Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT States and port authorities have implemented “Clean Truck” programs (CTPs) to encourage trucking companies to transition to newer, cleaner trucks to reduce the emissions around ports. We examine the comparative effectiveness of mandatory and voluntary CTPs implemented across major United States ports. Leveraging insights from the awareness‐motivation‐capability framework, we theorize how environmental regulatory programs shape carrier behavior under different regulatory structures in the trucking industry. Using a difference‐in‐differences design and a database containing detailed truck and trailer information and air quality measures, we find that mandatory programs significantly accelerate truck model‐year upgrades, narrowing pre‐existing disparities in fleet upgrades across carriers, whereas voluntary programs show no measurable effects. Mandatory CTPs are associated with reductions in nitrogen dioxide concentrations, while effects on particulate matter are less consistent. Air quality improvements are most pronounced in inner harbors and decrease with distance from port activity. Our findings contribute to supply chain and regulatory policy literature by highlighting the effectiveness of mandatory environmental programs in driving industry‐wide change and the limited impact of voluntary initiatives.
Source: Journal of Business Logistics
DOI: 10.1111/jbl.70091
Authors: Chinedu Ufodike, Alex Scott, Yemisi Bolumole
Institutions: Valparaiso University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Engineering
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,570
OpenAlex ID: W7203662226