Author: Erika Thorson

What Does CARB Compliance Mean for Commercial Fleets and Facilities?

Erika Thorson

California’s CARB regulations have long shaped air quality standards in the U.S., and their influence is growing. As other states adopt similar rules and major retailers prioritize low-emission supply chains, commercial fleets and facilities across the country are under increasing pressure to align. For operations that rely on diesel-powered TRUs or manage temperature-controlled logistics, CARB compliance is now a strategic consideration, not just a regulatory requirement.

What Is CARB Compliance?

CARB, the California Air Resources Board, enforces some of the most aggressive air quality standards in the U.S., including regulations aimed at reducing emissions from diesel engines used in TRUs.

CARB compliance typically refers to:

  • Meeting emission standards for diesel-powered equipment
  • Reducing idling and reliance on diesel generators
  • Implementing zero-emission solutions such as electric standby systems or battery-electric TRUs

For fleets using refrigerated trailers, compliance means transitioning to clean alternatives such as plug-in shore power for temperature-controlled loads at distribution centers, truck yards, and cold storage facilities.

Why CARB Compliance Matters Beyond California

California may be first, but it won’t be last.

States like New York, Oregon, and Washington have already adopted similar emission goals, and major retailers are demanding cleaner supply chains. If you operate across state lines, your non-compliant equipment could soon be sidelined.

Key reasons this matters:

  • Regulatory momentum is spreading nationwide
  • Major logistics partners are prioritizing sustainable fleets
  • Non-compliance can limit bidding opportunities and facility access

Future-proofing isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Common Misconceptions About CARB Compliance

“This only affects California.”
 False. Other states are aligning with CARB. Operating nationally means preparing now.

“We have to replace our entire fleet.”
 Not necessarily. Many facilities can meet requirements with retrofits, shore power access, or dual-voltage capabilities.

“Compliance will cripple our operations.”
 In truth, the right infrastructure can increase operational efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and even improve safety at the dock.

Think Compliance Is Too Costly? See the Real Numbers

Use our calculator to uncover how shore power can reduce diesel use, maintenance, and emissions—while keeping your fleet CARB compliant.

Estimate your ROI

How to Stay Compliant Without Overbuilding

Too many fleets overspend chasing compliance. But smart planning and flexible infrastructure can reduce costs while still meeting requirements.

Here’s how:

  • Shore power systems like ESL’s eTRUconnect® allow electric TRUs to plug in when parked, reducing emissions, fuel use, and idling.
  • Dual-voltage systems support both 480V and 240V, accommodating mixed fleets without complex rewiring.
  • Modular, daisy-chain capable setups can power multiple units from one input, simplifying deployment and scaling with demand.
  • Break-away safety features and integrated compliance markings streamline inspection-readiness.

How ESL Helps Clients Align With CARB Requirements

At ESL, we help fleet operators and facility managers design smarter infrastructure that meets CARB requirements—without blowing the budget.

With over 30 years of experience, our solutions are:

  • Purpose-built for electric and hybrid TRU power
  • UL/cUL Listed with safety interlocks and rugged enclosures
  • Tested and proven in high-volume logistics environments
  • Custom-configured to your exact dock layout, voltage, and usage needs

Whether you’re just starting your compliance journey or looking to retrofit existing infrastructure, we provide the guidance, hardware, and ongoing support to move forward with confidence.

The Bottom Line

CARB compliance isn’t going away. But it doesn’t have to derail your operations.

With the right partners and technology in place, fleets and facilities can reduce emissions, lower costs, and stay ahead of evolving regulations.

Let’s Build the Right Compliance Solution for Your Fleet

Request a custom quote today and get the specs, pricing, and insight to move forward strategically.

Request a Quote

Understanding the Electrical Differences Between Reefer Containers and eTRUs: Why Precise Identification Matters

Erika Thorson

Generic terms like reefer, van, or freezer are often used to describe a variety of refrigerated equipment, but each type can have different electrical requirements. To ensure we quote the correct product, it’s important to understand exactly what kind of equipment will be plugged in.

Reefer Containers: The Ocean and Intermodal Workhorses

Reefer containers are typically used for ocean or intermodal shipping and come with a built-in cord and a male pin-and-sleeve plug, usually 440/480V 3-phase, 32A (IEC 60309). These cords are often visible coiled in a tray or hook on the container’s side. The container itself is a self-contained metal unit, similar in appearance to a standard shipping container, often 20 or 40 feet long.

Electric Transport Refrigeration Units (eTRUs): The Overland Option

Electric Transport Refrigeration Units (eTRUs), on the other hand, are usually mounted on trailers or trucks. Instead of a cord, they are equipped with a male inlet mounted on the unit’s exterior. The cord with the female connector is provided at the power source (dock, pedestal, or building).

