In a bid to support its goal of a zero-emissions truck fleet by 2035, the Port of Long Beach has announced it will start collecting its Clean Truck Fund (CTF) Rate on 1 April 2022, as approved by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners.
The port will collect $10 per TEU – an amount set by both the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles in March 2020 – to encourage the trucking industry to invest in cleaner vehicles and reach zero emissions. Zero-emissions trucks are exempt from the rate, and the port has approved an expiring exemption for the cleanest natural gas-powered trucks.
“We are the Green Port,” said Steven Neal, President of the Board of Harbor Commissioners for the Port of Long Beach. “Speeding progress toward the zero-emissions trucks goal is important, in spite of the business uncertainties created by the pandemic. There should never be any doubt that we will fulfil this promise.
“This rate allows us to balance aggressively pursuing zero-emissions goals with economic vitality and competitiveness. We have a responsibility to find solutions to protect public health in vulnerable communities.”
The CTF Rate is expected to generate $90 million its first year, or $45 million per port. With this announcement, the Board has approved an initial funding prioritisation for both low-nitrogen oxides and zero-emissions trucks, with at least 10% of the funds to be provided to zero-emissions trucks.
Mario Cordero, Executive Director for the Port of Long Beach, added “The Port of Long Beach is known worldwide for our record of environmental achievement and leadership. Reaching zero emissions will take intense collaboration among our trucking and other goods movement partners.
“The good news is that we’ve already achieved a great deal with our Clean Truck Program. This is one more step toward a cleaner future we will all be proud of.”
The Port of Los Angeles has also recently introduced this scheme to help it transition to a zero-emissions port. In a statement from the Port of Los Angeles, it revealed the approved CTF Rate of $10 per TEU hauled by non-exempt trucks will be charged to cargo owners whose containerised cargo is trucked in or out of the port’s terminals.
