A new collaborative programme in the Port of Charleston is aimed at reducing truck emissions and improving air quality and providing hauliers with savings on their fuel bills
Under the public-private project, trucks serving the Port of Charleston will be retrofitted with emissions-reducing and fuel-saving technologies.
Funded in part by US-EPA grant received by the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA), truck owners that serve the port may apply for a rebate to help cover part of the cost for technologies such as auxiliary power units, or smaller generators that reduce truck idling.
“This project is a win-win for the environment and for trucks operating out of the Port of Charleston,” said Stan Nutt of G&P Trucking and president of the Charleston Motor Carriers Association (CMCA).
The SCSPA’s partners include the CMCA, South Carolina Trucking Association, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and the American Lung Association.
“Through this collaborative grant program, it’s much more affordable and accessible for truckers to upgrade their equipment,” said John F Hassell III, interim president & CEO of the SCSPA. “These technologies not only improve fuel use and cut costs of running the trucks, but they also reduce air emissions, providing a broader environmental benefit to the entire community.”
Truck owners may apply for rebates in two areas: idle-reduction projects and retrofit projects.
Idle-reduction projects incorporate auxiliary power units (APUs) and other similar devices such as battery air conditioning systems, thermal storage systems and fuel-operated heaters. According to EPA estimations, an average truck with an APU or similar device uses 8% less fuel each year. Truck owners will be eligible to recoup half of the cost to upgrade this equipment.
Owners also may choose to retrofit their trucks with EPA Smart Way approved technologies, such as single-wide tyres and aerodynamic kits. Single-wide tires generate an estimated 4% fuel savings and aerodynamic kits provide a 5% reduction. These projects are eligible for a 75% cost rebate to the truck owner.
Applications are available online at www.pledgeforgrowth.com and will be accepted until Monday, March 30, 2009. Selected truck owners will be notified in May with projects completed by the end of November.
