The board of commissioners for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey expanded eligibility of drayage trucks that can be replaced under its Truck Replacement Program to include trucks with model year engines 2003 or older.
The TRP is a first-come first-served limited offer to provide grants and financing to eligible truck owners to help them purchase newer, cleaner and more environmentally friendly trucks. Eligible applicants, either licensed motor carriers or owner-operators, will receive a grant that will cover up to 25 percent of the purchase price of a newer truck and also may qualify for low-interest financing.
The Port Authority implemented a plan to phase out older trucks serving its marine terminals. As of Jan. 1, port drayage trucks equipped with engines model year 1993 and older are not allowed access to the Port Authority’s marine terminals. In addition, starting Jan. 1, 2017, only trucks equipped with engines that meet or exceed engine model year 2007 federal emissions standards will be allowed access.
The Port Authority has received $8.57 million in grant funding to assist with the TRP’s implementation. The Port Authority has additionally dedicated up to $25.7 million to provide qualified truck purchasers that may cover up to 75 percent of the cost of the replacement truck at a 5.25 percent interest rate over five years.