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Transport Refrigeration Unit ATCM

This page last reviewed August 17, 2010

trailer tru
Check TRU Compliance Status The public may use this link to search ARB’s Equipment Registration (ARBER) system for the compliance status of TRUs and TRU generator sets and provide comments or provide tips on violations about specific TRUs. ARB will monitor these comments/tips and follow up with enforcement action, if warranted.  Or, you may report noncompliant TRUs to ARB's Complaint Hotline.

New!
TRU Advisory 10-19:  Changes to Compliance requirements for Model Year 2003 TRU Engines by December 31, 2010.

TRU ATCM Amendment Workshop Schedule:

For more details, please see the TRU Workshop page.


Appeals Court Ruling - June 3, 2010:  The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has denied American Trucking Association's petition for rehearing by the full court on the matter of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's decision to authorize the California Air Resources Board to enforce the Transport Refrigeration Unit ATCM.  The order is available by clicking here.

Appeals Court Ruling (original):  The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has ruled to affirm the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s granting authorization to the California Air Resources Board for the Transport Refrigeration Unit Airborne Toxic Control Measure.  The Court found that U.S. EPA reasonably applied the authorization criteria of the Clean Air Act.  The ruling is available by clicking here. 

Background

Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs) are refrigeration systems powered by diesel internal combustion engines designed to refrigerate or heat perishable products that are transported in various containers, including semi-trailers, truck vans, shipping containers, and rail cars. Although TRU engines are relatively small, ranging from 9 to 36 horsepower, significant numbers of these engines congregate at distribution centers, truck stops, and other facilities, resulting in the potential for health risks to those that live and work nearby. Since diesel particulate matter has been identified as a toxic air contaminant, the ARB adopted an Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for TRUs and TRU generator sets on February 26, 2004. Please see more information about this rulemaking is available here.  Key terms:  transport refrigeration unit, TRU genset, reefer, refrigerated truck, refrigerated trailer, refrigerated railcar, refrigerated shipping container.

Contact Us

Those interested in receiving more information may contact the TRU ATCM toll-free helpline -- 888-TRU-ATCM (888-878-2826), or send us an email to tru@arb.ca.gov.  
Click on this link to sign up for the TRU listserve:   TRU Listserve.

Cold Storage Control Measure for TRUs

The Cold Storage Control Measure is related to a new greenhouse gas control measure rule development that affects faciltities that use TRUs for extended cold storage.  The Cold Storage Control Measure for TRUs Website may be accessed by clicking on this link:  Cold Storage Control Measure for TRUs.

Compliance Schedule

The California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) has delayed two compliance deadlines for the Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM):
  1. The TRU registration and operator report requirements deadline for California based TRUs has been extended until July 31, 2009 (previously delayed from January 31, 2009, until March 16, 2009). Enforcement of the registration requirements will begin in August 2009.  Penalties will be up to $500 for failing to register and up to $300 for failure to affix the IDN to the TRU housing.  After the initial enforcement phase, the penalty will be greater and based on per day of violation.
  2. The deadline for meeting the Low-Emission TRU (LETRU) In-Use Performance Standards for 2001 and older TRU engines has been delayed until December 31, 2009, (previously delayed from December 31, 2008, until July 16, 2009). Enforcement of the in-use performance standards will begin in January 2010, for all model year 2002 and older engines.  Penalties will be up to $1,000 per TRU for noncompliance.  After the initial enforcement phase, the penalty will be greater and based on per day of violation. 
ARB is extending these deadlines because as the close of the grace period approached, it became clear that several thousand TRUs were not in position to comply by mid July. The reasons for this include: lack of timely action by TRU owners, higher costs for compliance than originally anticipated, some retrofit systems not becoming available until May 2009, tightening of credit, and longer lead times for delivery of systems. Given these factors, ARB has determined that a two phase enforcement schedule would allow for more complete registration and provide some additional time for pre 2002 TRUs to come into compliance in an orderly manner.

Lead times are typically three to four months for most compliance technologies, so orders should be placed by September 1, 2009, in order to ensure compliance by December 31, 2009.

