FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GHG2

Answers to GHG2 Questions

            In response to a great number of recent questions regarding GHG2 for trailers we have compiled a list of the most popular, along with the answers.  The situation is still somewhat confusing, but we are always available to help with any questions that you might have.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GHG2

            In response to a great number of recent questions regarding GHG2 for trailers we have compiled a list of the most popular, along with the answers.  The situation is still somewhat confusing, but we are always available to help with any questions that you might have.

1.      Is the regulation even final?  I’ve heard that it might be thrown out completely. 
a.     The short answer is yes, the regulation is final and is set to implement on January 1st.  The long answer is, in August, EPA announced that they were putting the trailer portion of GHG2 through their review process.  This process can take several months or longer.  Currently there is litigation between TTMA and EPA.  TTMA has asked a federal court to either throw out the trailer portion of the regulation completely or, at least postpone the regulation until the EPA completes its review process.  There is no timetable on when to expect a decision from the court.  It could be a few days or months.

2.     If the regulation is postponed or thrown out, does this also apply to California?
a.     No.  The California rules still apply.  The CARB regulations were expected to “sunset” after GHG2 was implemented, but California has indicated that they will keep the regulations if GHG2 for trailers is delayed or cancelled. CARB has joined in the litigation between TTMA and EPA as a State Intervenor, along with the states of Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Washington, Oregon, Rhode Island and Iowa.

3.     Will all trailers be regulated?  I understand that this only applies to 53’ trailers.
a.     All trailers will be subject to the regulation.  Compliance requirements will vary, depending on the trailer type and length.

4.     What will be required on a typical trailer to be compliant with GHG2?
a.     There are various options available, but the most typical combination for a 53’ trailer will be a Bin 3 side skirt, low-rolling resistance tires, and a tire inflation system.

5.     What is Bin 3?  What does that mean?
a.     In the GHG2 regulation, EPA uses a drag reduction standard instead of a fuel reduction standard.  Every device will be assigned a drag reduction number.  In order to meet Bin 3 requirements, the device’s drag reduction number must exceed .40.

6.     Does TrailerBlade make a Bin 3 device?
a.     Yes.  Our standard product well exceeds the Bin 3 requirement.  We also have developed 9 different additional configurations that exceed the Bin 3 minimum requirement.

7.     Has TrailerBlade been officially certified under the new standard?
a.     Yes.  We received our certification letter from EPA in September.

8.     If I order a trailer today for delivery after January 1, 2018, will it need to be equipped with a side skirt?
a.     As of today, yes.  If the ruling is postponed or eliminated before your production date, you might presumably be able to cancel the aerodynamic device, but that will depend on your trailer manufacturer.

9.     Currently my dealer installs my aerodynamic devices.  I have heard that this will no longer be allowed.  Is this really true?

a.     No, this is not true.  The regulations allow for trailer manufacturers to designate installers, typically their dealers or the aero device manufacturers, to install the product after the trailer has left the plant but before the trailer is delivered to the customer.  A manufacturer may have come up with a different policy on their own, but the regulation allows dealers to continue installing aero devices.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Easy Installation and Repair with TrailerBlade’s Component Design

Easy Installation and Repair with TrailerBlade’s Component Design If you’re like most fleet managers, you know that saving time can only help your bottom line. That’s why all TrailerBlade side skirts and their components are built to last , which means fewer repairs and replacements. However, no matter how durable and well-designed, any trailer component can sustain damage and wear over time. On the rare occasion that you do need to repair or replace one of our products, our component design makes the process as fast and painless as possible. We pride ourselves on offering only the most cutting-edge technology, and our installation and repair process is no exception. What is Component Design? We’ve indicated that component design minimizes the logistical costs and person hours for installation and repair, but what is it? The basic TrailerBlade side skirt is comprised of four separate parts: Upper panels, lower skirt, and our patented Mounting Strut. These parts, along w...
Read more
Image
TrailerBlade Flap: Highway to Savings and Sustainability A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about how TrailerBlade side skirts reduce fuel consumption, and about some of the science behind it. But, even with the 7.15% improvement in fuel economy afforded by the TrailerBlade family of side skirts, that isn’t the end of the road for reductions in fuel consumption — or for greater savings. That’s because, accompanying available side skirt options, TrailerBlade is also proud to offer the TrailerBlade Flap. Here’s how this unique product contributes to fuel savings and sustainability: A New Kind of Mudflap As you are likely aware, many states in the United States have laws mandating the use of mudflaps to protect vehicles, passengers and pedestrians from mud and other flying debris. While many will agree that these are sensible protections, for fleet managers, mudflap requirements have an undesirable side-effect. Because mudflaps block wind and thereby create aerodynamic dr...
Read more
TrailerBlade: Built to Last When you’re on the road, you’re looking for smooth sailing, with as few things slowing you down and giving you headaches as possible. And nothing can put the brakes on your long haul like when parts break, requiring you to drop everything and get repairs. Fortunately, TrailerBlade side skirts are the only products in their class made exclusively with proven materials. This gives them unparalleled durability, helping you keep on trucking and leave your repair problems in the dust. Here’s how the TrailerBlade’s durability nips your repair needs in the bud — and makes them quick and stress-free on the rare occasions when you do need repairs: A skirt for all weather Some side skirts on the market can suffer from heat expansion, causing them to swell in high temperatures. Others are susceptible to cold, causing them to become brittle and rigid in low temperatures — and more easily damaged. The TrailerBlade, on the other hand, maintains its flexibili...
Read more