US port authorities take steps to develop greener supply chains

The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are taking the next steps in their mission to net zero as part of the longer term San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, which, since its introduction in 2008, has reduced air pollution caused by trucks using the ports by 90%.

The second phase of the Clean Truck Program began on April 1, 2022 with the commencement of the Clean Truck Fund Rate (CTF Rate), the purpose of which is to generate funds to help fast-track the roll out of ‘clean trucks’.

While zero-emissions trucks are permanently exempt and low nitrogen-oxide (low-NOx) trucks are temporarily exempt, the CTF Rate will apply to nonexempt trucks and will be charged at $10 per TEU ($20 on containers longer than 20 feet) on loaded import and export cargo containers moved by truck. The fee will be charged directly to cargo owners, or the agents arranging the shipment, rather than being charged to truck drivers directly and may impact overall rates as a result. This new rate program will likely see significant focus on future supplier management driven by sustainability KPIs as a result.

See more information on the Clean Action Plan here.