Ports & Marine
What Drayage Truckers Can Do
Drayage truck drivers play an important role in the fabric of port operations, economy and air quality. EPA’s SmartWay Drayage Carriers Program has created a program to help drayage truckers reduce fuel costs and improve air quality.
The Port of Los Angeles Clean Truck Program 
and Port Authorities of New York and New Jersey's Truck Replacement Program exemplify how to use grants and financial incentives to improve air quality.
Replace oldest trucks and engines with newer, cleaner trucks and engines
Newer trucks are subject to stricter EPA regulations and therefore pollute less. Retiring older trucks and engines and replacing them with brand new ones plays a major role in reducing emissions.
Avoid Idling - shut off the engine
Turning off engines when not in use is the smartest and easiest way to reduce air pollution and save money. Not only does unnecessary idling waste fuel, but it causes wear and tear on the engine which requires more maintenance. By establishing an anti-idling policy for trucks, locomotives and cargo handling equipment, diesel emissions can be effectively reduced. EPA's SmartWay program maintains a list of verified idle reduction technologies.
Keep engines well maintained
Engines that are properly maintained and tuned perform better and typically emit less pollution than engines that are not properly maintained. Rebuilding an engine can also significantly lower emissions, enhance performance and provide a cost-effective improvement for high value equipment. Proper maintenance or rebuilding lowers emissions by burning fuel more efficiently and can reduce operation costs and extend engine life.
Retrofit with verified technologies, use cleaner fuels and operate more efficiently
Install emission reduction devices, replace engines or equipment, use cleaner fuels, and implement operational efficiencies which have been tested and verified. These technologies are cost-effective and yield substantial emission reductions. See EPA’s Technologies and Verification pages to learn more about available options.
Operate during off-peak hours
By operating during off-peak hours, truck queuing, idling, and traffic congestion are shortened. Not only does this increase flow and efficiency, but reduces the impacts of diesel exhaust during ozone hours.