April 15 - 16, 2014
CRA Board of Directors Meeting – San Diego, CA

July 15 - 16, 2014
CRA Board of Directors Meeting – Lake Tahoe, CA

July 17 - 21, 2014
CRA RV Campout – Lake Tahoe, CA

See CRA's Calendar page for more information on our upcoming events.

 

CRA's 2014 Rental Rally Tradeshow is scheduled for January 14 and 15 in Southern California, at the Fairplex in Pomona. The tradeshow will include two days of equipment, party and services exhibits and an outdoor equipment display/demo area. Store tours, an opening cocktail party and a show banquet are also planned. Thank you to exhibitors who have recently signed up! Click on "Learn More" to see this list of exhibitors and more information about the show.
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Aztec Tents, one of the largest manufacturers of tents and tent-related accessories in the United States, announced in an August 27 press release that it is continuing its initiative to build the highest levels of customer service for their clients with the addition of Nicholas Longino as the newest Regional Area Manager (RAM). Longino will service the Pacific Northwest states of Alaska, Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.
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The Toro Company, a leading worldwide provider of turf, landscape, rental and construction equipment, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions, broke ground September 5 on a $25 million expansion in Bloomington, Minnesota, which the company has called home for over 50 years. The project begins the process of expanding Toro's product development and test capacities, demonstrating its continued commitment to innovation.
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Anchor University announced that its "Anchor University" is scheduled for November 19–21, 2013 and that it will provide a unique opportunity to learn from industry veterans and connect with like-minded tent renters with the ultimate goal of growing your tent business. If you would like to reserve one of the limited number of spaces, RSVP by emailing AnchorU@anchorinc.com with your company name and number of people attending. More information will be sent out in the upcoming months. Click on "Learn More" for a flyer about the event.
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Billy Goat welcomes you to this year’s GIE+EXPO to share in the premiere of an exciting 2014 new product unveil! In addition, see the new 26" fixed-deck Outback Brushcutter and the newly enhanced hydrostatic drive overseeder featuring foot-operated depth adjustment and new long-life, low-thatch blades. Outside, and back by popular demand, participate in Pumpkin Chunkin', where you can "Feed the Hungry Goat" and feel the power of over 5,000 cfm of suction and 35hp of the recently introduced DL3500V truck loader! Don’t miss the premiere and fun at Booth #10168 inside and Booth 7400-D outside. Click on "Learn More" to register for 50% off GIE+EXPO admission!
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Bobcat Company has expanded its M-Series excavator lineup with the launch of the E85 Minimal Tail Swing machine, the largest machine in the company’s compact excavator family. The 8.5-ton E85 provides increased arm and bucket forces, fuel efficiency and industry-leading cycle times. This heavy-duty excavator also features a number of operator conveniences including a blade float, multi-function joysticks, color instrumentation panel and an auto-shift drive system.
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Multiquip, a diverse manufacturer and supplier of world-class quality products and solutions, introduced the remote-controlled MQ RAMMAX 1575 articulated trench roller in an August 20 press release. "The MQ Rammax RX1575 has an entirely new design," said Torsten Erbel, the vice president for product management, engineering and support, for Multiquip. "We set out to improve our customers' experience by focusing on the roller’s reliability and reducing down time. These areas consistently rate as top considerations by contractors when evaluating trench rollers for fleet purchases."
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The Ditch Witch organization introduced the RT120 Quad, a utility tractor with the power, heavy-duty frame and traction necessary for long installations of large-diameter pipe on the most challenging jobsites, in an August 28 press release. The sturdy Ditch Witch RT120 Quad is built around an exceptionally heavy-duty undercarriage designed to withstand punishing ground conditions and provide years of reliable service. The frame is engineered to tilt, enabling the RT120 Quad to dig a vertical trench on uneven ground.
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In an August 22 press release, Chicago Pneumatic announced its first mobile app: the CP ToolBox, which offers comprehensive tool information anytime, even in locations without an internet connection. With CP ToolBox, you can choose to synchronize data, documentation and pictures for the whole app, or your favorites. The application will inform you about the updates, allowing you access to the most recent information. Choose the products, catalogs and other documentation that you really need and keep them handy. Your favorite tools will only be a few taps away. The CP ToolBox is available now in several languages and will soon be available for Android devices.
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Kubota Tractor Corporation recently introduced two new models to its premium M-60 utility ag tractor line: the M6060 and M7060. The deluxe M7060 new 12-speed transmission cab and ROPS model offers reduced engine emissions, high-capacity hydraulics, low noise and electric engagement of four-wheel drive with the flip of a switch. Farms of all sizes will benefit from Kubota’s updated M60 tractors with their increased power and added versatility to tackle a range of jobs with ease – from hauling, material handling and loader work to snow removal and operating hay tools.
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In an August 22 press release, Point-of-Rental™ Systems announced that it has created an easier way for businesses to keep customers and shipping information up to date. If your rental store ships a lot of items to customers using FedEx or UPS, Point-of-Rental’s optional shipping module integrates the two. Point-of-Rental customers are able to check shipment information directly from their Counter System, then email the customer the shipment information along with a link to check tracking. Point-of-Rental keeps the shipping information current along with tracking status. A report that shows actual shipping costs per contract is available. Designed to help rental businesses reduce shipping errors, the newly integrated feature will noticeably increase shipping department efficiency.
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Jenkins Insurance Services, a CRA Service Valued Provider, has provided the following information: As part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Federal government and many states have created "Insurance Marketplaces" or "Exchanges" for individuals to obtain health insurance. As an employer, you are required by federal law to provide each of your employees (both part-time and full-time) with an Exchange Notice on or before October 1, 2013. For new employees hired AFTER October 1, 2013, you must provide the Exchange Notice within 14 days of the employee’s start date. You are not required to send a separate notice to dependents.
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The September 13th CalChamber Alert newsletter reported that strong opposition from the California Chamber of Commerce has defeated three "job killer" bills that had been awaiting action by the legislature: AB 1330, SB 365, and SB 691.
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Strong opposition from the California Chamber of Commerce and other employer groups has succeeded in keeping one "job killer" and other costly proposals from advancing in the legislative process. Friday, August 30 was the deadline for legislation to pass the fiscal committees, whose task is to consider the financial impacts of proposals.
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The San Jose Mercury News reported on September 9 that lawmakers had approved legislation intended to undo a court decision that left 2,500 California small-business owners with unexpected tax bills at the end of last year. Two separate bills that moved through the Legislature are aimed at retroactively reinstating a tax break for small businesses on capital gains from the sale of stocks. It was overturned by a court ruling last year, leading the Franchise Tax Board to send tax notices totaling $120 million for the years 2008 to 2012.
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All diesel-fueled trucks, buses, trailers and transportation refrigeration units operating in California, including those based out of state, have requirements to reduce air pollution and improve the state's overall air quality. Avoid penalties due to manufacturer delay — order soot filters by September 1, 2013 to meet January 1, 2014 requirements for the Truck & Bus Regulation. Only purchase CARB-verified filters. Check before you buy! See the DPF handbook: A Truck Driver’s Guide to Care and Maintenance of Diesel Particulate Filters.
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The ARB's Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program and Periodic Smoke Inspection Program were adopted into law in 1988 to control excessive smoke emissions and tampering from heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses. The regulations Title 13 CCR, sections 2180-2189 for HDVIP, and Title 13 CCR, sections 2190-2194 for PSIP, governing these programs were last amended in 2013.

