The Bakersfield-based company will pay $392,755 to the Air Pollution Control fund to support air quality research, and $130,920 to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to clean up school bus fleets throughout the state.

An investigation by the ARB showed that Randy’s Trucking failed to clean up its fleet according to the timetable set forth in the statewide Truck and Bus Regulation. The rule requires owners of diesel vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating greater than 26,000 lbs. (11,793 kg) meet specific compliance deadlines according to engine model year. Randy’s Trucking failed to meet these requirements for all its 1996 through 2006 model year heavy-duty vehicles.

In addition, Randy’s did not properly self-inspect its diesel trucks to ensure that they met state smoke emission standards as required by state law. The company also failed to check that engines were properly labeled, or ensure their trucks met annual emissions compliance requirements.

Randy’s Trucking has since agreed to pay its fine and will also follow all requirements of California’s Periodic Smoke Inspection Program, Emission Control Label Regulation, and the Statewide Truck and Bus Regulation. The company has also agreed to send fleet maintenance representatives to attend classes conducted by the California Council on Diesel Education and Technology, submit all relevant compliance records, and complete Low NO_x software upgrades on all applicable heavy-duty diesel engines.

It’s vital for businesses to know that we can’t relax our standards or make exceptions when it comes to protecting public health. Fortunately fines this high are rare and company owners are being more proactive in making their diesel fleets compliant. Randy’s Trucking has been cooperative and is working towards full compliance on an approved schedule that reflects their commitment to upgrading their equipment.

—ARB Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden