Comments on: California Idling http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html Discussion and opinions about the trucking industry Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:32:55 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: Rick http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-2336 Rick Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:26:31 +0000 http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-2336 <strong>FACT</strong> There are over 251 Million "registered" passenger vehicles in the United States. There are 6 million plus Commercial trucks registered. I guess that equates to about 2%. Maybe I'm an idiot, but I just dont see how 2% of the vehicles should be singled out for punative legislation on both the equipment and the operator. <strong>FACT</strong> California is the only state authorized under the federal Clean Air Act to set its own pollution standards. Other states must comply with federal standards unless they choose to adopt California standards, which are usually stricter. So I guess they can do what they choose. And as Justin states, putting an APU in your truck is a win win situation. Though the idea of $200 p/mo payments may be wishful thinking. The unit I'm considering runs about $13,500 so with 5% financing, $200 dollar payments would require 6.6 years to pay off a piece of equipment that probably wont last that long. If the $4000 grant/rebates are still being offered, then you make payments of $200 and have it payed in 4.4 years. The fuel savings, if you run an average of 3000 miles per week (and take that always dreamed of 2 week vacation reclining in a lounge chair, cool drink at the ready, feeling the warm balmy breeze wafting over you, and bringing with it the mist of the water from the sprinkler as you suddenly realize you're too close the the lawn and need to move over more in the driveway as you can't afford to go anywhere with the state of things as they are...) the APU returns, will pay for itself in about 1 + 1/4 years. However, back to the point, what with the no idling laws, the equipment mandates, the 55 mph (and in some places 35) limits. parking restrictions and the like, show California to be an anti-truck state indeed. I really believe that the only way to deal with them is if all the carriers (small and mammoth) decide that it is just simply economically unfeasible to continue to do business in the state. And thereby refuse to carry loads in or out of the state until they stop the burdensome harassment. FACT There are over 251 Million “registered” passenger vehicles in the United States.
There are 6 million plus Commercial trucks registered.
I guess that equates to about 2%. Maybe I’m an idiot, but I just dont see how 2% of the vehicles should be singled out for punative legislation on both the equipment and the operator.

FACT California is the only state authorized under the federal Clean Air Act to set its own pollution standards. Other states must comply with federal standards unless they choose to adopt California standards, which are usually stricter.
So I guess they can do what they choose.

And as Justin states, putting an APU in your truck is a win win situation. Though the idea of $200 p/mo payments may be wishful thinking. The unit I’m considering runs about $13,500 so with 5% financing, $200 dollar payments would require 6.6 years to pay off a piece of equipment that probably wont last that long. If the $4000 grant/rebates are still being offered, then you make payments of $200 and have it payed in 4.4 years. The fuel savings, if you run an average of 3000 miles per week (and take that always dreamed of 2 week vacation reclining in a lounge chair, cool drink at the ready, feeling the warm balmy breeze wafting over you, and bringing with it the mist of the water from the sprinkler as you suddenly realize you’re too close the the lawn and need to move over more in the driveway as you can’t afford to go anywhere with the state of things as they are…) the APU returns, will pay for itself in about 1 + 1/4 years.

However, back to the point, what with the no idling laws, the equipment mandates, the 55 mph (and in some places 35) limits. parking restrictions and the like, show California to be an anti-truck state indeed. I really believe that the only way to deal with them is if all the carriers (small and mammoth) decide that it is just simply economically unfeasible to continue to do business in the state. And thereby refuse to carry loads in or out of the state until they stop the burdensome harassment.

]]> By: Avenger http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-1969 Avenger Mon, 26 May 2008 16:52:10 +0000 http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-1969 Smartway and CARB will hurt all Truckers bottom line. How about a SmartCARB surcharge on all freight coming in or going out of all CARB adopted States. Something like 10 or 15% of the fuel surcharge. :) Smartway and CARB will hurt all Truckers bottom line.
How about a SmartCARB surcharge on all freight coming in or going out of all CARB adopted States.
Something like 10 or 15% of the fuel surcharge. :)

]]> By: St. Blogustine http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-1286 St. Blogustine Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:42:45 +0000 http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-1286 About 10 years ago in California there was a bill that actually made its way to the floor of the legislature @ Sacramento. It was a bill to outlaw diesel trucks in the entire state. And they actually voted on it. The bill was shot down when it was realized that nearly all of the gasoline for cars was hauled into and around CA by diesel trucks. Too bad someone with an ounce of foresight had to remind them of that. My company has no APUs on our trucks and does not pay or reimburse Idle Aire. Speaking of the latter, I wonder how hard it is to land an Idle Aire parking spot at Bruces these days. About 10 years ago in California there was a bill that actually made its way to the floor of the legislature @ Sacramento. It was a bill to outlaw diesel trucks in the entire state. And they actually voted on it. The bill was shot down when it was realized that nearly all of the gasoline for cars was hauled into and around CA by diesel trucks. Too bad someone with an ounce of foresight had to remind them of that.

