Starting April 1, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach plan to start collecting $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 will go 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.
Transiting to a zero-emission truck fleet will require 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,” he said.
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. Call the TAC helpline at (866) 721-5686 to set up an appointment from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
The downloadable Clean Truck Fund rate fact sheet has more information.
The ports have hired private company PortCheck to collect the CTF rate. Truckers have to be registered in the PortCheck system to set up rate pay before picking up and/or dropping off cargo. The CTF rate web portal is linking to the current PierPass system this week. Registration is available via pierpass.org. Portal users should be able to start claiming containers and offer advanced payment of the CTF rate on March 29.
