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 Transport Refrigeration Unit
(TRU or Reefer) Regulation
Regulation Page


Regulation Basics

Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs) are refrigeration systems powered by diesel internal combustion engines designed to refrigerate or heat perishable products that are transported in various containers, including semi-trailers, truck vans, shipping containers, and rail cars. Although TRU engines are relatively small, ranging from 9 to 36 horsepower, significant numbers of these engines congregate at distribution centers, truck stops, and other facilities, resulting in the potential for health risks to those that live and work nearby.

The Regulation applies to:

  • In-use diesel-fueled Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs) and TRU generator sets that operate in California, whether they are registered in or outside the State.

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Regulation Requirements

  • TRUs (reefers) and TRU generator sets that operate at all within California are required to meet in-use performance standards by the end of the seventh year after the engine model year or the unit manufacture year (See Compliance Schedule).
  • California-based reefers are required to register with CARB within 30 days of entering a carrier’s control.
  • California terminal operators that operate TRUs are also required to provide updates within 30 days of changes to any information in Operator Reports.





Compliance Schedule
TRU Compliance Schedule - 2001 model year engines were required to meet Low-Emission TRU standards by December 31, 2009, and Ultra-Low-Emission standards by December 31, 2015. 2002 model year engines were required to meet Low-Emission TRU standards by December 31, 2009, and Ultra-Low-Emission standards by December 31, 2016. 2003 model year engines were required to meet Low-Emission TRU standards by December 31, 2010, and Ultra-Low-Emission standards by December 31, 2017. 2004 model year engines below 25 horsepower were required to meet Low-Emission TRU standards by December 31, 2011, and Ultra-Low-Emission standards by December 31, 2018. 2004 model year engines above 25h horsepower were not required to meet Low-Emission TRU standards, but were required to meet Ultra-Low-Emission standards by December 31, 2011. 2005 model year engines were required to meet Low-Emission TRU standards by December 31, 2009, and Ultra-Low-Emission standards by December 31 of the model year plus 7 years.


Reporting

If your TRUs are based in California, you are required to register your TRU with the California Air Resources Board. The deadline for registration of existing units was July 31, 2009.

New units must be registered within 30 days of the unit coming into the control of the owner. You are strongly encouraged to apply for California Air Resources Board Identification Numbers (IDN) electronically, on the Internet, using the Air Resources Board's Equipment Registration (ARBER) system, since this is the fastest way to register. If you are the owner of a TRU that is based outside of California, applying for an IDN is voluntary and there is no deadline.

ARBER: Air Resources Board Equipment Registration ►
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Verify Compliance

The public may use the following links to search CARB’s Equipment Registration (ARBER) system to check the compliance status of TRUs and TRU generator sets and provide comments or provide tips on violations about specific TRUs. CARB will monitor these comments/tips and follow up with enforcement action, if warranted.

You can also report noncompliant TRUs to CARB's Complaint Program.

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Upcoming Deadlines

December 31st, 2022

  • TRU’s with a 2015 engine model year must meet Ultra-Low-Emission TRU Standard









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