California Transportation Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Compliance

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) continues to increase stringency in reducing emissions and air pollutants for Transportation Refrigeration Units (TRU), which are mobile refrigeration units designed to cool or heat products in transport. Key changes are slated to go into effect on December 31, 2023, with all truck TRUs in California mandated to achieve zero emission by 2029.

Beginning on December 31, 2023, fleet and facility owners and operators must meet the following criteria:

Zero-Emission Technology (ZET): TRU owners must replace 15% of their truck TRUs with ZET annually for seven (7) years. ZETs are TRUs that don’t produce any emissions from the vehicle, like electric TRUs or TRUs that use alternative refrigerants.

Expansion of TRU Reporting Requirements: TRU reporting requirements are expanded to all TRUs operating in California, including those based out of state. TRU owners must also register with CARB, pay operating fees, and affix CARB compliance labels to their TRUs every three years.

Facility Reporting Requirements: Applicable facility owners must register their facilities with CARB, pay operating fees every three years, and ensure that only compliant TRUs operate within their sites. The affected facilities include:

• Warehouse, distribution centers, seaport facilities, and railyard owners with facilities greater than or equal to 20,000 square feet
• Grocery store owners with buildings 15,000 square feet or larger

Vehicle Owner and Driver Responsibilities: Vehicle owners must make sure their TRUs are compliant with the CARB rule. Drivers must also comply with the rule, such as allowing CARB personnel to inspect their TRUs if requested.

CARB has resources available to help TRU owners navigate these regulatory changes. For more information, visit the CARB website and fact sheet. Edison Energy is well versed in TRU policy compliance – together, we can reduce air pollution from TRUs while helping California reach its climate goals.

Want to learn more? Join our upcoming policy webinar on January 25, 2024! It will focus on key regulatory compliance dates for zero-emission vehicles, including the Advance Clean Fleets (ACF) and Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE) Program. Click here to register.