopted and are due to be implemented over the next 12 months.

The first regulation is the CARB Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Airborne Toxic Control Measure that goes into effect July 17, 2009. It requires all trailers that (a) operate in California, (b) use refrigeration units, and (c) are more than seven years old to be modified or replaced to reduce particulate matter emissions. Depending on the model year of the reefer unit, the manufacturer, and the model year of the engine, it may be possible to modify a non-compliant refrigeration unit to meet the new regulation.

“We have seen our customers meet the regulation in several ways,” said Chuck Cole. “This includes installing a CARB-approved diesel particulate filter (DPF), a CARB-approved new engine, or a new 2008 model year refrigeration unit.” The feasibility of modifying to meet the new regulation is dependent on the reefer unit's age and manufacturer, and the model year of the engine used by the manufacturer. For correct methods of complying, visit the CARB website at www.arb.ca.gov/cc/hdghf/hdhghg.htm.

The second regulation soon to go into effect is the CARB Heavy Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Measure, which requires fleets operating 53-ft long dry vans and reefers in California to use either US EPA-certified SmartWay trailers or trailers equipped with aerodynamic devices that achieve 5% fuel savings for dry freight van trailers and 4% fuel savings for reefer trailers. Either approach will also require the use of low rolling resistance tires (either singles or duals) and the addition of EPA-approved aerodynamic devices.

The CARB Greenhouse Gas Emission Measure will go into effect July 1, 2010 and will apply to all new 2011 and later model year 53-ft dry and reefer van trailer purchases. All 2010 and prior model year 53-ft dry and reefer van trailers operating in California will also be required to comply with the regulation, with CARB providing various compliance options for existing fleets.

“Now that California has raised the bar on both particulate emissions from diesel refrigeration units and greenhouse gas emissions from tractor fuel usage while pulling 53-ft trailers, other states may soon follow suit,” said Craig Bennett, senior vice-president sales and marketing at Utility Trailer. “To help you comply with the new California regulations, we recently have made available additional options for EPA- approved low rolling resistance tires, as well as aerodynamic devices.”

For additional information about the regulations, visit the SmartWay website www.epa.gov/smartway/documents420f07033.htm.
Utility Trailer's website is www.utilitytrailer.com.