The South Carolina Ports Authority has announced a new Clean Truck Certification Program to take effect on Jan. 1, 2014.

The program requires trucks serving the container terminals to have engines manufactured in 1994 or later. Truck owners must enroll in the program using the website, cleantruck.scspa.com, by the first of next year.

“By implementing this program, we achieve a reduction in the air quality impacts resulting from an older truck fleet, and modernize the over-the-road equipment just as we are doing on terminal with newer equipment,” said Jim Newsome, South Carolina Ports Authority president and CEO.

During the month of November, the SCPA will continue offer an incentive of $5,000 plus scrap value to truck owners who use this opportunity to upgrade their truck engines.

A limited number of hardship registrations will be available on a first come, first serve basis for trucks who have called on terminals at least 52 times in the previous 52 weeks. Hardship registrations are currently being accepted will expire on June 30, 2014. Trucks calling on the terminals that do not have a hardship registration and have not been certified will be allowed to enter one time.

“As truckers and residents of the Lowcountry, we seek to provide motor carrier service using the most fuel efficient and cleanest burning trucks possible,” said Keith Johnson, president of the Charleston Motor Carriers Association. “We support the Clean Truck Program and the opportunity it gives our members to upgrade their truck engines. This is a positive initiative both for our industry and for the environment.”

SCPA will conduct on-terminal spot checks to confirm engine year, and the program pertains to all container facilities including the South Carolina Inland Port.

More information and how to resister is at cleantruck.scspa.com.