Under California law, any business that hires a carrier to transport perishable goods on California highways or railways must require those carriers to dispatch only TRUs that meet CARB’s in-use performance standards. That obligation covers brokers, forwarders, shippers, and receivers (anyone who contracts with a carrier to move temperature-sensitive freight in the state).
What the 2022 TRU ATCM Amendments Added
CARB approved amendments to the Transport Refrigeration Unit Air Toxic Control Measure (TRU ATCM) on February 24, 2022, with most provisions taking effect beginning December 31, 2023. The updates significantly expanded who the regulation covers.
TRU owners must now register all units operating in California, including out-of-state units, through CARB’s ARBER system. Operating fees apply per unit, and CARB-issued compliance labels must be affixed to each TRU every three years.
Facility owners are also covered under the 2022 amendments. Owners of refrigerated warehouses or distribution centers (20,000 sq ft or more), grocery stores (15,000 sq ft or more), seaport facilities, and intermodal railyards with TRU activity must register with CARB and report all TRUs operating on the property quarterly.
How to Check TRU Compliance Status
CARB maintains a public search tool through the ARBER system that allows anyone to verify the compliance status of a specific TRU or TRU generator set. A separate 100% Compliant TRU Carrier Search is available for shippers and facility operators who need to confirm carrier compliance before dispatching or accepting a load.
TRU Compliance Information, California Air Resources Board
Questions about how these requirements affect your operation? Contact us for a free initial consultation.
Updated: June 14, 2026