The revised TRU registration, Operator Report, and In-Use Performance Standard schedule follows:
July 31, 2009 All California-based TRUs must be registered with ARB.  Initial Operator Report must also be submitted by this date.
August 2009 ARB staff will begin field enforcement for registration of all California-based TRUs
December 31, 2009 Compliance deadline for 2001 and older and 2002 model year TRU engines to meet the Low-Emission TRU In-Use Performance Standards
January 2010 In-Use Performance Standard enforcement begins for model year 2002 and older TRU engines


Please be aware that 30 days after compliance with the in use performance standards, compliance information must be entered into ARBER for each California based unit so that an IDN can be issued. Operator Reports for California terminals where TRUs operate must also be updated to add new IDNs. IDNs must be affixed to both sides of the TRU housing (see TRU Advisory 08 10 R1) within 30 days of receipt.

Additional information is available in TRU Advisory 08-15-R4.

Registration Applications for ARB Identification Numbers

If your TRUs are based in California, you were required to register your TRU with the California Air Resources Board by July 31, 2009. You are strongly encouraged to apply for California Air Resources Board Identification Numbers (IDN) electronically, on the Internet, using the Air Resources Board's Equipment Registration (ARBER) system, since this is the fastest way to register. If you are the owner of a TRU that is based outside of California, applying for an IDN is voluntary and there is no deadline.

Electronic Registration Instructions and Help Page:  Please start at the ARBER System Requirements webpage to make sure your computer system is compatible, specifically, that your web browser is the latest version.  Click here to update your browser.  Then, read and follow the instructions at the following link:  ARBER TRU Registration Help Page.

Electronic Registration Login: Login to complete online electronic applications for ARB Identification Numbers (IDN):   ARBER Login 

Manual IDN Application (Registration) Forms: You may fill out manual IDN applications, but this is not the recommended way to register TRUs because it will take much longer to process these applications.  Again, the electronic registration process is recommended (see above).  If you do not have a computer with Internet access, we recommend that you find a friend or relative that does.  Get together at a computer and call the toll-free TRU Help Line at 1-888-878-2826 and ARB staff will walk you through the on-line IDN application/registration process.  If there is no way that you can apply for IDNs electronically, click on the ARBER TRU IDN Manual Application instructions page, print out the instructions, and download the two forms you'll need from that help/instruction webpage (forms #29 and #30).  It takes up to 30 days to get IDNs when you submit manual applications.  Submit these forms by mail to the address shown on the forms.  (If you own or lease terminals in California where TRUs operate, also see Operator Reports, below.)

Carrier Transicold has provided a compliance assistance document to help TRU owners find the Carrier TRU unit and engine labels and the information on those labels that is needed to apply for an ARB Identification Number.  The document is titled "Carrier TRU Reporting for ARB Equipment Registration (ARBER) ." Click on this link:  Carrier Unit and Engine Label for ARBER.   This provides helpful pictures showing where to look for the Carrier unit labels and Kubota engine labels.  It also shows pictures of where to look on the unit label for the unit model, model year, and serial number.  There are also pictures showing where to look on the engine label to find the engine manufacturer, model, model year, and serial number.  Finally, it directs the user to contact their Carrier Transicold dealer if they need further assistance at www.trucktrailer.carrier.com or www.transportparts.carrier.com. Links to this document have been added to the ARBER TRU IDN Application Help Page (instructions).

Thermo King has provided a compliance assistance document to help TRU owners find the Thermo King TRU unit and engine labels and the information on those labels that is needed to apply for an ARB Identification Number.  This Thermo King document is titled "Service Bulletin TT503: ARB Equipment Registration (ARBER) Model and Engine Information." Click on this link:   Thermo King Unit and Engine Label for ARBER.   This provides helpful pictures showing where to look for the Thermo King unit labels and Isuzu or Yanmar engine labels.   It also shows pictures of where to look on the unit label for the unit model, model year, and serial number.   There are also pictures showing where to look on the engine label to find the engine manufacturer, model, model year, and serial number.  If you cannot find the unit and engine information needed to complete your registration, you are directed to contact your Thermo King dealer for further assistance.  Click on the "Dealer Locator" link at Thermo King's website.      Links to the Thermo King Unit and Engine Label for ARBER document  have been added to the ARBER TRU IDN Application Help Page (instructions).

