Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, no 2011 or subsequent model year 53’ or longer box-type trailer (dry, refrigerated or curtainside vans) may be pulled by a heavy-duty tractor on a highway in California unless it is either SmartWay-certified or has been retrofitted with equipment to meet SmartWay technical requirements and specifications.
SmartWay requirements for 53' or longer box-type trailers include:
- Low-rolling resistance tires that provide a 3% fuel economy benefit, relative to mid-range rolling resistance tires.
- Trailer side fairings and trailer front-mounted gap fairings or trailer rear-mounted fairings or boat tails.
On Dec. 11, 2008, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) approved the state’s climate action plan, a central requirement of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) that requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
As part of this plan, ARB developed a list of discrete early action measures that are scheduled to be enforceable by Jan. 1, 2010. One such measure is the Heavy-duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction rule. Based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay Partnership Program, it will require the use of technologies that improve the efficiency of heavy-duty tractors and trailers operating in California.
For more information on requirements and implementation schedules for 2010 and older model year trailers, visit www.arb.ca.gov/cc/hdghg/hdghg.htm.