Truck and Bus Regulation

The Truck and Bus Regulation, established by CARB in 2008, targets the reduction of greenhouse gases and diesel particulate matter emissions. It applies to all diesel trucks and buses operating within California with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) greater than 14,000 pounds.

As of January 1, 2023, vehicles with a GVWR over 26,000 pounds are required to have 2010 or newer engines to operate legally in California. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enforces this by denying registration to non-compliant vehicles.

Operators must register their vehicles with CARB’s Truck Regulation Upload, Compliance, and Reporting System (TRUCRS). Exceptions exist for trucks operating less than 1,000 miles annually within California (which can qualify for the “low-use exemption”) and for those obtaining a “three-day pass” allowing limited operation within the state.

Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Regulation

CARB regulations for diesel-fueled Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs) are aimed at reducing emissions and promoting cleaner technology. TRUs installed on trucks must comply with specific requirements based on engine horsepower and model year to meet Ultra-Low Emission TRU (ULETRU) standards. Key updates include:

• Refrigerants: As of December 31, 2022, all new TRUs must use refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) less than 2,200.
• Emission Standards: TRUs manufactured in model year 2023 or later must meet stricter particulate emission standards aligned with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
• Facility Reporting: Owners of facilities where TRUs operate must register with CARB, pay fees every three years, and report all TRUs operating at their facility.
• TRU Owner Reporting: TRU owners must report all TRUs operating in California to CARB, pay operational fees, and affix CARB compliance labels to their units every three years.
• Zero-Emission Transition: By December 31, 2029, all truck TRUs operating in California must be zero-emission.

On January 3, 2025, the U.S. EPA granted California authorization to enforce certain elements of its TRU Regulation. However, the EPA did not act on the requirement for a 15% annual turnover of diesel-fueled truck TRUs to zero-emission technology starting December 31, 2023. Consequently, CARB has withdrawn this specific requirement and is evaluating the next steps.

CARB Regulations in 2025 and Beyond

Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Regulation

The ACT regulation applies to truck manufacturers. It mandates that these manufacturers increase the sales of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) starting with the 2024 model year. The mandated percentages for new sales of Class 8 tractors and Class 6-8 rigid trucks are:

• 7% in 2025
• 10% in 2026
• 15% in 2027

Fleet owners may continue to purchase internal combustion engine vehicles if the specific configuration is listed on the ZEV Purchase Exemption List, which addresses situations where certain vehicle types are not yet available as ZEVs or near-zero emission vehicles.

Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) Rule

As of January 2025, CARB is no longer pursuing the ACF Rule.  This rule applied to trucking fleets.  Initially approved in April 2023, the ACF aimed to transition medium- and heavy-duty fleets into zero-emission technologies. Key provisions included requirements for drayage trucks and high-priority fleets to adopt zero-emission vehicles. The decision to halt the ACF Rule may impact these planned transitions.

Clean Truck Check

The Clean Truck Check program ensures that heavy-duty vehicles operating in California maintain properly functioning emissions control systems. It involves periodic emissions compliance testing and reporting for vehicles with a GVWR of over 14,000 pounds, applicable to both in-state and out-of-state vehicles. The compliance test window for trucks with registrations due in January or July 2025 is currently open.

Additional Regulations

• Low-Use Exemption Reporting: Vehicles utilizing the low-use exemption under the Truck and Bus Regulation must have reported odometer readings by January 31, 2025.
• Off-Road Diesel Fleet Reporting: Inventory reporting for off-road diesel fleets was due by March 1, 2025.
• Criteria and Toxics Emissions Reporting: The reporting deadline is May 1, 2025, subject to air district schedules.

For the most current information, stakeholders should refer to CARB’s official updates and compliance requirements.

Certainly! Here’s an overview of current and upcoming California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations relevant to logistics professionals:

1. **Truck and Bus Emission Standards:**  

   – Tightened standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions.

   – Requirements for the adoption of Clean Diesel and Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) technologies.

2. **California Diesel Regulations:** 

   – Restrictions on older diesel engines to phase out the most polluting engines.

   – Mandatory use of low-sulfur diesel fuel for on-road vehicles.

3. **California Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (CHP):** 

   – Regular inspections to ensure compliance with emission standards.

   – Use of remote sensing and on-road inspections to identify non-compliant vehicles.

4. **Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandates:**  

   – Incentives and mandates for the adoption of electric and fuel cell trucks to transition away from diesel-powered vehicles.

5. **Incentive Programs:**  

   – Grants and rebates for purchasing cleaner vehicles and upgrading infrastructure, such as the California Clean Truck Program.

**Upcoming Regulatory Changes and New Measures**

1. **Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation (ACT):**

   – Phasing in requirements for manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission trucks, culminating in 100% ZEV sales by 2035.

2. **Drayage Truck Regulations:**

   – Stricter deadlines for replacing or retrofitting older drayage trucks at ports and freight facilities to meet 2024 and 2027 standards.

3. **Carbon Reduction Goals:**

   – Enhanced measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the transportation sector, aligning with California’s broader climate objectives.

4. **Clean Fleet Regulations:**

   – New mandates for public and private fleets to transition to cleaner vehicles, including specific timelines for phased adoption.

– **Compliance Planning:**

  – Regularly review and update fleet management strategies to ensure adherence to evolving standards.

– **Investment in Clean Technologies:**

  – Consider early adoption of electric trucks, infrastructure, and related technologies to stay ahead of regulations.

– **Monitoring Regulatory Updates:**

  – Engage with industry associations and CARB updates to anticipate and prepare for upcoming requirements.

– **Utilize Incentives:**

  – Leverage available grants and rebates to offset costs associated with cleaner vehicle adoption and infrastructure upgrades.

California’s environmental regulations set a high bar for emissions reduction in the logistics industry. Staying informed and proactive is essential for compliance, operational efficiency, and contributing to the state’s environmental goals. By embracing cleaner technologies and planning for upcoming regulations, logistics professionals can position themselves for success in California’s increasingly sustainable transportation landscape.