California and Other States Aim to Move to Zero-Emission Trucks

California is leading the charge to enhance public health and move forward more quickly with the transition to cleaner transportation. Along with seven other states, California is committing to develop a plan to put hundreds of thousands of zero-emission trucks and public buses on the road throughout the state.

The California Air Resources Board, in charge of coming up with the action plan, is in the beginning stages of meeting to come up with the particulars of how this can be accomplished. For now, the idea of encouraging cleaner driving opportunities is envisioned through a proposed Advanced Clean Trucks regulation that would establish sales and reporting requirements for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles on the road.

It’s not clear whether or not trucking companies and owner-operators who drive traditional emissions trucks in the state will be hit with fines if they don’t fall under regulation. Regardless of this possibility, it’s important for trucking companies to make sure they keep their commercial truck insurance coverage in force and consider pollution insurance as it might relate to their operations.

Trucks are a major contributor to pollution in the country, and since California is a main artery for road-based trade between Mexico, Canada, and the rest of the United States, it’s no wonder something like this is picking up steam. And with the recent passage of the USMCA deal, which is set to enhance more trade between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, using California as a main thoroughfare to move commerce, the chance of cutting down on trucks on the road doesn’t look possible. So, the solution is to come up with ways to cut down on emissions.

States joining California in the regulations and efforts are Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Vermont. The collaborative effort will also be put in motion and supported by the ZEV Task Force and facilitated by NESCAUM, or the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management. Together, all entities will look to identify and come up with solutions for cost, fueling infrastructure, and other challenges.

California has already invested nearly $1 billion in cap and trade processed into pilot projects to help accelerate the commercialization of zero- and near-zero trucks and buses. Companies like PepsiCo and FedEx are already on board, partnering with stakeholders in the initiatives.

The other states in the effort have offered up incentives for zero-emission freight trucks and transit buses, as well as school buses. Some states have already introduced electric shuttles for public transportation and allocated settlement funds from Volkswagen toward medium- and heavy-duty vehicle electrification.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes.

Why Pollution Coverage is Necessary for Trucking Operations

Trucking companies that invest in a standard truck insurance policy may find adequate coverage against liability claims related to accidents and cargo, but typically don’t have protection against claims related to pollution. It’s no secret that semi trucks emit more pollutants the average car on the highway and some trucking companies have suffered having this exclusion.

With a sharper eye on the trucking industry and its impact on the environment, new players are coming into view to try to alter the impact of semi’s on the road, such as the electric Tesla semi. Regardless of emissions, trucking companies currently on the road today need to understand just how important pollution coverage is in a packaged insurance policy.

Regulation

In 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency announced settlements with three major companies in regards to penalties for violating the state’s truck and bus regulation.

Diesel emissions from trucks are a large source of pollution, relating to health issues like asthma and cardiovascular effects in adults. Many heavy duty trucks are older vehicles and emit high amounts of pollutants. Totaling more than $200,000, the fines pointed out that the companies either failed to install particulate filters on their diesel trucks or failed to verify that trucks they hired for use complied with state rule.

Pollution Conditions

Even if trucking companies aren’t known for shipping hazardous cargo, such as waste, and instead known for trucking harmless natural materials, they have the potential to cause conditions related to pollution.

In recent years, the definition of pollutants has widened to include dirt and rocks. This is due to the Clean Water ACT (CWA) from federal environmental regulations, which put the term on those materials because they could possibly contaminate the water of a new area they’ve been shipped to. There are endorsements, such as MSC-90, that trucking companies can add to their current policies to make sure their inventory and business are safe.

Upset or Overturn

If an accident on the road involves a commercial vehicle that’s hauling hazardous or pollutant materials, this could spell trouble for the trucking company. If a tanker truck, for instance, is damaged in said accident, spilling some of its cargo (i.e. pollutants) on the road, there are costly repercussions associated with this. Property damage rates can skyrocket and repairs to vehicles can be another hindrance toward a commercial trucking company’s bottom line.

With the right coverage, your business can be safeguarded against environmental claims, cleanup costs, and claims of bodily injury or property damage.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates and coverage changes.