University of California Institute of Transportation Studies

To better understand the implications of transitioning drayage trucks to zero-emission, we analyzed the health impacts and GHG freeway emissions from diesel-powered drayage trucks and the benefits of replacing them with zero-emission trucks, accounting for current and expected air quality regulations. Our study area stretched between the San Pedro Bay and the Inland Empire, home to large warehouse complexes. We focused on two years: 2012 (when pre-2007 drayage trucks were phased out in the Clean Air Action Plan), and 2035 (the deadline in Executive Order N-79-20). Our analyses incorporated projections of the size and composition of the vehicle fleets from data collected by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), estimates of future emission factors from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that account for projected technology improvements, and projected increases in cargo demand at the ports in 2035 compared to 2012.