Thermo King has provided a compliance assistance document to help TRU owners determine the model year of Isuzu engines.  Service Bulletin TT505 provides a look-up table that uses the engine serial number to determine the engine model year.  Click on this link:   Service Bulletin TT505.

Batch Uploads:  The ARBER Administrator is also accepting electronic batch uploads of IDN applications. This process will allow TRU owners to transmit hundreds to thousands of registrations in one file for processing ARB IDN applications and Operator Reports.  You will need a programmer very experienced in XML programming to prepare the file. Please see the Batch Upload Help Page for details.  If you do not have the appropriate technical skills in-house and are only planning to submit a small number of registrations, we highly recommend that you use the ARBER electronic registration system (see above).

If you have any questions on the ARBER registration system, please send an email to arber@arb.ca.gov or call the TRU Help Line at 1-888-878-2826.

Operator Reports

Please apply for IDNs or obtain them from your leasing agent prior to attempting an Operator Report.

If you operate a terminal in California from which you operate TRUs that you own or that are owned by another party, you must comply with the Operator Report requirements of the TRU ATCM.  Currently the ARBER system does not accept Operator Reports without inputting at least one ARB Identification Number (IDN).  Due to owners taking advantage of the six month grace period for meeting the in-use performance standards (ARBER will not issue an IDN for a noncompliant engine), some California terminal operators may not have at least one IDN needed to complete their Operator Reports by the July 31, 2009, deadline.  If you do not have an IDN, but are required to submit an Operator Report, you may use the following temporary IDN: "990101797."  This will show that you have attempted to comply with the Operator Report requirement in good faith.  This is an ARB-generated IDN and the ARB Enforcement Division will be made aware of the delays and why this IDN is being used in Operator Reports.  Do not affix or paint this temporary IDN to any of your equipment.  When you are issued your own IDN(s), you must update your Operator Report within 30 days of receiving your IDN(s) by adding your IDN(s) and removing the temporary IDN.  Any Operator Reports containing the temporary IDN after January 31, 2010 will be flagged and may be cited and penalized.

Electronic Operator Report Instructions and Help Page:   Click on the following link:   ARBER TRU Operator Report Help Page

Electronic Operator Report Login: Login to complete online electronic Operator Reports: ARBER Login

Manual Operator Reports:  Manual Operator Report Form (form #33), Terminal Information Form (form #34), and Operator Report Instructions can be downloaded from the TRU Manual Operator Report and Terminal Information Help Page.   Print out the instructions and download the two forms from that help/instruction webpage.  Follow the instructions and submit these forms by mail to the address shown on the forms.

If you have any questions on the ARBER Operator Reports, please send an email to arber@arb.ca.gov or call the TRU Help Line at 1-888-878-2826.

Compliance Assistance

Control Technology Options for Complying with the TRU ATCM:  View the list of currently available compliance technology options for the TRU ATCM's  In-use Performance Standards.  The December 31, 2009, compliance deadline for model year 2002 and older TRU engines has passed.  ALL noncompliant TRUs will be cited and penalties up to $1,000 per unit will be assessed.  Don't delay!  There will be no allowances for late ordering.

 Transport Refrigeration Unit Tutorial - PowerPoint slides in pdf with textual script have been updated.  These slides can be used to help interested parties understand the TRU ATCM. ( Espaņol)

REVISED! How Do I Comply with the TRU ATCM? - Revised April 28, 2009. This document provides logic flow charts and references to assist with TRU ATCM compliance. ( Espaņol)
  • In-Use Performance Standards (see page 6)
  • ARB Identification Numbers (see page 9)
  • Operator Reports (see page 10)
REVISED! Frequently Asked Questions and Guidelines for Compliance with the TRU ATCM - Revised April 28, 2009. This document provides guidelines for compliance in a question and answer format.  (Espaņol)

TRU ATCM Advisories

All advisories can be reviewed on the TRU ATCM Advisories page.  Listed below are a few of the most topical advisories.

TRU ATCM Advisory 09-17-R1:  This advisory explains the compliance requirements for TRUs that are based outside of California.

