The newest rules from the California Air Resources Board take aim at tractor trailers in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gases.  That means you may need to install aerodynamic devices and low-rolling resistance tires for most trailers that operate in the state.  And if you don’t comply?  You’ll be fined.

Think the rules apply only to trucking companies based in and operating in California?  Wrong.  They affect any 53’ or longer dry freight and refrigerated trailer that enters and/or operates in that state.  So get your plans into place now.

California hopes to reduce greenhouse gases by improving fuel efficiency, and the state hopes that modifications to trailers will do just that.

Here are the rules in a nutshell:

• 2011 and newer model year 53-foot or longer dry freight and refrigerated trailers must be either SmartWay certified or retrofitted with SmartWay-verified technologies effective Jan. 1, 2010.
• Most 53-foot or longer box-type dry freight and refrigerated trailers built before model year 2011 must meet the same requirements above by Jan. 1, 2013.  Or, a fleet may choose an optional compliance schedule based on fleet size and prepare and submit the appropriate compliance plan which allows them to phase-in their compliance over time.
• CARB is considering amendments to allow large fleets more flexibility to bring all trailers into compliance.  A hearing to discuss the issue will occur in September.
• Fleets who operate in or enter California must comply with these regulations or face penalties and/or fines.
• Leasing companies, including XTRA Lease, are not considered fleets as long as they comply with the contractual requirements in the regulation.  As a result, the burden for operating compliant equipment, in this case, relies on whoever is operating the equipment.

“This will be a significant adjustment for fleets across the country who travel into California,” said Steve Zaborowski, XTRA Lease Senior Vice President.  Zaborowski serves on a CARB advisory council, responsible for providing industry input and reviewing guidance materials published by CARB.  “The most important thing fleets can do is start putting a plan and strategy together that examines how they operate in California, and how they will adjust to meet the new guidelines.”

What does SmartWay-verified technologies mean?
To comply with the new regulation, fleets may operate SmartWay-certified trailers, which are equipped with the approved technologies.  Or, they may comply by retrofitting trailers with approved low rolling resistance tires and one or more of the following aerodynamic technologies:

• Trailer rear fairings   
• Trailer front gap fairings
• Trailer side skirts   
• Other SmartWay approved technologies

The aerodynamic technologies approved by CARB must reduce fuel consumption by 4-5% depending on the type of trailer used.

Does the regulation apply to all 53’ and longer trailers?
It does not apply to the following:

• Custom-extended sleeper cab tractors
• Flatbed trailers
• Curtain side vans
• Military tactical vehicles
• Solid waste vehicles
• Authorized emergency vehicles
• Container chassis
• Drayage tractors and trailers that operate within a 100-mile radius of a port or rail yard
• Drop frame vans

Other special provisions
There are exemptions for short-haul tractors and local-haul tractors and trailers.  Short-haul tractors that drive less than 50,000 miles per year may be exempt.   Local-haul tractors and trailers that operate within a 100-mile radius from a registered home base may be exempt from the aerodynamics requirements, but not from the tire requirements.  However, short-haul tractors and local-haul tractors and trailers will need to be registered with CARB by the operating fleet in order to obtain this exemption.

How will XTRA Lease address the regulation?
We’re currently reviewing our fleet strategy for operating in California.   XTRA Lease currently offers term-lease trailers compliant with Greenhouse Gas regulations to any fleet.  Contact your local XTRA Lease branch for more information.

Where can you go for help?
For the most comprehensive information about CARB rules, visit the CARB website at:  http://www.arb.ca.gov/truckstop.

Reader Poll -

Do you plan to modify any semi-trailers in order to meet CARB's latest regulation to operate in California?  Vote now! 

Want to know more about trailer rental, leasing or purchase options? 

 Contact us for rates, terms and availability at an XTRA Lease location near you!