What Advanced Clean Fleets Mean For California and the National Supply Chain, with Matt Schrap and Chris Shimoda

California is set to adopt the nation’s first zero-emission requirement for the trucking industry in a regulation called “Advanced Clean Fleets” slated to take effect on January 1, 2024, with a transition deadline expected as early as December. Under these regulations, fleets with all sizes and operating classifications will have to switch entirely to zero-emission technologies like battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Fleet operators are concerned about the feasibility of these goals due to weight restrictions, equipment availability, and infrastructure supporting it. There are grants available for vehicle and infrastructure upgrades; however, they are limited and likely insufficient to cover the number of vehicles that need replacement. The measure is expected to be passed by the Air Resources Board, which is viewed as one of the country’s most powerful regulatory agencies where regulations permit it through a waiver from the federal EPA allowing California state-specific standards.

To better understand what these changes mean, Cargomatic’s Weston LaBar sat down with Matt Schrap, CEO of the Harbor Trucking Association and Chris Shimoda, Senior VP, Government Affairs at the California Trucking Association.