The Port of Los Angeles is committed to the Clean Truck Program which will modernize the fleet of trucks servicing the nation’s leading port to significantly reduce air emissions. A lawsuit by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) was filed on July 28 challenging the Port’s right to implement a concession requirement for entry onto Port terminals.

The lawsuit does not attack other aspects of the Clean Truck Program. The Port of Los Angeles is committed to responding to the ATA’s challenge to its concession requirement in Court. But, even if the Court issues an injunction temporarily halting the concession requirement, the Port will move forward as planned with all other aspects of the Clean Truck Program.
This means several key components will, in any event, go into effect on October 1, 2008, including:
• All trucks entering Los Angeles and Long Beach port terminals must be registered on the ports’ Drayage Truck Registry
• Pre-1989 trucks will be banned from entering port terminals
• A Clean Trucks Fee will be levied against trucks entering Port of Los Angeles terminals that do not meet 2007 EPA emissions standards
• A federal Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) will be required for all drivers to gain access onto port terminals
“The ATA lawsuit is not a pass to ignore the in-place deadlines of the Clean Truck Plan,” said Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles.
“Drayage trucking companies who are serious about doing business with the Port would be prudent to continue on track to complete concessionaire applications, get their trucks registered on the system, make sure their drivers have TWIC cards and make sure they have no pre-1989 trucks in their port fleet that will be denied access on October 1.”
The Port of Los Angeles encourages Licensed Motor Carriers to prepare for Clean Truck Program requirements now, including the submission of Concession Applications promptly. If the Concession Program is delayed due to legal action Licensed Motor Carriers will receive a Concession Fee refund from the Port. Additionally, applications for the Clean Truck Replacement and Retrofit Grants will available on the week of August 7, 2008. Grant Applications will be prioritized so it is best to submit the applications as soon as possible.
Regarding the concession requirement of off-street parking, the Port is offering a sixmonth transition period – October 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009 – during which legal on-street parking will be allowed.