Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023:
CARB extends reporting deadline for ‘smog check’ program
The California Air Resources Board is extending the Clean Truck Check reporting deadline to Jan. 31 to allow vehicle owners additional time to complete their initial fleet reporting and pay the $30 2023 compliance fee.
As previously reported, CARB’s Clean Truck Check program replaces the state's current Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP), from which most independent owner-operators were exempt.
It requires non-gasoline (diesel, alternative fuel, and hybrid) trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles (such as California-registered motorhomes) with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds to undergo emissions testing if they operate in California, regardless of the state in which they are plated.
[Related: California puts teeth in emission regs with new 'smog check' system]
Truck owners who operate in California can report their trucks and pay their annual fees here.
CARB has previously hosted training sessions to help owners navigate through the system, which can be viewed here.
In addition, CARB is hosting a newly scheduled public online training webinar on the CTC-VIS reporting database. This webinar will be held Jan. 9 from 1:30-5 p.m. Pacific time via Zoom. Registration is available here.
Fuel prices tick up slightly
After falling to a five-month low during the week ending Dec. 18, diesel prices across the U.S. reversed course and increased after an eight-week stretch of declines, according to the Energy Information Administration’s weekly update.
During the week ending Dec. 25, the national average for a gallon of on-highway diesel increased by 2 cents to $3.91. The previous week’s average of $3.89 a gallon was the lowest since the week ending July 17.
During the most recent week, price changes varied by region, with some seeing decreases while others saw increases.
The largest decrease was seen in California, where prices fell by 2.9 cents. The largest increase was seen in the Lower Atlantic region, where prices jumped 8.9 cents.
California still holds the nation’s most expensive fuel at $5.20 per gallon, followed by New England at $4.34 per gallon.
The cheapest diesel is in the Gulf Coast region at $3.61 a gallon, followed by the Midwest region at $3.80 per gallon.
Prices in other regions, according to EIA:
- Central Atlantic -- $4.32
- Lower Atlantic -- $3.88
- Rocky Mountain -- $3.92
- West Coast less California -- $4.17
ProMiles’ diesel averages during the most recent week showed prices fall by 5 cents to $3.93 per gallon.
According to the ProMiles Fuel Surcharge Index, the most expensive diesel can be found in California at $5.32 per gallon, and the cheapest can be found in the Gulf Coast region at $3.58 per gallon.
Small number of Great Dane trailers recalled for incorrect VINs
Great Dane Trailers is recalling approximately 25 model year 2023 Champion trailers in which the VINs on the certification label may be incorrect, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
As such, the trailers fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
NHTSA said that an owner that references an incorrect VIN label may not recognize their trailer is involved in a safety recall, and may not have the recall remedy performed, which could increase the risk of injury, fire, or a crash.
Great Dane has mailed new certification decals, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 13. Owners can contact Great Dane customer service at 1-877-369-3493. NHTSA’s recall number is 23V-852.
