Reefer regulations
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has imposed performance standards for transport refrigeration units (TRUs) that must be addressed by fleets located in California or that operate there, even if occasionally. With various compliance dates, many refrigerated fleets are feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Dean Foods, one of the largest, private refrigerated fleets in the US and California, has been working with Thermo King to address these challenges.
“With more than 600 refrigerated trailers and 250 refrigerated straight trucks operating in California, and 12 different dairy facilities and branches throughout the state, the magnitude of the project is immense,” said Dean Foods vice-president of transportation Mike Ahart. “When Thermo King offered to help us, I didn't hesitate to accept.”
Earlier this year, personnel from Thermo King traveled with Dean Foods officials and inspected the company's trailers and TRUs that were model years 2001 and older. These models need to be updated as dictated by CARB.
The Thermo King personnel recorded their findings and included options to gain compliance, including everything from unit or trailer replacement, to diesel particulate filter (DPF) installation, to engine replacement.
“Basically, we gave Dean Foods the data and information necessary to begin what will be a very big decision-making process,” said Bill Cutrone, a Thermo King national account service manager. “It's a starting place for them to begin sifting through their options in satisfying CARB requirements and deadlines.”
“Thermo King provided a level of expertise that we didn't have related to the technological upgrades of the equipment,” Ahart added. “More importantly, the value of this teamwork went far beyond our CARB issues. Thermo King offered up technical support, advice, and best-practice tips to our technicians in the field.”
To truly provide the technological recommendations that will help lower operating costs and extend equipment life, suppliers need to understand their customers' business and their application needs, said Ahart. “It's the key to successful relationships.”