Pacer to introduce new trucks into SoCal fleet

Pacer to introduce new trucks into SoCal fleet Concord, Calif.-based transportation firm Pacer International Inc. said Wednesday that three of its subsidiaries plan to deploy 230 'new clean' trucks for lease to owner operators serving Southern California ports.
   According to the parent firm, the plan by subsidiaries Pacer Cartage Inc., Harbor Rail Transport, and PDS Trucking Inc., 'will allow Pacer customers to minimize their exposure to the clean air fees that have recently been instituted by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.'
   On Oct. 1, the two ports launched a truck re-regulation program that requires all trucks to be at least 1989 models or over. Trucks models from 1989 to 2006 face a container tax of $35 per TEU for each gate move. Trucks that are 2007 model year or newer will not be charged the container tax.
   Pacer officials also hold options for the purchase of another 150 similar trucks, which could be distributed to the Southern California area if market conditions warrant. Pacer expects to begin excepting delivery on the trucks in late November
   'Pacer is making this important investment in our dray operations to improve service to our customers and ensure that we meet local and federal emission standards,' said Michael E. Uremovich, chairman and chief executive officer of Pacer International.