The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is circulating draft regulations that would require sleeper-cab tractors and 53-foot box-type trailers operating on any highway in California be United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay-certified vehicles.
Regulations would apply to 2011-model and later equipment, and would make brokers, shippers, and receivers responsible for ensuring that the regulations are followed.
Among basic specifications for an EPA-certified SmartWay tractor: integrated cab-high roof fairing; tractor-mounted side fairing gap reducers; tractor fuel-tank side fairings; aerodynamic bumper and mirrors; options for reducing periods of extended engine idling (auxiliary power units, generator sets, direct-fired heaters, battery-powered HVAC system, and automatic engine start/stop system); and options for low-rolling resistance tires (single wide or dual) mounted on aluminum wheels.
Basic specs necessary to qualify as an EPA-certified SmartWay trailer: side skirts; weight-saving technologies; gap reducer on the front or trailer tails (either extenders or boat tails); and options for low-rolling resistance tires (single wide or dual) mounted on aluminum wheels.
The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a collaboration between the U.S. EPA and the freight industry to increase energy efficiency while reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.
View more Refrigerated Transporter news relating to alternative fuels, idle reduction, fuel conservation, fuel economy and diesel fuel prices.