TRU ATCM Advisory 08-06-R4:   This advisory explains how to register a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) with the California Air Resources Board (ARB).  It explains what information is needed to apply for an ARB Identification Number (IDN), where to find the information, and how to submit the information to ARB.

TRU ATCM Advisory 08-10-R1:   This advisory explains the requirements for affixing or painting ARB Identification Numbers (IDN) to TRU housings.

TRU ATCM Advisory 08-04:  TRU ATCM Requirements for Leased/Rented TRUs - This advisory explains the Air Resources Board (ARB) policy with regard to identification number (IDN) application and operator reporting requirements for owners/operators of leased/rented California and non-California based transport refrigeration units (TRU) and TRU generator sets.

Third Party Agreement Forms

TRU ATCM Third Party Agreement Confirmation Form for LEASED Units:  This form may be used by an owner (lessor), that conveys the use of their transport refrigeration unit (TRU) and TRU generator set by lease agreement to an operator (lessee), to delegate the TRU ATCM responsibilities for equipment registration to the lessee.  See TRU ATCM Advisory 08-04 for more details.

TRU ATCM Third Party Agreement Confirmation Form for CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS:  This form may be used by an owner (lessor), that conveys the use of their transport refrigeration unit (TRU) and TRU generator set by lease agreement to an operator (lessee), to delegate the TRU ATCM responsibilities for equipment registration to a third part contractor or consultant.

Compliance Assistance Contacts

TRU ATCM Compliance Option Contacts:  A list of companies that may be able to provide compliance options to TRU owners for complying with the TRU ATCM is now available.  This list includes verified diesel emission control strategy (VDECS) manufacturers, dealers, and installers as well as an engine rebuilding company.  Your local TRU dealer may also be able to help you evaluate compliance solutions.  Companies and trade names mentioned on this list do not imply California Air Resources Board endorsement.  This list may be revised periodically as additional companies are identified.

REVISED! Financing Options for TRU ATCM Compliance:  A list of companies that offer financing for compliance with the TRU ATCM.  Also, grant programs are listed that may be able to assist qualified applicants.

Public Health Information

General Information

Final Regulation Order - This document is the formal regulatory language.

TRU Listserve - To learn how to sign up for the TRU listserve.

Refrigerant Disposal - To learn about federal requirements (section 608 of the Clean Air Act) for recovery and recycling of ozone depleting refrigerants during servicing and disposal of TRUs.  

TRU Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategy (VDECS) Information

VDECS Installation/Maintenance Information:  Provides guidance to end users of VDECS who are interested in purchasing VDECS to comply with the TRU ATCM.  Links are provided to lists of installers, information documents about proper installation and maintenance of VDECS, ash handling, and related advisories.

Managing Hazardous Waste from VDECS - ARB prepared this Guidance Document to assist end-users who own, operate, or maintain VDECS to manage ash generated by VDECS or the disposal of spent VDECS.

Dinex DiSiCTM (Level 3 Plus) diesel particulate filter, has been verified to comply with the Low-Emission TRU (LETRU) and Ultra-Low Emission Transport Refrigeration Unit (ULETRU) In-Use Performance Standards on most trailer TRUs using 1999 through 2005 model year engines.   The Dinex DiSiCTM consists of a catalyzed silicon carbide filter substrate in a filter assembly module, inlet, outlet, exhaust tubes, flexible parts, mounting brackets, and insulation.  An electronic monitoring system measures and logs exhaust temperature, backpressure, and alarms.  The warning system includes a series of LED lights to provide backpressure warning for filter cleaning.  TRU owners should read about the specific conditions for which the DiSiCTM has been approved in the Executive Order (EO), which has been posted on ARB’s Verification Procedure – Level 3 webpage.   Specific engine models and families that apply are listed in the EO’s attachment, also listed at this webpage.  See Dinex Exhausts webpage for more information.  Diesel Emissions Specialists (DES) is the exclusive marketing agent for Dinex Exhausts’ DiSiC.  DES can be reached at 1-888-SKY-FLTR (1-888-759-3587).