Visually, eTRUs blend into the body of the trailer or appear as nose-mounted units on the front wall. At first glance, they may look like conventional diesel-powered TRUs, but the giveaway is the small inlet plate or recessed power port replacing the familiar fuel tank.

Quick visual differences:

  • Reefer Containers: Large, box-like units with a coiled power cord and male plug. Often have corner castings for stacking/shipping.
  • eTRUs: Mounted on trailers, often with no external cord. Look for an inlet plate or recessed power port on the side or front of the unit.

Why This Matters for Electrical Quotes

It’s important to note that not all containers or eTRUs use the same standard configuration. Some may have non-standard connectors or voltages depending on origin, manufacturer, or retrofit. Since pricing and product selection can vary significantly depending on the required connector or receptacle, confirming the exact electrical configuration — including voltage, phase, amperage, and plug type — helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures a safe, cost-effective solution.

Photos of the connection point, nameplate data, or equipment specifications are very helpful in making the correct selection.

If you’re looking for further assistance or ready for a project quote, Contact our team now!

Contact ESL!

Critical Care, Critical Power: The Nursing Home Backup Essential

Erika Thorson

 Ensuring Safety, Compliance, and Continuity with ESL’s Manual Transfer Switch solutions for Emergency Power in Nursing Homes

When it comes to health care facilities, ensuring uninterrupted power is not just a regulatory requirement, it’s a matter of patient safety and operational continuity. For nursing homes and long-term care facilities, the risks associated with power loss are profound. That’s why having a reliable manual transfer switch, like ESL’s StormSwitch® or TripleSwitch®, is critical.

Why Do Care Facilities Need Reliable Emergency Power?

Life-Sustaining Equipment
 Residents in nursing homes often rely on oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and other electrically powered medical devices. A power outage can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation if emergency power isn’t restored immediately.

Regulatory Compliance
 According to NFPA 110 (Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems), the National Electrical Code (NEC), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) emergency preparedness guidelines, having reliable emergency power for nursing homes is not optional—it’s a regulatory requirement. Long-term care facilities must ensure they can maintain critical operations during an outage, or risk penalties, loss of accreditation, and compromised resident safety.

 Resident Safety & Comfort
 Power outages can disrupt HVAC systems, communications, lighting, and refrigeration jeopardizing medication storage and resident comfort. An emergency power switch ensures that these systems continue to operate without delay.

Why Choose ESL’s Manual Transfer Switches?

ESL’s StormSwitch and TripleSwitch – Manual Transfer Switches offer UL/cUL 1008 Listings up to 3000A, and are OSHPD seismic certified (OSP), making it ideal for healthcare environments that demand both durability and compliance.

Designed specifically for portable generator connection to grid-tied facilities, the StormSwitch® features:

  • Pluggable connectors for simple setup
  • A built-in manual transfer switch for quick and safe operation
  • A cost-effective solution that’s easy to install and maintain
  • Operation so straightforward that only basic training is needed once installed by a licensed electrician

Choosing the Right Emergency Power Solution    

The ESL StormSwitch – Manual Transfer Switch offers a cost-effective, reliable, and easy-to-implement emergency power solution. Designed to keep critical systems running during outages, the StormSwitch® is an ideal choice for nursing homes looking to improve resilience while meeting regulatory standards while the TripleSwitch also allows for load bank testing a permanent generator at to facility while still having the paco of mind for back up power if utility power goes out.

Whether preparing for severe weather, grid instability, or unforeseen emergencies, equipping your facility with the right backup power system is a decision that safeguards lives and ensures peace of mind.

Learn more about ESL’s Emergency Power Solutions and how they can support safety, compliance, and continuity at your facility.    

Ensure Your Facility Is Prepared for the Next Outage

Explore ESL’s emergency power solutions built for nursing homes and long-term care facilities. From regulatory compliance to patient safety, we’re here to help you plan with confidence.

Request a Custom Quote

Range Energy and ESL Power Systems Partner to Advance Shore Power Charging Solutions for Electric TRUs and Trailers

Erika Thorson

Under the partnership, Range is evaluating the interoperability and use of ESL’s shore power and charging solutions to advance the commercial adoption of electric trailers 

Mountain View, Calif. — April 23, 2025— Range Energy, a pioneer in commercial trucking electrification, today announced a partnership with ESL Power Systems, Inc. (ESL), a manufacturer of safe and reliable shore power and electric TRU charging solutions, to provide affordable, practical, and scalable charging solutions for Range’s advanced eTrailer System, which turns large diesel trucks to hybrid-electric. The partnership concretely highlights the opportunity to leverage existing shore power infrastructure and affordable charging hardware to support the transition of commercial trucking fleets transition to electric and hybrid-electric operations

As part of the collaboration, Range will work towards adding an ESL charging solution to its portfolio of practical electrification offerings. In preparation for this, the companies will conduct interoperability testing, ensuring seamless integration and optimizing charging efficiency electrified trailers. 

