As of Jan. 1, 2019, all trucks serving our international container terminals must have an active RFID tag and have a 2007 (or newer) engine, or a certified equivalent emission control system. Your RFID must be updated with your current driver information, VIN, company name, SCAC and license plate information.
While RFID tags are required on all compliant trucks, individual terminals may use green stickers when gates are experiencing downtime.
The Clean Truck Program requirements reduce diesel particulate matter emissions by up to 90% per truck.
Truck Scrapping Program
The NWSA is offering scrapping bonuses of up to $20,000 to drivers who still operate a pre-2007 engine truck at NWSA international or domestic container terminals. Learn more.
How to register your RFID tag
Your RFID tag must be fully registered in eModal with your truck’s current information. For any RFID questions, visit eModal's online help center
- STEP 1: Register your company at eModal.com.
- STEP 2: Add driver and truck information to the eModal system.
- STEP 3: Purchase an RFID tag. Each tag costs $103, plus additional fees, and must be purchased online with a debit or credit card at eModal.com. (NOTE: Tags take at least 5 business days.)
- STEP 4: Once you receive the tag, register it at eModal.com. (The tags must be registered for them to work.)
- STEP 5: Install your tag. Your account must be updated with your new VIN and license plate number.
*** When entering the terminals, please make sure you have only one RFID tag in your truck. If you have more than one tag, you could be subject to a red light and be turned away at the gate.***
How to maintain your clean truck
Clean diesel trucks require proper maintenance. Understanding how newer trucks and their pollution control systems work is important to avoiding expensive engine repairs.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has provided a video training course to guide you through the differences between older diesel trucks and newer, cleaner diesel trucks. It will also show you how to take care of a clean diesel truck.
The videos are available in seven different languages.
Mark Sturdevant of Warner Truck Centers talks about maintaining trucks and other important information for members of the Northwest drayage community at the Clean Truck Program Summer Workshop in 2018.
DPF tampering
Emission control devices, like a diesel particulate filter (DPF), help prevent respiratory disease, premature death, and environmental harm. Tampering with or removing a DPF is a federal offense under the Clean Air Act.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may seek civil penalties or injunctive relief for violations of the act and regulations, and may bring cases in federal district court or through an administrative process. Violators are subject to civil penalties up to $45,268 per noncompliant vehicle or engine.
More information is available here.
If you suspect someone is tampering with an emission control device, tell the EPA by writing to: tampering@epa.gov.
Background
In 2008, the ports of Tacoma, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., adopted the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy to continuously reduce port-related diesel and greenhouse gas emissions. To reach these goals, the ports and industry have already invested in and adopted new equipment and fuels that reduce emissions from cargo-handling equipment, rail, harbor craft, ships and trucks.
The Clean Truck Program is one of several initiatives the NWSA and ports of Seattle and Tacoma have undertaken to improve air quality and greenhouse gas impacts of our gateway. In the last decade, we have invested more than $15 million in matching grant funds to spur truck conversion and invest in gate infrastructure. More than 410 trucks were scrapped and replaced with new trucks due to federal, state and local money.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance Managing Members have committed to maintaining the current standards (2007 engine or equivalent) will remain in place through 2025 to create some stability for the hundreds of independent business owners who service the gateway.