​UC Davis and CARB Help Trucking Industry Comply with California Regulations

April 2016

UC Davis Extension has been awarded a contract from the California Air Resources Board to conduct training throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico for diesel truck and bus owners, operators, brokers, dispatchers and fleet managers. By conducting free classes at trucking hubs and industry events nationwide, UC Davis Extension is sharing important information about compliance options and helping the industry avoid heavy fines.

Industry experts nationwide have already taken note of California’s most recent diesel emission regulations following a $390,000 settlement against Estes Express Lines, a Virginia-based trucking company, for operating non-compliant vehicles in the state. Most are surprised to learn that the Estes’ trucks were not caught by California’s roadside vehicle inspections, but rather by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency audit of Estes’ records, which revealed the violations. This method of enforcement proved highly effective in the Estes case, and has the industry rushing to catch up.

After a recent training, the president of the Nebraska Trucking Association, Larry A. Johnson, noted his appreciation: “Thank you UC Davis and CARB for providing our individual trucking companies, large and small, with the opportunity to learn more about the recent regulatory changes in California. The meetings you held at our Statewide Fall Conference in September were well attended and the presentation was first class. This is certainly a welcomed partnership and far better than the informal channels we sometimes call ‘truck stop talk.’ We truly appreciate the time and resources you afforded us in Nebraska and would encourage other states to do the same.”

Trainings have already been scheduled in many regions with the university currently seeking additional partner organizations who want to schedule trainings in their localities. The training is completely free, and includes expert instruction, course materials and a question-and-answer period to help with individual concerns. To schedule a session, or find out about currently scheduled classes, visit: www.TruckRegsCA.com