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Are you interested in moving intermodal freight and expanding your owner operator business? Download the free DrayNow app from the App Store or Google Play store, or click the button below.

If you’re an owner operator in California, you’ve most likely had experience with the California Air Resource Board (CARB) and their regulations. All drayage vehicles that move cargo to and from rail yards and ports in the state of California must register with CARB. So, if you’re hauling in California using the DrayNow app, getting CARB compliance is a must.

What is the purpose of the registration? For owner operators and all other trucking companies in the state, their trucks need to be registered with CARB so that there’s a record of compliance with the emission standards decided on by the state. Trucks must have an engine year of 2007 or newer, and then by 1/1/2023, all trucks must have an engine year of 2010 or newer. If your truck fits these parameters, you should have no trouble registering with CARB.

How do you register? Follow this link, and it will take you right to the registration page.

And whether you are newly CARB compliant or have been for some time, make sure that you have the proper materials on hand to show that. This will be in the form of a Drayage Truck Registry sticker. This label will include the expiration date of your CARB compliance, and a barcode to scan for anyone needing to verify registration. At the ports, you can use an RFID tag to show your compliance, but at the rails you will need the sticker.

How do you get a sticker? Make sure you check the designated sticker box when registering your vehicle. What if your vehicle is registered, and you never got a sticker? Email drayagetruck@arb.ca.gov and include the truck’s VIN or license plate number.

With these identifications, it’s going to be a lot easier for you to get in and out of the ports and rails, so that no one has to look up your information and you’re not held up, especially if there’s a strict appointment you need to hit. Even worse, they could potentially not accept you if you don’t have the sticker on hand.

To reiterate: you need to be CARB compliant to haul in the state of California. In order to maintain CARB compliance and streamline processes, have the sticker or RFID tag right on your truck. It’s an easy solution to get you where you need to go as quick as possible.