Due to emission warranty changes, CARB emissions requirements have caused truck prices to rise in 2021 and into 2022. The main changes are for emission control systems in vehicles to have their warranty period extended.

Current Requirements

Under current requirements, Class 4 – 8 trucks must have the following warranty period:

• 100,000 miles, OR
• 3,000 operation hours

However, the new CARB changes will still entail a five-year warranty period, but the mileage change will be:

• Class 4 & 5: All vehicle emission warranties are increased to 110,000 miles
• Class 6 & 7: All vehicle emission warranties are increased to 150,000 miles
• Class 8: All vehicle emission warranties are increased to 350,000 miles

CARB’S requirements will only increase, with warranty requirements reaching 600,000 miles for Class 8 trucks by 2031. Depending on the state of operation, compliance will be required for trucks operating in certain states.

Who Does CARB Compliance Impact?

CARB regulations are for all diesel vehicles that weigh 14,001 pounds or higher. If a truck is operating in California, it must have an engine that was built in 2010 or later by December 31, 2021.

Are Any Vehicles Exempt from the Changes?

Yes. Vehicles that fall within the definition for CARB compliance must meet the requirements. However, the one exemption is for vehicles that are “low mileage,” meaning that the vehicle only logs 1,000 miles or less per year.

CARB must give permission, even in this scenario, for the truck to go into operation.

The changes in CARB requirements are a strong push forward to meet emissions requirements. However, the industry is set to bridge over into green technology with significant changes expected in the coming years to lower emissions.

The zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) movement is just one of the ways that the industry will continue to go green.

Future changes and technologies that will shape the trucking industry include:

Electric Fleets Entering the Industry

Electric vehicles are one of the biggest advancements the industry will undergo. Electric semi-trucks are the future of the industry, even if they’re not fully autonomous. Freightliner is one manufacturer that has been innovating the industry year after year.

The eCascadia and eM2 are already on the road in a limited capacity.

These vehicles are offering:

• 100% battery electric
• Zero emissions

Customer partners are nearly one million miles on North American roads with these vehicles, which can recharge to 80% capacity in as little as 90 minutes.

As more manufacturers begin to test and release electric vehicles, emissions will become less of a concern. Zero-emission solutions empower the trucking industry to meet CARB requirements by default and have a far lower impact on the environment than diesel engines.

While 18-wheeler recreational vehicles remain in limited commercial use currently, they’ll become the norm in the future.

Route Optimization Solutions

Logistics companies are working on methods to optimize the trucking industry. Route optimization is one of the easiest, most cost-effective means for trucking fleets to lower their carbon footprint.

We expect to see a major shift in logistics to solutions that focus on on-time delivery and keeping emissions and idle time low.

On-board information systems can additionally help drivers continue to maintain high fuel efficiency levels. These systems are a dual benefit because they can help minimize truck driver emissions while also saving fleets money with fuel optimization.

Idling Reduction Technology (IRTs)

Idling remains a major concern in the industry because high emissions still exist even when the engine is idling and the vehicle is not in motion. Innovations in the industry have led to IRTs, which:

• Help reduce idling emissions
• Can be installed on existing vehicles

IRTs are used extensively in the transportation industry and are likely to continue to be adopted by trucking fleets nationwide.

Less Waste and Greener Office Practices

Trucking companies can improve their environmental impact off of the road, too. Offices across the nation are going green with:

• Recycling policies
• Reducing paper usage
• Using recycled products

Reducing paper usage is well on its way and will continue in the future. Digitalizing the industry with the reduction of paper files and receipts is one of the major advancements that trucking companies can expect to continue in 2022 and beyond.

Enhanced Telematic Systems

Telematic systems are on-the-rise, which encompass a wide range of new technologies and devices to be installed on rigs. Monitoring can help trucking companies gather data to:

• Learn where unnecessary emissions are occurring
• Understand driver behavior and how it impacts emissions
• Make critical changes and recommendations on a driver-by-driver basis

The telematic systems of tomorrow are likely to offer real-time data and insights into ways that truckers can adapt to meet emission guidelines. Additionally, these systems can monitor tire pressure as a way to improve efficiency.

If tires do not maintain proper pressure levels, it can reduce efficiency by 3%. While three percent may seem like a minor boost in fuel efficiency, when dozens of trucks are in a fleet, the savings and reduction on greenhouse gas emissions can be dramatic,

Looking Ahead

At Suppose U Drive, we continue to modernize and expand our fleet as we have done since 1936. We’ll be meeting and exceeding CARB requirements while maintaining the family values that have served the community for over 80 years.

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