GSC Logistics Inc., a third-party logistics services provider, announced the second phase of its Truck Assistance Program (TAP). The first phase of the program, launched in September 2009, helped owner-operators replace their trucks with newer, more fuel efficient, and clean emissions models to comply California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) regulations.
Phase 2 of TAP will expand the program into the ports of Seattle and Tacoma.
TAP provides owner-operators with between $2,000 and $7,000 towards the purchase of a newer tractor. These are grants, not loans, and do not have to be repaid. TAP is a program funded by GSC and some of its customers like JCPenney, Walgreens, K-LINE America and other major retailers, said Scott E Taylor, CEO & president of GSC. More than $600,000 will be awarded during TAP phase 2, beginning this month.
“We also took the initiative to negotiate with used-truck dealers throughout the country to achieve substantial discounts on 2007 engine compliant trucks, with very attractive trade-in allowances for our independent owner-operators,” Taylor said. The dealers then work directly with the owner-operators to finalize the transaction. TAP phase 2 will replace 2004, 2005 and 2006 tractors with 2007 engine models or newer, to achieve CARB compliance through 2020.
GSC Logistics’ TAP program parallels efforts by the Coalition for Responsible Transportation to improve the environmental quality of the ports and port communities “while ensuring job creation and a thriving economy,” according to Andres L. Garcia, chairman of the board and executive vice president for GSC Logistics.
The coalition’s membership is a private sector group, comprised of importers, exporters, trucking companies, ocean carriers, and logistics providers.
“This is an example of how private enterprise can help clean up the environment. It requires no funds from the federal, state, or local governments,” said Garcia.
“GSC and some of our key customers have developed TAP by voluntarily contributing a small amount for every ocean container moved. We all benefit in the end,” Garcia added. “The beneficial cargo owner has greater access to capacity and the best possible service when they need it most. The independent owner-operators reduce their operating costs and participate in a greater volume of business. The community benefits through a reduction of toxic emissions and economic growth through business expansion. GSC benefits by supporting customers’ demands for services with CARB compliant equipment, thus, improving the quality of our services and the environment as well.”
