Ocean Cargo: Port of LA/Long Beach “Clean Trucks” may set precedent

Patrick Burnson, Executive Editor -- Logistics Management, 8/25/2008

LOS ANGELES—Long known as the nation’s “smog” belt, Southern California may be the new testing ground for environmental initiatives associated with green stewardship of the nation’s seaports.

That is the view presented by Greg Roche, director of business development for Clean Energy Fuels Corp.—a major supporter of the “Clean Truck” programs proposed by the Ports of LA/Long Beach.

“Southern California is a region that is also known for its innovation,” said Roche. “It only seems appropriate that it would be first to take on a problem that is affecting seaports nationwide.”

As reported here and elsewhere in the trade press, the proposed entry of Swift Transportation Inc. and Knight Transportation Inc. in the port drayage niche has added to the complexity of the issue. But Clean Energy spokesmen have endorsed the move.

“We salute the leadership of these two fine trucking companies, whose participation as drayage companies will contribute in a major way to the success of the Port of Los Angeles in its landmark efforts to curtail air pollution generated by goods movement activities at the Port and in the surrounding communities,” said Andrew Littlefair, Clean Energy President and CEO. “Deploying clean-burning natural gas trucks is one of the best ways to enable the port to grow while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollution associated with that growth.”

The support comes from considerable self-interest, however.

Clean Energy is a major provider of natural gas (CNG and LNG) for transportation in North America and has a significant presence in South America with Clean Energy del Peru, a joint venture, operating the world’s largest natural gas vehicle fueling station in Lima, Peru.