FMC to examine “clean trucks” program

Patrick Burnson, Executive Editor -- Logistics Management, 11/27/2007

WASHINGTON—The Federal Maritime Commission is apparently listening to the concerns voiced by shippers over the recent “clean trucks” program enacted by the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

“The FMC is calling a meeting in compliance with ‘the sunshine act,' " said FMC secretary, Bryant Van Brackle. “All four commissioners will examine the issue on Wednesday, November 28, and we’ll release a statement when that part of the process is over.” 

As reported here earlier this month, the ports have created their own independent programs to reduce motor carrier emissions by phasing older vehicles out by 2012. The plan has been criticized by the National Industrial Transportation League and other major shipper associations, who argue that state and national measures will ensure the same outcome in a more uniform manner.

“Everyone in our community supports the idea of having cleaner trucks,” said Peter Freidmann, chief legal council for the Agriculture Transportation Coalition. “We just object to the way the ports have gone about trying to enforce it. We are particularly displeased with the role the Teamsters Union may play in its implementation.”

Organized labor has joined forces with the Sierra Club and other political action groups to champion the issue because it creates a way for them to replace owner-operators with their own drivers, said Freidmann.

“It’s a cynical and transparent power play,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Maritime Shipping Association will also be paying close attention to how the FMC responds. In a rare show of solidarity, it has aligned itself with shippers to oppose the port’s program.