Nearly 17,000 truck drivers entering the Port of Los Angeles will be required to become employees of licensed motor carriers by 2012 as part of the final element of the Clean Trucks Program approved today by the Board of Harbor Commissioners.
After more than three hours of debate and public testimony, the commission unanimously agreed to gradually ban independent truckers from entering the port as part of the much-disputed employee mandate portion of the Clean Trucks Program, which aims to reduce big rig diesel emissions by 80 percent within five years.
The new rule also requires trucking companies to purchase and maintain big rigs that meet 2007 federal emissions standards by January 2012.
The employee mandate is supported by a coalition of environmentalists and labor unions.
The plan now goes to the Los Angeles City Council for final consideration.
Opponents say the new employee mandate will violate federal free trade laws by banning independent owner-operator truck drivers from the port. Trucking companies have warned that increased labor costs may be handed down to consumers.
The American Trucking Association has already threatened a lawsuit against Los Angeles for approving the employee mandates. Despite that, port officials have said that other elements of the Clean Trucks Program will be able to move forward.
Labor organizations and environmentalists lauded the plan, saying it removes a costly burden on drivers to maintain the new trucks. More than 85 percent of the trucks operating at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are owned by independent drivers, who earn about $11 to $12 per hour after expenses.
As part of the final element of the Clean Trucks Program, the Port of Los Angeles will provide grants covering up to 80 percent of the cost of newer, cleaner-burning trucks. Retrofitted trucks meeting 2007 federal emissions standards will be fully funded by the port.
Additionally, port officials plan to launch a “Scrap Truck Buyback Program” that offers $5,000 to drivers willing to hand over trucks built before 1989.