[051112.EN.SEA] California To Fine Non-CARB Compliant Reefer Boxes US$1,000 From January

US BROKERS and forwarders have been warned that reefer units must be to be pre-tested and registered with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) before they move within the state from January for face US$1,000 fines.

In a newsletter issued by the British International Freight Association (BIFA), trucking companies who operate reefer containers in California should already be aware of the new law.

Any company that arranges, hires, contracts for, or dispatches reefer-equipped trucks, tractor-trailers, shipping containers, or railcars for the transport of perishable goods on California highways or railways, must verify that the carrier is using a CARB-compliant container. The requirement applies to brokers and forwarders irrespective of where their actual business is located.

The BIFA newsletter explained that while brokers and forwarders are not required to physically inspect the container, they must verify CARB compliance. CARB suggests that carriers provide their ARBER certification page to show that the dispatched unit is 100 per cent compliant.

"CARB recommends that brokers and forwarders provide notice to their carrier base that only those listed in the database will be considered when arranging freight that travels in California," the newsletter added.

CARB has also advised freight brokers to include language in contracts and load boards that any moves within California must use only CARB-compliant reefer equipment. In addition, the broker must provide contact information to any hired driver, so they may be reached if a truck is stopped for CARB-related enforcement.

CARB has proven to an aggressive environmental regulator. In June, 2011, the agency increased from 24 to 40 nautical miles, the zone in which ships must use costly low-sulphur fuel.

In October 2010, CARB was found to have exaggerated diesel pollution levels 340 per cent, allegedly due to miscalculation, and knowingly passed a tough clean-air rules based on the false data, revealed the San Francisco Chronicle.

CARB chairwoman Mary Nichols admitted she knew about the false data before the board voted on stringent new regulations and has apologised for "not sharing", the Chronicle reported.

Source : HKSG, 05.11.12.