California Refrigerated Commercial Truck Requirements

In addition to requirements designed to reduce emissions, there are administrative requirements to ensure that compliance with the TRU Regulation can be verified. Administrative requirements of the TRU Regulation include:

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  Reporting requirements

  Since 2009, all owners of TRUs based in California are required to report company and equipment information in CARB's ARBER system and display CARB TRU identification numbers (IDN).

  All owners of TRUs operating in CA—including those based outside of California—are required to report company and equipment information in CARB's ARBER system and display CARB TRU identification numbers (IDN).

  Owners may obtain an IDN by reporting their TRU(s) to CARB through ARBER.

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  Labeling requirements
   

  New TRU Compliance labeling requirements went into effect on December 31, 2023, and replaced former CARB IDN labeling requirements. All labels must be applied within 30 days of receipt. 

  TRU Compliance labels issued on or after December 31, 2023:

• TRU compliance labels must be applied to each side of the TRU housing within 30 days of receipt. Compliance labels are re-issued every three years. 
• Compliance labels are only re-issued for compliant TRU units. Non-compliant TRU units or units in fleets with outstanding enforcement actions, such as unpaid penalties or outstanding citations, will not be issued compliance labels.
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  Truck owners/driver requirements
   

  Vehicle owners and drivers are prohibited from operating or causing to be operated, TRUs on California highways that do not comply with CARB’s TRU Regulation. Vehicle owners and drivers are required to provide the following information to authorized enforcement personnel upon request:

• Driver’s license;
• Truck or tractor registration;
• Trailer registration; and

• In addition, upon request, drivers are required to allow CARB enforcement personnel to conduct a visual inspection of a TRU.

  For more information, view CARB's Guidance for Brokers, Forwarders, Shippers, Receivers, Carriers, Vehicle Owners and Drivers.

• Bill of lading or freight bill with:
  1. Origin and destination of freight being transported;
  2. shipper business name, street address, state, and ZIP code;
  3. Receiver business name, street address, state, and ZIP code;
  4. Motor carrier business name and contact person’s name and phone number that dispatched the driver; and
  5. The company name and contact information for the business entity (e.g., shipper, freight broker, freight forwarder, or receiver) that arranged, hired, or contracted for the transport of the perishable goods being hauled.

 

Emission Reduction Requirements

The TRU Regulation includes emission reduction requirements to reduce diesel PM emissions. Emission reduction requirements include:

• Ultra-low emission TRU (ULETRU) in-use performance standard
• Lower global warming refrigerant requirement
• PM emission standard
• Zero emission truck TRU phase-in schedule
• Hiring compliant fleets

Zero emission truck TRU phase-in schedule

Truck TRUs

Model year 2014 and older truck TRU engines are required to meet the ULETRU in-use performance standard seven years after the engine model year.  Model year 2014 and older truck TRU engines that do not meet the ULETRU can be cited for non-compliance if they operate in California.

CARB Enforcement

The TRU Regulation is enforced by CARB and local air districts. Enforcement involves a roadside inspection of the TRU and other vehicle components. Non-compliant TRUs are issued citations, which may result in monetary penalties and/or registration holds.