Port of New York/New Jersey launches clean truck program

15 March 2010

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey has adopted a program to replace old diesel trucks that serve the port with newer, cleaner models. Under the program, pre-1994 model year trucks would no longer be able to service the port marine terminals beginning January 1, 2011. Trucks not equipped with US 2007 emission compliant engines will no longer be able to service the port marine terminals beginning on January 1, 2017.

The Port has also launched a $28 million financial assistance program to help replace up to 636 of pre-1994 trucks with newer models. The program is partly funded by a $7 million grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with the remainder coming from Port Authority funds.

Through the use of the federal grant funds, the program will pay for 25% of the cost of the purchase of a newer model truck—averaging between $20,000 and $60,000—which must be model year 2004 to 2008, equipped with an engine model year 2004 to 2007. The remainder of the funds will be used to provide low-interest loans (5.25% over five years) for up to 75% of the total purchase price of a replacement truck.

The program adopted by the Port of New York/New Jersey follows the lead of similar programs adopted by the port of Los Angeles/Long Beach and several other West Coast ports. Some of the West Coast port programs, including the Port of Long Beach program, are still subject to court challenges filed by various stakeholders. The Long Beach program, supported by the Teamsters union, included provisions that blocked independent truck operators and small trucking companies from serving the port—regardless of the age or emission levels of their trucks—which triggered a legal challenge by the American Trucking Association (ATA).

Source: Port Authority of NY/NJ