The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is encouraging small fleet owners of 2010 and older model year 53-foot or longer box-type trailers that operate on California highways to report vehicle information now to gain additional time to comply with the Tractor-Trailer Greenhouse Gas regulation. Small fleets consist of 20 or fewer box-type trailers and can include both dry- and refrigerated-van trailers.

"We have worked hard to streamline the reporting process and make it as convenient as possible for business owners," said Stephan Lemieux, manager of CARB's on-road, heavy-duty diesel section. "By providing the necessary information well in advance of the July 1 deadline, small fleet owners will avoid the usual last-minute registration rush. They will know with certainty that they have flexibility in complying with the rule and can take more time to meet its requirements if they need to."

Currently, all 2011 and newer trailers must comply when used in California, with certain exceptions. (For more information on the rule and possible exemptions, click here.)

Small fleet owners of 2010 and older model year trailers may choose one of two methods to bring their trailer fleets into compliance. They can:

1. Ensure their fleet is equipped with U.S. EPA SmartWay verified aerodynamic equipment on their trailers, including side skirts and trailer tails, by January 1, 2013, or,

2. They may report by July 1, 2012 to take advantage of the optional phase-in plan, which allows small fleets four years to comply.

Regardless of which method owners choose, they must also install fuel efficient, low-rolling-resistance tires on their trailer fleets by Jan. 1, 2017. (For a list of accepted SmartWay verified equipment and to learn more about the SmartWay program, fleet owners can click here.)

Aerodynamic technologies such as those included in the SmartWay program are designed to help reduce fuel consumption, saving owners money and helping to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil. The program will deliver anticipated savings of about three billion gallons of diesel fuel by 2020 from nationwide operations. As a result, fleet owners can expect to see a quick return on their investment in trailer aerodynamic equipment and fuel efficient tires within one year at current diesel fuel prices, if they travel 100,000 highway miles per year.

The rule is also expected to help combat climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions nationwide by 33 million metric tons by 2020.

To report online at Tractor-Trailer Regulation Registration, owners will need to have some key information handy, including the trailer vehicle identification numbers, makes and model years, and license plate numbers. For refrigerated van trailers, the transport refrigeration unit, or TRU, model year and engine model year are both required.

Fleet owners seeking more information on compliance assistance and funding opportunities can call the diesel hotline at 1-866-6-DIESEL or review the tractor-trailer GHG regulation website here.