My company has no APUs on our trucks and does not pay or reimburse Idle Aire. Speaking of the latter, I wonder how hard it is to land an Idle Aire parking spot at Bruces these days.

]]> By: Justin http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-1283 Justin Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:34:56 +0000 http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-1283 Truckers are saving more in fuel costs from putting on an APU on 2006 and older trucks than it costs them to make the payments on a financed APU of about $200/month. its a no brainer, win win win situation for the environment, trucks, and the companies that make apu's. open your eyes! Truckers are saving more in fuel costs from putting on an APU on 2006 and older trucks than it costs them to make the payments on a financed APU of about $200/month.

its a no brainer, win win win situation for the environment, trucks, and the companies that make apu’s.

open your eyes!

]]> By: Steve Dietrich http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-979 Steve Dietrich Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:09:58 +0000 http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-979 Anonymous, problem with plumbing into truck exhaust- now you're violating EPA regs that truck particulate filter system not be modified. I think I've heard of 1 APU mfg. company that has a working filter, probably not cheap. As for the 100' in residential idea, read the regs again. No truck idling, anywhere, anytime, period. Bottom line folks: Cali can do whatever they want with regulations such as these. My federalist leanings tell me states have the right to regulate things such as these. If you want to participate in California freight opportunities, pony up the costs incurred and pass the costs on to your customers....oh, wait, this is trucking isn't it. Well then, if you still want California freight you'll make do I guess. I haven't been to California in years, figured after the 12 years my wife and I spent running team, and spending a lot of those years in California at least once a week, I've seen enough of the state to last me a lifetime. I keep hoping maybe everybody will finally get tired of the hassles and stop servicing the state, but that's probably a pipe dream at best. Anonymous, problem with plumbing into truck exhaust- now you’re violating EPA regs that truck particulate filter system not be modified. I think I’ve heard of 1 APU mfg. company that has a working filter, probably not cheap.

As for the 100′ in residential idea, read the regs again. No truck idling, anywhere, anytime, period.

Bottom line folks: Cali can do whatever they want with regulations such as these. My federalist leanings tell me states have the right to regulate things such as these. If you want to participate in California freight opportunities, pony up the costs incurred and pass the costs on to your customers….oh, wait, this is trucking isn’t it. Well then, if you still want California freight you’ll make do I guess.

I haven’t been to California in years, figured after the 12 years my wife and I spent running team, and spending a lot of those years in California at least once a week, I’ve seen enough of the state to last me a lifetime. I keep hoping maybe everybody will finally get tired of the hassles and stop servicing the state, but that’s probably a pipe dream at best.

]]> By: Everitt Mickey http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-978 Everitt Mickey Wed, 02 Jan 2008 23:13:29 +0000 http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-978 Jeffrey A. White said: Regardless, California does have the worst air in the world and something must be done. The best solution for now is to just stay out of California. You will be able to sleep peacefully knowing that you’re not aggravating some kid’s asthma. gotcha. Makes sense to me. Jeffrey A. White said:

Regardless, California does have the worst air in the world and something must be done. The best solution for now is to just stay out of California. You will be able to sleep peacefully knowing that you’re not aggravating some kid’s asthma.

gotcha. Makes sense to me.

