How California’s New CARB Regulations on Refrigerated Trucks May Affect You

How California’s New CARB Regulations on Refrigerated Trucks May Affect You

After several years of development, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed and passed several new environmental regulations on refrigerated trucks that may have a significant impact on the industry.  The first of these regulations come into effect in December 2022.  If you or your company operates reefers on the West Coast, you need to start taking action now to ensure you remain in compliance!

What You Need To Know About California Regulations And CARB Compliant Trucks

I. Why new regulations?

For years, there had been concerns about the amount of emissions generated by refrigerated trucks, as well as questions about the impact of the refrigerant being used.  The key issue was that, unlike standard trucks, reefers had to remain running at all times while loaded.  This could potentially result in trucks sitting idle for hours, waiting to be loaded/unloaded, releasing more greenhouse gases than the average truck.

So, CARB, California’s state body regulating air quality, decided to step in and address the issue.

II. What will the new CARB regulations accomplish?

The new CARB regulations have a single long-term goal: that all reefers in California will be zero emissions by the year 2029.  This does give shippers and independents a lot of time to prepare, but it won’t happen all at once.  The new regulations will be rolled out year by year.  Planning will help you stay in compliance across the next decade.

And to be clear: these regulations will apply to all reefers operating in California, regardless of where they are registered or headquartered.

III.  What are the first milestones for CARB-compliant trucks?

To get started, you should be looking to the end of 2022, as well as 2023.

In December 2022:

  • All newly manufactured reefers – both trucks and trailers – must use low-emissions refrigerant or no refrigerant at all.  If refrigerant is used, it must have a global warming potential no higher than 2,200.
  • New reefer models must also lower particulate emissions, in accordance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 final off-road particulate matter emission standard for 25-50 hp engines.

In December 2023:

  • Owners of reefer trucks must report all trucks operating in California to CARB, pay fees, and attach stickers demonstrating their CARB compliance.
  • Owners with older reefers must upgrade at least 15% of their fleet to be zero emissions and continue to do so until all trucks are upgraded by 2029.

C&M Motors

These regulations may sting, but they’ve become an unavoidable cost of doing business in California.  To learn more about your options in CARB-compliant trucks, contact us at C&M Motors.

CARB Compliance – Are You Ready?

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is taking steps to ensure that trucks and buses meet the California Air Resource Board’s (CARB) regulations. These regulations are currently in effect which means that in order to renew your vehicle’s registration, you must be compliant with the regulatory requirements.

What are the CARB Requirements for 2020?

For Medium Duty and Lighter Vehicles (GVW over 14,000 and under 26,000), the focus for 2020 is 2004 models and older. However, next year the regulations affect 2005-2007 models. In 2023, it will additionally encompass 2008-2010 models. For Heavy Duty vehicles (GVW over 26.000), the 2020 regulations affect vehicle model years 2000 and older. Next year the regulations include 2001-2005. In 2022, vehicles from 2006 and 2007 and finally in 2023, 2008 through 2010 vehicles will be regulated.

Here is the compliance schedule…

CARB compliance

If your vehicle needs to meet the regulatory requirements over the next few years, get your fleet ready. Reporting fleet and vehicles information to CARB, such as VIN numbers, may be needed to ensure you are not denied registration or fined for not verifying compliance.

C&M Motors can help. Get your fleet in shape for 2020 and beyond. Call us today to get you on the road to CARB compliance.

C&M Motors – San Diego’s premiere Hino dealership!

www.cmmotorsinc.com

(800) 736-3443

 

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