Clean Truck Program requirements coming to domestic container terminals in 2026. No changes for clean trucks currently operating international terminals.
As of January 1, 2026, all trucks serving our domestic container terminals must have an active RFID tag and have a 2007 or newer engine, or a certified equivalent emission control system. Your RFID must be updated with your current driver information, VIN, company name, SCAC and license plate information.
No further changes are planned for clean trucks (2007 or newer engine) currently operating NWSA international terminals.
While RFID tags are required on all compliant trucks, individual terminals may use green stickers when gates are experiencing downtime. Click here to find instructions on how to purchase and register your RFID tag.
Funding Available
The NWSA is offering scrapping bonuses of up to $30,000 to drivers who still operate a pre-2007 engine truck at NWSA international or domestic container terminals. Learn more.
DPF tampering
Emission control devices, like a diesel particulate filter (DPF), help prevent respiratory disease, premature death, and environmental harm. Tampering with or removing a DPF is a federal offense under the Clean Air Act.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may seek civil penalties or injunctive relief for violations of the act and regulations, and may bring cases in federal district court or through an administrative process. Violators are subject to civil penalties up to $45,268 per noncompliant vehicle or engine.
More information is available here.
If you suspect someone is tampering with an emission control device, tell the EPA by writing to: tampering@epa.gov.
Background
Starting in 2019, the NWSA has required that all trucks serving our international container terminals must have a 2007 or newer engine. This requirement, now being extended to domestic container terminals starting in 2026, is a part of the Clean Truck Program, one of several initiatives the NWSA and ports of Seattle and Tacoma have undertaken to improve air quality and greenhouse gas impacts of our gateway.
The Clean Truck Program helps the NWSA advance the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, which was adopted by the ports of Tacoma, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. to continuously reduce port-related diesel and greenhouse gas emissions. To reach these shared goals, the ports and industry have already invested in and adopted new equipment and fuels that reduce emissions from cargo-handling equipment, rail, harbor craft, ships and trucks.
The Clean Truck Program has resulted in significant air quality improvements and emission reduction benefits. Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) emissions associated with NWSA drayage trucks, which account for 6% of the DPM emissions from seaport activities, have decreased by 89% since 2005 and by 41% since 2016. More data on maritime-related emissions are available in the 2021 Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance Managing Members have committed to maintaining the current standards (2007 engine or equivalent) to create some stability for the hundreds of independent business owners who service the gateway.