Port of Los Angeles Opts for Alternative Fuel Trucks for Use Around Terminals, Harbor Area

    SAN PEDRO, Calif.--Jan. 16, 2003--As part of its collective efforts to reduce air emissions in and around the harbor, the Port of Los Angeles this fiscal year has added eight new alternative fuel trucks and cars to its existing fleet of construction vehicles and equipment. The trucks are powerful enough to haul cargo around the nation's largest containerport, yet better for the environment.
    Designed to reduce emissions in industrial areas, the four new trucks carry individual costs ranging from $60,000 to more than $200,000 and were partially funded by a state incentive program administered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
    The trucks range in size from medium-duty to heavy-duty and utilize one of three different alternative fuel systems - dedicated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), or dual-fuel engines - structured primarily on load-carrying capacity.
    Manufactured by Caterpillar(R), the dual-fuel engines were used on the largest new trucks, which each hold a 58,000 gross vehicle weight rating. The dual-fuel system utilizes ultra-low, sulfur diesel fuel only as a pilot ignition to power the principal CNG fuel source. This efficient process allows CNG to comprise nearly 90 percent of the total fuel consumed. At the same time, the trucks maintain the operational characteristics of conventionally-powered engines, while providing environmental benefits resulting from significant reductions in NOx and PM emissions.
    Each of the alternative fuel vehicles serves a unique purpose. The three new dual-fuel powered trucks include a flatbed, tractor-trailer and truck equipped with a hydraulic crane. Another flatbed truck with a mounted aerial manlift relies on LPG as its fuel source. The Port rounds off its collection with a CNG light-duty pickup truck, CNG sedan and two electric-powered station wagons.
    Some of the new arrivals were ordered nearly two years ago when alternative fuel trucks were not in great demand. Even today, it remains a rarity.
    For the past few decades, the Port has implemented numerous environmental enhancements to promote air quality throughout the bustling harbor. The Port instituted an alternative fuel vehicle policy in 1999, but has purchased and operated such vehicles since 1996. In addition to construction equipment, the Port also maintains a fleet of natural gas- and electric-powered passenger cars, trucks and vans. From sweepers to forklifts, the Port has replaced nearly 35 percent of its inventory with alternative fuel.
    "Maintaining such a large selection of alternative fuel vehicles and equipment validates our commitment to cleaner air, while encouraging the development and production of these vehicles," said Executive Director Larry Keller. "The Port wouldn't ask its customers to switch over to alternative fuel vehicles without doing the same itself."
    With a world-class reputation based on cutting-edge facility development and meeting the demands of the global community, the Port of Los Angeles remains committed to the environment. Growth and development are balanced with aggressive, broad-based environmental initiatives, diversified community outreach efforts and a comprehensive safety and security program. In addition to meeting and exceeding environmental regulations and industrial compliance, the Port strives to ensure lasting environmental quality.