What Every Driver Should Know about CARB Compliance
As truck drivers go cross-country on a daily basis, the laws are as different as each state. From speed limits to seat belts, knowing what has a green light in one state versus a no-go in the other can save precious time and money on the road.
A state with a distinct set of laws is California. The Golden State is home to the California Air Resources Board also known as CARB. This governmental agency’s objectives center on reducing greenhouse emissions and creating greater fuel efficiency.
How does it affect you?
CARB mandates that all diesel trucks, buses, trailers and transport refrigeration units that operate in California are required to meet their state standards. This includes any operator who has plans to do business in or driving through the state.
Forbes reports that vehicles not in compliance with these laws can be fined thousands of dollars a day or can be barred from doing business in California. Inspections are conducted at weigh stations, fleet facilities as well as randomly selected roadside locations.
While newer models typically come standard with cleaner-burning equipment, buying a new truck is not always feasible. Fortunantely, there are plenty of ways to become CARB compliant while making smart financial choices.
Another benefit to modifying your equipment is to meet the also growing requirements for EPA (The United States Environmental Protection Agency). The EPA provides national standard emissions benchmarks for vehicles, engines, and different types of equipment.
Anticipating this emerging need, CSTK is focusing on providing resources and solutions for your fleet. We are proud to be an authorized dealer for several CARB/EPA compliant systems.
Will adding these systems reduce performance? Compliance should not mean compromise. These fleet solutions fulfill government requirements with full mechanical effectiveness.
Take a look at options available for your fleet:
Fuel Effiecent Technologies 
CARB-verified aerodynamic technologies can help to save fuel while you drive. These trailer aerodynamic improvement technologies can be installed on the front, side, under, or in the rear of your trailer, individually or in combination together. According to the EPA, using multiple trailer aero devices could save you 9% or more in fuel usage at highway speeds (65 mph). CSTK offers Strehl TrailerBlade that combines proven materials, durable design, and efficient manufacturing make TrailerBlade economical to buy, easy to install, and ruggedly built. Strehl TrailerBlades are also EPA SmartWay Certified. Launched in 2004, SmartWay is an EPA program that helps the freight transportation sector improve operational efficiency. It will last for years while saving on fuel costs.
Installing a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is another flexible retrofitting option. The Rypos DPF ULETRU (Ultra-Low Emission Transport Refrigeration Unit) has been engineered to work seamlessly with Thermo King refrigeration units without the need for any operator interaction. Why choose Rypos? They are the premier provider of fully active emissions control systems. Once retrofitted with the Rypos DPF ULETRU, the transport refrigeration unit will be CARB compliant until the end of its useful life. The product can move from unit to unit within a fleet, allowing flexibility for retiring or selling older units. Interested in a quote? Click here to contact a CSTK expert for more information.
The Best of Both Worlds
If you are ready to make a smart investment that will last, Thermo King Precedent offers fuel savings combined with emission control. The Precedent platform utilizes an all-new DDE (Diesel Direct Electric) which ensures minimal energy loss and maximized fuel efficiency and reliability.The new Precedent Series???which includes the S-600 and C-600 products???is compliant with the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier IV final emissions standards, and the S-700 and S-600 units are the only evergreen CARB compliant units in the industry.
CSTK’s professional approach to CARB compliance can help you find the best options for your fleet while ensuring your operation’s productivity is not cut by extensive down time.
Download an info kit on Strehl TrailerBlade, Rypos, and Thermo King Precedent products available from CSTK.
Please visit CARB’s website for more information on Heavy Duty Diesel Trucks and Transporation Refrigeration Unit regulations.