]]> By: Jeffrey A. White http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-974 Jeffrey A. White Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:51:43 +0000 http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-974 CARB will not do anything to reduce pollution caused by California voters but they will do anything else they can think of to maintain their image and justify their existence. As in the past, their main targets for new regulation will be those who have no political power in Sacramento. That means any out of state entity that operates diesel powered equipment within the state, trucking companies, rail companies, shipping companies, etc. If these regulations cause enough damage to California's economy, history will repeat. The Governor will fire the director of CARB and appoint someone who is more "understanding" of the needs of industry. You will hear things from CARB like " We see a need for extending exemptions from idling regulations until suitable improvements have been made in idle-reduction technology". Regardless, California does have the worst air in the world and something must be done. The best solution for now is to just stay out of California. You will be able to sleep peacefully knowing that you're not aggravating some kid's asthma. CARB will not do anything to reduce pollution caused by California voters but they will do anything else they can think of to maintain their image and justify their existence. As in the past, their main targets for new regulation will be those who have no political power in Sacramento. That means any out of state entity that operates diesel powered equipment within the state, trucking companies, rail companies, shipping companies, etc.
If these regulations cause enough damage to California’s economy, history will repeat. The Governor will fire the director of CARB and appoint someone who is more “understanding” of the needs of industry. You will hear things from CARB like ” We see a need for extending exemptions from idling regulations until suitable improvements have been made in idle-reduction technology”.
Regardless, California does have the worst air in the world and something must be done. The best solution for now is to just stay out of California. You will be able to sleep peacefully knowing that you’re not aggravating some kid’s asthma.

]]> By: Anonymous http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-961 Anonymous Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:41:42 +0000 http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-961 Let's be honest about this. APU's are not banned in California. You can use them on trucks with 2006 or older engines. You cannot use them on 2007 or newer engines unless the following conditions are met. (from the carb website linked to in the blog) Diesel-Fueled Auxiliary Power Systems: * A Diesel-Fueled Auxiliary Power System operated on a truck equipped with a 2007 or newer engine must: o Be fitted with a verified Level 3 particulate control device (85% particulate reduction efficiency), or o Have its exhaust plumbed into the vehicle's exhaust system upstream of the particulate matter after treatment device. * In addition, an approved "Verified Clean APS" label must be affixed to the hood of the vehicle. So..all you need to do is to plumb the APU exhaust the way they want you to. Let’s be honest about this.

APU’s are not banned in California. You can use them on trucks with 2006 or older engines. You cannot use them on 2007 or newer engines unless the following conditions are met.
(from the carb website linked to in the blog)
Diesel-Fueled Auxiliary Power Systems:

* A Diesel-Fueled Auxiliary Power System operated on a truck equipped with a 2007 or newer engine must:
o Be fitted with a verified Level 3 particulate control device (85% particulate reduction efficiency), or
o Have its exhaust plumbed into the vehicle’s exhaust system upstream of the particulate matter after treatment device.
* In addition, an approved “Verified Clean APS” label must be affixed to the hood of the vehicle.

So..all you need to do is to plumb the APU exhaust the way they want you to.

]]> By: Mark Spearman http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-955 Mark Spearman Mon, 31 Dec 2007 05:21:53 +0000 http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-955 There couldn't be more proof that the anti-idling laws were just another way to get money out of drivers, than the fact that APU's are banned also. They know that at any given time, they can ticket a driver somewhere who is just trying to survive. What also surprised me is when the general public hears this, they don't understand. They feel that it doesn't effect them and that it's great for the environment. These laws also prove the hypocrisy of our government. How can you mention hours of service problems when the driver isn't allowed to produce an environment he can safely rest in? I don't know how many people ask me why we just don't stay in a motel. That is how uneducated the public is about our occupation that they love to complain about. There couldn’t be more proof that the anti-idling laws were just another way to get money out of drivers, than the fact that APU’s are banned also. They know that at any given time, they can ticket a driver somewhere who is just trying to survive.

What also surprised me is when the general public hears this, they don’t understand. They feel that it doesn’t effect them and that it’s great for the environment.

These laws also prove the hypocrisy of our government. How can you mention hours of service problems when the driver isn’t allowed to produce an environment he can safely rest in?

I don’t know how many people ask me why we just don’t stay in a motel. That is how uneducated the public is about our occupation that they love to complain about.

]]> By: Everitt Mickey http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-948 Everitt Mickey Mon, 31 Dec 2007 01:33:59 +0000 http://lifeontheroad.com/2007/12/29/california-idling/498.html#comment-948 It's obvious that there is a great deal of confusion regarding the new California Laws. It's also obvious that many innocent and/or ignorant of the law drivers are going to suffer. Solution? I'm not going to California. It's the only way to be sure. It’s obvious that there is a great deal of confusion regarding the new California Laws.

It’s also obvious that many innocent and/or ignorant of the law drivers are going to suffer.

Solution? I’m not going to California.

It’s the only way to be sure.

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