Long Beach.
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on April 1 began collecting a $10 per TEU rate on loaded import and export containers moved by drayage trucks coming and going from terminals.
The ports are working toward reaching zero-emissions for drayage trucks by 2035 and revenue from the fee goes toward the Clean Truck Fund, which was established to help pay for the transition to cleaner trucks and create the funds needed to speed up zero-emissions technology development.
About $90 million could be generated in the first year toward that effort, according to the ports.
The ports have hired private company PortCheck to collect the Clean Truck Fund rate, and truckers must be registered in the PortCheck system to set up rate pay before picking up and/or dropping off cargo.
Registration is available via pierpass.org. Portal users were able to start claiming containers and offer advanced payment of the CTF rate as of March 29.
Trucks may apply for exemptions if the truck produces zero emissions or is low-nitrogen oxide-emitting. They must be registered as such in the Port Drayage Truck Registry and receive a one-time vehicle confirmation inspection at the Terminal Access Center, 1265 Harbor Ave. in Long Beach.
Appointments can be set up by calling the TAC helpline at (866) 721-5686 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
Transiting to a zero-emission truck fleet requires extensive cooperation from the public and private sector and multiple funding streams beyond the Clean Truck Fund, according to Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.
“We urgently need our partners to accelerate technology advancement and step up their commitment, investment and support to make this large-scale changeover to zero-emission trucks a success and a model for others to follow,” Seroka said.
“I’m urging the intermodal shipping industry to follow our lead in San Pedro Bay by decarbonizing trucking and minimizing climate impacts,” Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero added. “The Clean Truck Program allows us to balance the aggressive pursuit of zero-emissions operations with economic vitality and competitiveness. This rate is a vital component of this program.”