Is your carrier CARB compliant?

Compliance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards is indispensable for carriers operating refrigerated (“reefer”) transport in today’s market. CARB regulations have significant implications for shippers, especially those whose freight moves through or originates in California. Understanding these requirements—and ensuring your carrier partner is compliant—can prevent costly delays, fines, and reputational risk.

Understanding CARB Compliance

What Is CARB?
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) sets stringent emissions standards to protect air quality. In the context of refrigerated transport, CARB’s Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) regulations govern diesel-powered reefer units on trucks, trailers, and railcars operating within California.

• Who: CARB’s TRU regulations apply to any refrigerated equipment that enters or operates in California, regardless of where the load originates.
• What: Effective in 2011, CARB phased in requirements that older, higher-emission units must be retrofitted or replaced with verified emission control devices. Beginning in 2025, CARB is accelerating mandates for low-emission and zero-emission TRUs.
• Consequences: Carriers using non-compliant reefers risk citation fines (up to $ 1,000 per day per unit), shipment holds at checkpoints, and potential blacklisting by shippers or brokers.

Why Reefer Compliance Matters for Shippers
Even if your origin or destination is outside California, carriers often route through CARB-jurisdiction areas to access major ports (e.g., Los Angeles, Oakland) or distribution centers. A single non-compliant reefer can be detained at a weigh station, causing downstream disruptions, especially critical for time- and temperature-sensitive goods (produce, pharmaceuticals, specialty foods).

How could this impact you?

Unplanned Delays
A detained reefer means stalled inventory, missed delivery windows, and potential product spoilage. For perishables, even a one-hour temperature excursion can compromise product quality.

Financial and Reputational Risk

• Fines & Fees: CARB violations accrue daily penalties. These can rapidly escalate, resulting in financial consequences that often extend beyond the carrier to the shipper, depending on the contractual terms.
• Customer Confidence: Retailers and end consumers expect seamless, on-time delivery. Non-compliance incidents can lead to chargebacks, claims, or negative reviews, which can damage brand credibility.

Supply Chain Visibility & Risk Management
Shippers must incorporate CARB compliance into their carrier vetting and risk-assessment processes. A comprehensive compliance strategy includes:

1. Carrier Audits: Reviewing carriers’ TRU Executive Orders (EOs) and maintenance records.
2. Route Planning: Ensuring the chosen lanes and cross-border corridors align with CARB-compliant equipment limitations.
3. Contingency Protocols: Establishing backup carriers or alternative routing plans in the event of sudden regulatory changes or equipment failures.

Ask your Carriers

When evaluating refrigerated carriers, shipper decision makers should verify CARB compliance through direct, documented evidence. Essential questions include:

1. Fleet Compliance Status:
   • Are all TRUs on the fleet compliant with the latest CARB Executive Orders?
   • Can you provide updated EO documentation for each reefer unit?
2. Equipment Age & Upgrades:
   • What is the model year range of your reefer units? (CARB considers any unit older than 2011 to be “legacy.”)
   • Have legacy units been retrofitted with CARB-verified emission control devices?
3. Regulatory Monitoring & Updates:
   • What process do you have in place to track upcoming CARB rule changes?
   • How often do you audit your fleet for compliance?
4. Route Planning & Contingency Strategies:
   • How do you ensure that planned routes remain within CARB-compliant corridors?
   • What contingency measures do you implement if a reefer unit fails inspection en route?
5. Zero-Emission Transition Plans:
   • Are you investing in electric TRUs (eTRUs) or other zero-emission refrigeration technologies?
   • What timelines do you have for transitioning to fully compliant, zero-emission reefers?

Documented answers to these questions give shippers confidence that their carriers can navigate CARB regulations without disrupting service levels.

We can help

Strict CARB compliance is now a prerequisite for any carrier moving refrigerated freight through California. For shippers, verifying carrier compliance—and integrating that verification into contractual and operational processes—serves as a risk mitigation strategy, safeguarding product integrity and ensuring customer satisfaction.

At Bison, CARB compliance in reefer logistics is a table-stakes requirement. Our entire reefer fleet exceeds current CARB standards, with documented orders for each Transport Refrigeration Unit. We continuously monitor regulatory updates and invest in low-emission technologies to ensure our carriers maintain an uninterrupted flow of temperature-sensitive goods into and through California.

If you need a carrier partner committed to CARB-compliant refrigerated transport—backed by thorough documentation, advanced technology, and proactive route planning—Bison stands ready to support your supply chain. Contact us to discover how we provide reliable, compliant reefer shipping solutions for shippers across North America.

For more information about CARB, visit: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/transport-refrigeration-unit