The Port of Baltimore’s Clean Diesel Program reached a major milestone recently, when for the 50th time an older, short-haul dray truck was replaced with a newer, cleaner running version under a program supported by federal and state funds.  

The Mid-Atlantic Dray Truck Replacement Program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maryland Port Administration (MPA). It is administered by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association and the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center. 

Launched in 2012, the program provides $20,000 toward the cost of a newer vehicle that meets or exceeds 2007 EPA emission certified engine standards. It also assists applicants with finding financing. Dray trucks are large diesel trucks that are used to haul freight from port facilities to nearby local distribution points.  

Trucks applying for the Dray Truck Replacement Program are prioritized through a set of criteria, including the age of the truck and the number of trips it takes to and from the Port of Baltimore. The program stipulates that the old vehicle be replaced must be scrapped so that it will not remain in service and create pollution.