Additionally, Range and ESL will engage with air quality regulators on projects to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of using the Range system in real-world operations, as well as to showcase the environmental and operational benefits of electrified transport refrigeration unit (TRU) fleets operating within California. 

To support this, ESL will contribute 480V 3-phase charging hardware for installation at fleet sites, which will be used throughout the duration of the demonstration projects. Following completion of the projects, the chargers will be owned by the relevant fleet sites, further supporting long-term zero-emission electric fleet operations. 

“Collaborating with ESL represents a critical step towards electric and hybrid-electric commercial fleet operations,” said Ali Javidan, CTO and founder, Range Energy. “By demonstrating the real-world feasibility of affordable alternating current (AC) charging to support electric and hybrid-electric fleet operations, we are proving that practical electrification solutions exist today.”

“Fleet operators are increasingly looking for dependable and scalable charging infrastructure to support electrified operations. We are fulfilling that need by providing a high-performance charging solution that enables Range’s system to seamlessly integrate into fleets’ daily operations,” said Jonathan Daou, Product Manager, ESL. “This is important to ensure that the integration of electric equipment doesn’t negatively impact fleet operations, while simultaneously supporting commercial trucking’s transition to electric power for a more sustainable future.” 

About Range Energy

Range Energy accelerates the electrification of commercial transportation through its innovative system that converts diesel trucks to hybrid electric, enabling fleets to transition to electric transportation with no operational disruption. Designed to integrate seamlessly with any commercial tractor-trailer, Range’s integrated hardware and software delivers immediate fuel efficiency gains, lower emissions, and enhanced vehicle performance and safety. The system also provides electric power for refrigerated trailers, which is critical for operators to reduce diesel costs. Founded in 2021, Range Energy is backed by leading investors, including UP Partners, R7, Yamaha Motor Ventures, and others.

For more information, visit https://range.energy.

About ESL

For over 30 years, ESL has provided more than 300,000 electrical connection points worldwide across various industries, supporting their clean energy initiatives. As a leader in developing, manufacturing, and integrating advanced power system solutions for the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry and renewable energy applications, ESL offers a robust portfolio ranging from high-efficiency charging stations to innovative power management systems—driving the future of sustainable transportation.  

For more information, visit our eTRUconnect® Shore Power System for electric and hybrid refrigerated trailers product page.

Media Contact:
Kate Gundry
range@pluckpr.com 
617-797-5174

Erika Thorson
ethorson@eslpwr.com
951-739-7000

RAMTEK Joins ESL as the Newest Manufacturer’s Representative Group for Southern California

Erika Thorson

CORONA, CA – April 10, 2025 – ESL Power Systems, Inc. is excited to announce that RAMTEK has joined our growing network of Manufacturer’s Representative Groups (MRGs). As our newest MRG, RAMTEK will represent ESL’s Emergency Power Product line throughout Southern California.

About RAMTEK

Founded in 1999, RAMTEK has built a strong reputation as a premier manufacturer’s representative firm specializing in electrical, energy, industrial, mechanical, and OEM markets. With over 25 years of power industry experience, RAMTEK provides exceptional customer service, technical expertise, and tailored solutions in vertical markets such as emergency power & energy, data center, healthcare, entertainment, biotech and higher education. RAMTEK is positioned to meet the needs of contractors, distributors, and end users. Their dedication to innovative and reliable power solutions aligns seamlessly with ESL’s mission to deliver high-quality products for critical power applications.

A Strong Partnership for Emergency

ESL’s partnership with RAMTEK strengthens our ability to serve customers in Southern California by providing localized support and expertise in Emergency Power Connection Solutions. RAMTEK’s established industry relationships and deep market knowledge will enhance ESL’s reach and ensure customers receive best-in-class service and solutions for their power connectivity needs.

Looking Ahead

We are confident that this collaboration will provide greater accessibility, technical support, and tailored solutions to our valued customers in the region. ESL is thrilled to welcome RAMTEK to our expanding network of trusted partners.

For more information about RAMTEK, visit their website at ram-tek.com.

For inquiries or project quotes on ESL’s Emergency Power product line, visit our representative map to locate the suitable representative for your project.

Media Contact:
Erika Thorson, Marketing Manager
ethorson@eslpwr.com