California Trucking Operators

How to Get A CARB Compliance Certificate

Track your certificates, monitor due dates, and renew online — all in one place. We make California Air Resources Board compliance manageable for owner-operators and fleets.

What is CARB?

CARB stands for the California Air Resources Board, established in 1967. It's a department within the California Environmental Protection Agency tasked with regulating air pollution from vehicles and machinery operating in the state.

CARB's core objectives:

  • Attain and maintain healthy air quality
  • Protect the public from toxic air contaminants
  • Provide innovative compliance approaches
Diesel truck on a California highway

Why CARB Regulates TRUs

Transport Refrigeration Units keep perishable cargo — food, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies — at the right temperature. Their engines run during loading, unloading, and storage.

Even though TRU engines are small (9–36 horsepower), they emit significant particulate matter. Diesel exhaust contains over 40 toxic air contaminants, including suspected carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde.

Refrigerated truck unit

Who Is Affected?

If you own or operate diesel-fueled TRUs that come into California — no matter where you're registered — these rules apply to you.

1

Carriers

Any perishable-goods carrier hauling into or within California, regardless of where the vehicle is registered.

2

Terminal Operators

California terminal operators handling TRU-equipped vehicles must verify compliance for each unit on site.

3

Fleet Owners

Fleet owners with any diesel TRU operating in California are responsible for engine standards, reporting, and certification.

Funding and grants handshake

Funding Help Is Available

The Clean Diesel Program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, offers grants and rebates under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) to help cover the cost of upgrading or replacing older units.

Electric TRUs (eTRUs) also support compliance by replacing diesel with electrical temperature control — eliminating emissions during loading and storage.

Ready to get compliant?

Sign in with your VIN to view your vehicle status, certificates, and renewal dates — or contact us if you're new and need to register.

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