Trucking companies in California struggle with retrofitting older vehicles

The increase in oil prices have put many trucking companies at a loss. Many state and government agencies are urging freight-hauling businesses to convert to a more energy-efficient fleet. However, for some, that is not financially feasible.

For instance, Vyda Express General Services, based out of California, recently announced that between the rising price of fuel and increased competition they may not be able to afford to retrofit their fleet to conserve fuel and emissions, Visalia Times-Delta reports.

"This is a very bad time because of the economy," Jaime Robles, owner of the company, told the news source. "There are going to be a lot of people who will go out of business because of this."

Fleet management may wish to enroll their employees in online truck driver training courses to help operators learn how to best conserve fuel, which can help the company's bottom line.

According to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, owners can receive financial assistance of up to $60,000 to help them buy newer, cleaner trucks or retrofit engines with filters.

By Anna Byrne

Trucking companies in California struggle with retrofitting older vehicles

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011