Two fleets fined by EPA for violating CARB regs

Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023:

EPA settles CARB violations with two fleets

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced settlements with two trucking companies over claims of violating the California Air Resources Board’s Truck and Bus Regulation.

The companies, Capurro Trucking and Republic Services, operate diesel trucks in California and elsewhere. According to EPA, the companies failed to install controls to reduce pollution, upgrade model year engines, or verify that the trucks complied with state rules. The EPA brought these enforcement actions under the Clean Air Act.

Under the terms of the settlements, Capurro Trucking paid a civil penalty of $119,162, and Republic Services, comprised of 30 entities, paid a civil penalty of $100,000, to resolve EPA’s respective violation claims against the companies.

"We are glad to resolve this matter with US EPA Region 9," Republic Services said in an emailed statement to CCJ. "We look forward to continuing to provide sustainable solutions to our customers in California."

Capurro Trucking has not responded to a request for comment as of Tuesday afternoon.

“National truck fleets operating within California need to comply with our state’s truck and bus rule that regulates dangerous air pollution,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Administrator Martha Guzman. “Holding companies accountable protects the environment and public health, particularly among overburdened California communities that are bearing the brunt of pollution from diesel-fueled, heavy-duty trucks.”

The California Truck and Bus Regulation has been part of the state’s federally enforceable emissions regs since 2012. The rule requires trucking companies to upgrade vehicles they own to meet specific performance standards for emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter and to verify compliance of vehicles they hire or dispatch. Since Jan. 1, 2023, all vehicles subject to the rule that travel in California have been required to have 2010 model year engines or equivalent emissions.

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[Related: ATA chief takes aim at unions, plaintiffs' bar and CARB]

Schneider named SmartWay High Performer

Schneider National (CCJ Top 250, No. 6) has been recognized by the EPA as a 2023 SmartWay High Performer.

The SmartWay High Performer list is developed annually by the agency and honors carriers that excel in producing more efficient and sustainable supply chain solutions. Landing a spot on the high performer list emphasizes Schneider’s commitment to operating an exceptionally efficient fleet, emitting fewer pollutants and burning less fuel per mile traveled, the company said.

“Reducing emissions is a priority, and we are focused on implementing innovative, environmentally friendly options to achieve this,” said Schneider Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Rob Reich. “We continue accelerating our business and the broader industry toward a more sustainable future, most notably with the addition of our electric vehicle fleet and charging depot in South El Monte, California.”

Earlier this year, Schneider opened a large-scale battery electric vehicle (BEV) operation with nearly 100 Freightliner eCascadias and a charging depot capable of powering 32 trucks simultaneously.

Schneider is committed to several sustainability goals, including doubling its intermodal size by 2030, reducing carbon emissions per mile by 7.5% by 2025 and 60% by 2035. The carrier has already achieved more than half of its 2025 goal by reducing per-mile emissions by 5%.

[Related: Schneider opens huge zero emission electric charging depot]

Forward Air announces rate increase

Forward Air Corporation (CCJ Top 250, No. 34) announced a 5.9% general rate increase (GRI) on any shipments tendered on or after Feb. 5, 2024.

The company said the rate changes will enable it “to continue investing in customer support, safety and service enhancement, as operating costs have risen for many in the freight transportation industry.”

Factors that led to the GRI include increased costs in real estate, equipment, cost per mile and economic inflation.

Paccar Parts celebrates 100th TRP store

TRP, Paccar Parts’ exclusive brand of aftermarket parts for all makes and models of trucks, trailers and buses, has opened its 100th store within the United States and Canada.

Operated by Allstate Peterbilt Group, TRP St. Cloud is located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, Nov. 28. The store is 27,500 square feet overall with 2,500 square feet of dedicated retail space. The building sits on three acres on the south side of St. Cloud.

With a 25,000 square foot warehouse, TRP St. Cloud will offer customers the largest breadth of parts availability in the area, the company said. 

The store will focus on warehouse capabilities and part delivery as a parts-only operation. Like other TRP stores, TRP St. Cloud will leverage Paccar Parts’ Online Parts Counter for efficient eCommerce transactions and enhanced customer satisfaction.