Truckers request is opposed by engine makers

GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. A major trucking industry association and truck builder want federal officials to delay implementation of the 2010 federal emissions standards for diesel engines, but the association representing engine manufacturers has thrown cold water on the idea.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and Navistar have asked Congress and the Bush Administration to take action in response to new research that forecasts a dramatic drop in new truck and engine purchases in 2010, which will ultimately lead to a breakdown in the trucking industry.

NERA Economic Consulting of Washington conducted a study that details the implications of the 2010 emission requirements for diesel engines, indicating truckers and fleet managers will decide either to delay purchases or not buy new engines and trucks for financial reasons and user uncertainty. This will eventually mean huge job losses and a lack of choices for trucking equipment consumers of all sizes, the study says.

"With record-high diesel fuel prices earlier this year, trucking companies have already faced nearly insurmountable challenges trying to stay in business," said Todd Spencer, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which is based in Grain Valley.

"Its the worst possible time for the trucking industry to take on a high stakes gamble with no known level of reliability of the technologies or return on investment."

However, moving the goal post now is not necessary and unfair to those who have invested heavily and worked diligently to meet the clean air goals set out by the USEPA, says the Engine Manufacturers Association and executives with Volvo Trucks North America.

"Engine manufacturers have invested heavily in engineering technological solutions and design changes to meet the new NOx emission standard that is required for 2010-model-year engines and see no technological barriers to meeting the standard," said the association.

"Volvo Trucks sees no reason to change the current timetable for U.S. 2010," added Per Carlsson, president and CEO of Volvo Trucks North America.

"Were prepared to meet these regulations as they stand today without the use of emissions credits. Extensive testing in North America and widespread experience elsewhere confirms that SCR is the optimal solution, providing significant fuel economy improvements and cleaner air," said Carlsson.

A sister company to Volvo Trucks produces Volvo engines for Prevost motorcoaches.

Carlsson said that more than half a million trucks use SCR every day in Europe. "In North America, Volvo Trucks has over 1.5 million miles of customer testing so far, with excellent results and operational experience."

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association would like Congress and the administration to restructure the timeline for 2010 emissions rules, phasing in the new standards to allow "ample breathing room and build confidence within the trucking industry, providing time to prove the worthiness of new engines, give the economy an opportunity to recover and explore new fuel alternatives."

"With more time, the solutions will become much clearer and environmentally much cleaner," said the associations Spence. "Otherwise, there will be a delay in the intended environmental benefit because there is a disincentive to purchasing the new technology. Truckers and fleets are simply going to hold onto their equipment for a longer period of time, if they are able to hold onto it at all."