David Kolman 5 14 Color 58d1853e800d2

Kolman’s Komments: CARB is “targeting” other commercial vehicles

April 10, 2017
The aim is for aerodynamic improvements.

Many years ago, in an article for The New York Times, reporter Matthew L. Wald referred to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as “California's Pied Piper of Clean Air.”

CARB states its mission as: “To promote and protect public health, welfare and ecological resources through the effective and efficient reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering the effects on the economy of the state.”

In his article, Wald said the nation’s most influential regulatory body is not in Washington, DC, but in Sacramento, CA, where CARB is based.

He wrote: Anything in this country with a tailpipe, smokestack or vent is likely to be regulated eventually with rules first worked out by the California Air Resources Board. The board lays down the toughest regulations, forces the biggest changes and generally blazes the path for everyone else, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency. That is particularly true when it comes to cars and trucks and the fuel to run them.

Be Advised

That said, CARB is in the process of looking at fuel-saving aerodynamic improvements for flatbed trailers, tankers, containers and soft-side trailers, and for Class 5 through 7 delivery straight trucks.

Side skirts of some kind for the aforementioned trailers are one main focus. Skirts, plus roof-mounted air deflectors, are being considered for the straight trucks.

About the Author

David A. Kolman | Contributor - Fleet Maintenance

Sponsored Recommendations

Ask the Experts: Boost Profitability by Capturing Body Repair Materials Billables

Quality body repairs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks depend on the use of specialized adhesives, sealers, and other allied materials. Unfortunately, many shops face challenges...

Fleet Maintenance E-Book

Streamline your fleet's maintenance and improve operations with the Guide for Managing Maintenance. Learn proven strategies to reduce downtime, optimize in-house and third-party...

Celebrating Your Drivers Can Prove to be Rewarding For Your Business

Learn how to jumpstart your driver retention efforts by celebrating your drivers with a thoughtful, uniform-led benefits program by Red Kap®. Uniforms that offer greater comfort...

Guide To Boosting Technician Efficiency

Learn about the bottom line and team building benefits of increasing the efficiency of your technicians in your repair shop.