The HDVIP program requires heavy-duty trucks and buses to be inspected for excessive smoke and tampering and for engine certification label compliance. Any heavy-duty vehicle traveling in California, including vehicles registered in other states and foreign countries, may be tested. Tests are performed by ARB inspection teams at border crossings, CHP weigh stations, fleet facilities and randomly selected roadside locations. Owners of trucks and buses found in violation are subject to minimum penalties starting at $300 per violation.
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Owners or operators of portable engines and certain other types of equipment can register their units under the Air Resources Board's (ARB) Statewide Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) in order to operate their equipment throughout California without having to obtain individual permits from local air districts.

As of January 1, 2013, the Portable Engine Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) fleet standards went into effect. The ATCM requires owners of portable engines to submit a statement of compliance signed by a Responsible Official to the Air Resources Board by March 1, 2013. In addition to the statement of compliance, a summary that identifies each portable engine in the fleet and the associated emission rate (g/bhp-hr) must be included.
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The small off-road engine (SORE) category consists of off-road spark-ignition engines below 25 horsepower, including small utility equipment, lawn mowers and weed trimmers. This category does not include compression-ignition engines, watercraft or recreational vehicles. ARB has a page on its website that includes general information regarding small off-road engines and ARB's SORE program. Click on "Learn More" to access this page.
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The regulation requires diesel trucks and buses that operate in California to be upgraded to reduce emissions. Heavier trucks must be retrofitted with particulate matter (PM) filters beginning January 1, 2012, and older trucks must be replaced starting January 1, 2015. By January 1, 2023, nearly all trucks and buses will need to have 2010 model year engines or equivalent.

What's New? Advisory on Extension of Particulate Matter Filter Requirement for Certain Types of Cranes (July 10, 2013) Mail-Out 13-17 provides a PM filter compliance extension for certain types of cranes until January 1, 2018 and explains how compliance is determined when using the extension.
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This area of the Off-Road Mobile Sources website pertains to off-road large spark-ignition (LSI) equipment greater than 25 horsepower, including farm, construction, and industrial equipment, powered by gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and other alternate fuels. Typical applications that use LSI engines include forklifts, specialty vehicles, airport service vehicles, large turf care equipment, portable generators, and a wide array of other agricultural, construction, and general industrial equipment. The U.S. EPA has sole authority to control new farm and construction equipment under 175 horsepower.
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On July 26, 2007, the Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted a regulation to reduce diesel particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from in-use (existing) off-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles in California. For more information, please call the diesel vehicle information hotline at (866) 6-DIESEL or (866) 634-3735.

Posted April 23, 2013: The revised Fleet Average Calculator for large fleets is now available. The calculator is for the large fleet January 1, 2014 compliance date only. The Fleet Average Calculator is an Excel spreadsheet designed to assist fleet owners in calculating their Fleet Average Index and Fleet Average Targets, based on the equipment model year and horsepower input. The calculator allows fleets to experiment with different turnover, repower and retrofit strategies to plan for compliance with the in-use off-road diesel vehicle regulation.
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The Truck and Bus Regulation will reduce diesel exhaust emissions from privately owned and federal government diesel trucks and buses. Privately and publicly owned school buses have different requirements and do not need to be reported. This CARB site has the Truck Regulations Upload and Compliance Reporting System (TRUCRS) and was last reviewed July 25, 2013.
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In December 2011 major amendments to the Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation, which include delaying the first compliance date to no earlier than January 1, 2014, became effective. The changes to the regulation are reflected in the fact sheets, advisories and answers to frequently asked questions available on the Knowledge Center for the Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation Web page.
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Driving Toward a Cleaner California (DTCC) is a coalition of owner-operators, farmers, construction contractors and other business and community leaders committed to working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to craft a sensible truck and bus replacement rule that both cleans the air and keeps California's economy moving forward.
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