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This page last reviewed August 26, 2008

Transport Refrigeration Units

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. Information about this rulemaking is available at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/trude03/trude03.htm.

Those interested in receiving more information may contact the TRU ATCM toll-free helpline -- 888-TRU-ATCM (888-878-2826), or send email to tru@arb.ca.gov.

Formal Rulemaking Activity
The TRU ATCM was adopted by the Board on February 26, 2004. Please view the formal documents related to this rulemaking including the formal regulatory language.

General Information

NEW! TRU ATCM Advisory 08-09: No Low-Use Exemption and Non-Operational TRUs - this advisory explains that there is no low-use exemption to complying with the Tranport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) in-use performance standards and other requirements. This advisory also explains how a TRU owner may disable a trailer TRU to make it non-operational and convert the trailer to haul dry goods, or use a non-operational TRU-equipped truck or trailer for dry storage without removing the TRU.

NEW! TRU ATCM Advisory 08-08: Using Biodiesel as a TRU ATCM Compliance Option - this advisory explains how biodiesel may be used to comply with the TRU ATCM and discusses some of the issues related to its use. State law requires biodiesel to be verified before it can be used as a compliance option.

NEW! A list of companies that may be able to provide compliance options to TRU owners for complying with the TRU ATCM is now available: TRU ATCM Compliance Option Contacts. 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.

NEW! ARB has revised Proventia Emission Control Oy’s verification Executive Order for its model FTF^(TM) flow-through filter, which is a Level 2 verified diesel emissions control strategy (VDECS). The conditions for which the FTF^(TM) has been approved have been modified. Click on this link to view the revised Executive Order (attachment)or view it at ARB’s Verification Procedure – Level 2 website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/level2/level2.htm. Additional information on the FTF is located near the bottom of this webpage.

TRU ATCM Status Update - July 2008 This document provides a brief overview and periodic update on the implementation of the TRU ATCM and includes an update on the U.S. EPA waiver application, a recommendation to issue purchase orders soon to ensure compliance by December 31, 2008, and the availability and cost range of compliance options.

TRU ATCM Advisory 08-05: Using Rebuilt/Remanufactured Engines for TRU ATCM Compliance - this advisory explains the requirements that must be met with rebuilt engines and how to determine TRU ATCM compliance dates for rebuilt engines.

TRU ATCM Advisory 08-03-Rev 1: A revision to Advisory 08-03 to clarify the required location of company equipment numbers on truck and trailer TRUs.

USEPA Waiver- Please be advised that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has not made a determination to deny the California Air Resources Board's (ARB) waiver application for the Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM). ARB urges TRU fleet owners to continue to press forward with their plans to comply with the TRU ATCM. ARB has many pending waiver requests at USEPA. The waiver that USEPA denied is not related to the TRU ATCM waiver application. ARB will broadcast to the TRU list serve if and when there is any news about the TRU ATCM waiver application. On March 28, 2005, ARB requested the USEPA to grant a waiver of preemption under the federal Clean Air Act. USEPA expected to make a decision by the end of 2007, but has taken no action to date. Pending the EPA decision, ARB will not enforce the in-use performance standards, but will enforce the ARB Identification Number and Operator Report requirements.

TRU ATCM Regulatory Advisories can be reviewed on the TRU ATCM Advisories page.

New! More premature deaths than previously thought from particles in vehicle exhaust - New research reveals significant new information. News Release and Sacramento Bee Article

Revised! Transport Refrigeration Unit Tutorial - PowerPoint slides in pdf with textual script have been revised to clarify slide #12. These slides can be used to help interested parties understand the TRU ATCM. (Spanish version)

Q&A for Rebuilt/Remanufactured TRU Engines - This document provides clarification of the requirements for rebuilt engines (and their labeling) that may be used to comply with the TRU ATCM.

How Do I Comply with the TRU ATCM? - Revised July 2007. This document provides logic flow charts and references to assist with TRU ATCM compliance.

In-Use Performance Standards (see page 6)
ARB Identification Numbers (see page 9)
Operator Reports (see page 11)

Frequently Asked Questions and Guidelines for Compliance with the TRU ATCM - Revised July 2007. This document provides guidelines for compliance in a question and answer format.

Ash Handling (Hazardous Waste) Guidelines - These guidelines provide information for handling ash from diesel particulate filters.

Hardcopy Forms for Facility Reporting Requirements of TRU ATCM - This link allows the download of hardcopy forms for compliance with requirements of TRU ATCM. Download the business form relative to the parent company (partnership, LLC, or corporation). A facility and TRU inventory form is required for each facility operating in California and applicable to the requirements of the TRU ATCM. As shown on the forms, a toll-free helpline is available for TRU inquiries -- 888-TRU-ATCM (888-878-2826).

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

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

TRU Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategy Information
HUSS FS-MK Series diesel particulate filters have been verified as a Level 3 verified diesel emission control strategy (VDECS) for use with 2006 and older model year off-road engines that are not equipped with either diesel oxidation catalysts or exhaust gas recirculation systems. Level 3 VDECS reduce diesel particulate matter emissions at least 85 percent. The HUSS FS 40-MKS and FS 50-MKS models could be used on all makes and models of TRU engines to comply with the TRU ATCM's Low Emissions TRU In-Use Performance Standard (LETRU) or Ultra-Low-Emission TRU In-Use Performance standard (ULETRU). The HUSS FS-MK series DPFs use a silicon carbide wall-flow filter with a fuel burner for regeneration. The FS-MK system is compliant with the 2009 NO2 emission requirements (< 20% increase), and as such is designated as a Level 3 "Plus" system. Specific conditions for which the FS-MK Series has been approved may be found in the Executive Order which has been posted on the ARB website at http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/level3/level3.htm.

Proventia's FTF^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 Proventia FTF^TM 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 FTF^TM has been approved in the Executive Orders which has been posted on the ARB website at http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/level2/level2.htm.

Thermo King's PDPFTM 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 website at http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/level2/level2.htm.

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