Tacoma port trying fee-less truck pollution program

Tacoma port trying fee-less truck pollution program    The Port of Tacoma is developing what it calls a 'fee-free' program to minimize the impact of truck pollution at the port.
   The port said that, according to a 2008 study it conducted, 14 percent of the vehicles operating in container terminals don't meet 2010 emissions standards. To encourage modernizing those vehicles, the plan calls for the port to:
   ' Develop a list of pre-qualified drayage trucking companies, with the port promoting companies that meet set fleet modernization goals.
   ' Partner with public and private organizations to identify funding opportunities and options for fleet modernization.
   ' Work with customers to improve terminal gate operations, including enhancing operational efficiency, implementing anti-idling policies and practices, and encouraging gate congestion management initiatives.
   ' Develop a communication and outreach strategy for the regional trucking community.
   ' Explore operational and technological innovations that might improve efficiency, such as tracking technologies, a chassis pool or secure, pre-gate parking.
   The port also recognized ocean carriers who have volunteered to switch to low-sulfur distillate fuel at berth, a move that cuts up to 80 percent of sulfur emission and 70 percent of diesel particulates.
   The carriers lauded were Evergreen, 'K' Line, Maersk Line and Horizon Lines.