HUSS FS-MK Series  NEW!  The California Air Resources Board has conditionally verified the HUSS FS-MK 40S and 50S DPF as a Level 3 Plus diesel emission control strategy for use with 1998 and newer diesel Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) engines.  It is capable of reducing emissions of particulate matter (PM) by 85 percent or more.  The HUSS FS-MK 40S and 50S DPF consists of an active exhaust filter system and an automatic filter regeneration system.  The system has three modules with silicon carbide filter material that uses a diesel burner for regeneration.  Specific conditions for which the FS-MK 40S (for 0 to 25 hp TRU engines) and 50S (for 26 to 50 hp TRU engines) DPF has been approved may be found in the Executive Order and the list of engines that can be matched with this filter are listed in the attachment, both of which will be posted on the ARB Verification website within several days at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/verdev.htm.
See Huss, LLC's webpage for more information.

Proventia's FTFTM Level 2 Plus (greater than or equal to 50 percent reduction in PM plus complies with the 20 percent NO2 limit before January 1, 2009) flow-through filter verification allows this VDECS to be used to comply with the Low-Emission TRU In-Use Performance Standard (LETRU) on most Thermo King trailer TRUs using 1985 through 2003 model year engines of the following models:  Isuzu D201, Yanmar 4TNE82-TK and -ETK, and Yanmar 4TNE86-TK and –ETK. The Proventia FTFTM consists of a catalyzed knitted wire mesh flow-through filter with backpressure control system, an exhaust system insulation package, and a backpressure warning indicator.  TRU owners should read about the specific conditions for which the FTFTM has been approved in the Executive Order which has been posted on the ARB website for Level 2 VDECS.   For more information contact Proventia Americas LLC, www.proventiafilters.com , 1-800-609-7686.

NEW!  Proventia Group's Bobtail FTFTM has been verified as a Level 2 Plus flow-through-filter to reduce diesel particulate matter at least 50 percent, plus complies with the 20 percent NO2 limit.  This verification allows this VDECS to be used to comply with the Low-Emission TRU In-Use Performance Standard (LETRU) on Thermo King truck TRUs using less than 25 hp 1987 through 2003 model year engines of the following Yanmar models:  3TNE66-TK, 3TNE66KC-ETK, 3TNE72-TK, and 3TNE72KC-ETK.  The Proventia Bobtail FTFTM consists of a catalyzed knitted wire mesh flow-through filter with backpressure warning indicator.  TRU owners should read about the specific conditions for which the Bobtail FTFTM has been approved in the Executive Order which has been posted on the ARB Verification Procedure - Level 2 website.   For more information contact Proventia Americas LLC, www.proventiafilters.com , 1-800-609-7686.

NEW!  Rypos DPF/LETRU TM (Level 2 Plus) diesel particulate filter, has been verified to comply with the Low-Emission TRU (LETRU) In-Use Performance Standard on most trailer TRUs using 2003 and older model year engines.  The Rypos DPF/LETRUTM consists of active flow-through filters made out of an electrically conductive sintered metal fiber medium.  It is microprocessor controlled with a backpressure control system, an electrical control circuit, and a backpressure warning indicator.  TRU owners should read about the specific conditions for which the DPF/LETRUTM has been approved in the Executive Order, which has been posted on ARB's website for Level 2 VDECS.  Specific engine models and families that apply are listed in the EOs attachment, also listed at this webpage.  See Rypos, Inc.'s website for more information.

Thermo King's PDPF TM Level 2 Plus (greater than or equal to 50 percent reduction in PM plus complies with the 20 percent NO2 limit before January 1, 2009) flow-through filter verification allows this VDECS to be used to comply with the Low-Emission TRU In-Use Performance Standard (LETRU) on most Thermo King trailer TRUs using 1985 through 2002 model year engines of the following models:  Isuzu D201, Yanmar 4TNE82-TK and -ETK, and Yanmar 4TNE86-TK and -ETK. The Thermo King PDPFTM consists of a catalyzed knitted wire mesh flow-through filter with backpressure control system, an exhaust system insulation package, and a backpressure warning indicator.  TRU owners should read about the specific conditions for which the PDPFTM has been approved in the Executive Orders which has been posted on the ARB's website for Level 2 VDECS.  See Thermo King's website for more information.


 
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