California Construction Trucking Association (CCTA)

Yes, I know, many of you are probably thinking, I have this old saying backwards, as it was originally a proverb or description about the volatile weather this time of the year – Spring – which sometimes brings extreme hot, cold, storms, tornadoes etc., however, with the CARB Reporting Deadline coming on March 30, and the fact that true to human nature, many once again put it off until the final week, the lion reared its ugly head with vengeance the last week of March.
Some who called were unable to find their Engine Control Labels (ECL) and when they called the dealerships or engine companies, learned that some were charging $200 for the label and upwards of $150 for installation, $350/truck, $9 more than your annual CCTA membership dues if you’re an Owner-Operator. I would say the old rule of “supply and demand” was working, or perhaps it could also be called more “Highway Robbery.” You can be the judge.

So, now the fun will begin. I know many did not take any action, for various reasons. What will happen now? I can’t answer that, but I would think that within the next month we will begin to hear about many enforcement actions. CARB is also depending on their own instigation of a Civil War, instead of brother against brother; this war will be trucker against trucker.  Those who have complied will be angry with those who haven’t and CARB will be delighted to pay a visit to names and addresses they receive, they are depending on this.

Another interesting twist of the CARB rule crisis, as truckers struggle to comply in a down economy with slow pay, no pay and low rates, there is for some a sinking desperation and hope to find a short-cut or silver-bullet to comply with all these regulations. I was recently reminded of another old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Some younger members of my family accuse me of being negative because I have become a skeptic of so many things I see or hear today. Life has taught me that. Yet I can admit that I have also fallen for numerous schemes, the most notable being an expensive facial crème that promised to get rid of wrinkles, and of course all the diet fads were equally disappointing. Who is not a little guilty of believing in something you know probably doesn’t really work?
There have been many instances at CARB meetings when I have been approached by someone selling a pollution reduction device or a magic fuel or oil additive that fixes all the problems. My first question to these people was always, “Has it been approved by CARB or EPA?” and the answer was the same, “They are in the process of approving it now. And it’s 30, 60 or 90 days away from being approved.”

Numerous times I have warned our members to do their research before becoming a victim of unscrupulous sales people who are excellent at stretching the truth. As the CARB deadlines are reached, this junk continues to rear its ugly head. My advice is, remember one thing, approval by CARB for a PM reduction device is a lengthy process, which unfortunately, due to that agencies ineptness, can take several years and hundreds of thousands of dollars. Yes, device testing is an expensive and lengthy process, which can for some lead to desperation for those selling them and hope for those looking for a cheap, easy fix. It doesn’t exist – at least not yet.

As of today, there are no devices that when added to a diesel engine can eliminate a diesel particulate filter (DPF). All DPF devices that have been approved are listed on CARB’s website which you can access by going to
www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/vt/stationary.htm.

The following message appears on this website:

Verification Procedure - Currently Verified

(This page last reviewed March 27, 2012)

The following information is provided as a summary of verified diesel emission control strategies. Additional requirements specific to engine compatibility are provided in the Executive Order. The factors outlined in the Executive Order are legal requirements of each verification; therefore, these conditions must be met before determining if a particular device is applicable to the end-users type of engine.

The Air Resources Board recommends that you contact the manufacturer, or their authorized distributor, prior to making any purchasing decision.

For six years we have represented our industry interests with CARB, buying extra time and protections, and we will not stop here, as our lawsuit against CARB and these regulations proceed. Now you must follow your own due diligence as you strive for compliance.

A final saying to remember when told about some device or additive that fixes everything, “A Fool and His (or Her) Money Soon Part Ways.” Sure wish I had remembered that one when I thought I had found the “Fountain of Youth” in a cosmetic store.
Betty