GOLDEN STATE EXPRESS, INC.
Clean TrucksPierpass and Night GatesFlatbed ServiceEnvironmental CommitmentService AreaOverweight OverdimOther ServicesContacts May 1, 2010 marked another milestone at the Port of LA/LB, when the next step of the ban on older trucks actually effect.  Trucks older than 2005 (2004 engine date) are no longer allowed, unless they are retrofit to bring them up to the 2004 standard.  Of course there is no effective operating retrofit that will do that, so the oldies are gone.  Trucks with 2004, 5 and 6 engines will be allowed, but will be charged the Clean Truck Fee by the port. 

As President of Golden State Express, I have been on the front line of the Clean Truck Program, interfacing with the Ports, active in industry groups, reading every conceivable piece of literature that comes out, and attending meeting after meeting on the issue. 

GSE now has 100%  of its harbor fleet converted to new 2007 or newer compliant trucks, and has more on order.  Our latest addition has been the LNG trucks that are 2010 complaint.  This is not without a cost!  With millions invested in this conversion, we are able to save our clients the Clean Truck Fee, replacing it with a Clean Truck Surcharge that is used to finance the new trucks.  Our fleet of owner operators are excited about the new trucks, and by our clients paying the Surcharge, they are able to easily make their truck payments.   They are finding their maintenance cost has gone to nearly zero, and their downtime for repairs eliminated. 

With all this new equipment, we are now an EPA Smartway carrier, a benchmark many environmentally sensitive clients are looking for!

Fred Johring, President