CARB Regulations
CARBREGULATIONS
Getting to Know Advanced Clean Fleets Regulations for 2024
Do you know a new era in California’s efforts to combat climate change is swiftly approaching? Starting in January 2024, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will roll out the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulations, ushering in a transformative chapter for commercial trucking in the Golden State. These pioneering regulations are set to revolutionize the way fleets operate, bringing cutting-edge technologies, clean energy alternatives, and rigorous standards to the forefront. At Arrow Truck Sales, we’re committed to keeping you ahead of the curve, and that’s why we’re here to support you through these significant changes, helping you ensure your fleet is compliant and poised for a sustainable and prosperous future. It’s important to note Arrow Truck Sales is not a legal advisory service, and the information we provide does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Arrow Truck Sales does not take responsibility for your truck purchase meeting CARB regulations. We strongly recommend consulting with your legal or compliance teams or seeking professional legal counsel to ensure your full understanding of these regulations and their implications for your business.
Setting the Stage
The California Air Resources Board, commonly known as CARB, is a prominent regulatory agency in the state, established in 1967 to address air quality and environmental concerns. Over the years, CARB has played a pivotal role in shaping emissions regulations, setting the stage for the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat air pollution. Its influence extends far beyond California, often serving as a model for other regions aiming to implement environmentally friendly practices.
Compliance with CARB regulations is a pivotal concern for the trucking industry in California. The state has been at the forefront of environmental initiatives, striving to combat pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, trucking companies operating in California must adhere to many regulations collectively geared toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. This includes adhering to strict emission standards, employing cleaner technologies, and regularly maintaining and monitoring their fleets. Compliance with these regulations is a legal obligation and an essential step toward supporting a cleaner environment in California.
ACF: The Next Phase
CARB’s current regulations encompass various initiatives addressing air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. The Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) regulation and the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation are of particular relevance to the state’s goal of transitioning the entire trucking fleet to zero-emissions vehicles. In addition to the ACF regulations’ requirements for fleets generally, the ACF regulations specifically target the drayage truck industry, compelling them to transition to zero-emission vehicles. This focused approach acknowledges the drayage sector plays a significant role in California’s emissions landscape and emphasizes the importance of adapting it to more sustainable practices. The ACF regulations are poised to facilitate a smoother transition to eco-friendly drayage operations, furthering the state’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality in California’s busy transportation corridors.
ACF and Drayage: What Do You Need to Know?
Here’s a 10,000-foot look at what we know about ACF’s impacts on the drayage industry so far:
Zero-Emission Drayage Truck Requirements
The ACF regulations are centered on the utilization of zero-emission drayage trucks. Drayage trucks play a significant role in the logistics industry, transporting goods short distances between ports and distribution centers. Under the ACF regulations, CARB mandates that all drayage trucks in California must be zero-emission vehicles by 2036. This requirement significantly reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with California’s broader sustainability goals.
Drayage Truck Registration Requirements
The ACF regulations introduce strict registration requirements for these vehicles to maintain a cleaner and more efficient drayage truck fleet. Trucking companies must register their drayage trucks with CARB to monitor their compliance with emissions standards and to ensure they meet the zero-emission targets. Beginning January 1, 2024, only zero-emission “legacy” drayage trucks may be registered in the CARB Online System. Legacy diesel and natural gas drayage trucks can continue to operate through their minimum useful life. Registration entails providing detailed information, including vehicle specifications, emission control technologies, and maintenance records. All drayage trucks entering seaports and intermodal railyards will be required to be zero-emission by 2035.
Regulatory Flexibilities
CARB recognizes that transitioning to a fully zero-emission drayage truck fleet is a substantial undertaking. As a result, the ACF regulations include regulatory flexibilities to assist businesses during this transition. These flexibilities can encompass alternative compliance measures or extensions for companies that require additional time to integrate zero-emission drayage trucks into their fleets. These measures aim to balance the urgency of emissions reductions with the practical challenges of transitioning to new technologies. Again, legacy trucks registered before December 31, 2023, may continue operating over their useful life.
Removing Combustion-Powered Drayage Trucks from Service
The ACF regulations also address the phase-out of older, higher-emission drayage trucks. Over time, these older trucks will be required to be retired or retrofitted with advanced emission control technologies. The goal is to ensure only clean, environmentally responsible drayage trucks continue to operate in California’s busy port areas by 2035. The state can significantly reduce air pollution and improve air quality and public health in affected communities by gradually phasing out older, higher-polluting trucks.
What Non-Compliance Means for You
Non-compliance with the Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) regulations could result in significant consequences for businesses in the trucking industry. Failure to meet the requirements could lead to fines, penalties, and even operational restrictions. CARB takes non-compliance seriously and has the authority to enforce penalties to encourage adherence to the regulations. Beyond financial repercussions, non-compliance can tarnish a company’s reputation and hinder its ability to secure contracts or operate within California. To avoid these consequences, businesses need to stay well-informed about the ACF regulations, keep their fleets in compliance, and consider adopting greener technologies to meet the evolving standards. By doing so, businesses can avoid penalties and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
Resources for the New Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) Regulations
Navigating the landscape of the new Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulations is a complex task. If you’re considering purchasing used trucks and placing them into service before December 31, 2023, to take advantage of legacy provisions, our team can offer insights and suggestions. We also suggest you read the information provided by CARB about adding ICE (internal combustion engines) into service.
For detailed information and the latest updates on the ACF regulations’ impact on the drayage industry, we encourage you to visit CARB’s official fact sheet at CARB ACF Drayage Fact Sheet. As noted above, Arrow Truck Sales is not a legal advisory service, and the information we provide does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Arrow Truck Sales does not take responsibility for your truck purchase meeting CARB regulations. We strongly recommend consulting with your legal or compliance teams or seeking professional legal counsel to ensure your full understanding of these regulations and their implications for your business.