Suddath on CARB Regulations and Potential Effects to your Business

Lack of truckload capacity and the possibility of rising costs during peak household goods moving season due to California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions regulations.

What is CARB regulation?

The intent of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation is to improve air quality, by reducing emissions from new and existing diesel vehicles operating in California; it became effective this past Jan. 1, 2014 for engines manufactured in 2009 and before.

The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 initiated vehicle emissions standards in the U.S., and air pollution problems in Los Angeles led California to develop strict emissions regulations.

What is a DPF?

CARB compliance is achieved through the installation of a diesel particulate filter (DPF), a device that removes 85 – 100 percent of soot and particles from exhaust; often the DPF actually leaves the air in better quality. The added cost of a DPF is $20,000 or more per vehicle, in addition, the cost in time and dollars to maintain the DPF is considerable.

This high cost, along with cleaner air, is a byproduct of CARB regulations.

How will this affect my business?

The short answer is that over time, both cost and service may be affected. The implications for our customers and partners largely remain to be seen, though it is expected that trucking companies and their customers will absorb compliance costs, as they will also see the very real long-term benefits of clean air.

Suddath^® is committed to staying ahead of the operational and financial impacts of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Truck and Bus regulation, keeping our customers and partners informed and on the road.

Suddath branches across the U.S. see the future clearly and understand these changes will become standard practice over time; Suddath has CARB compliant capacity and will continue to increase that capacity.

Suddath has a large agent-partner network consisting of compliant vehicles, which will help offset capacity demands. Both Suddath California branches are 100 percent compliant and will continue to meet all State and Federal compliance standards.