ARBER TRU IDN Application Help Page

This page last reviewed on January 24, 2011.


ARBER TRU IDN Manual Application

The Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) ATCM requires owners of California-based TRU and TRU generator sets (gensets) to register each TRU or TRU generator set by applying for an Air Resources Board (ARB) Identification Number (IDN). Registering TRUs with ARB was required by March 16, 2009. If you missed that date please expedite your submittals to avoid penalties. If you are the owner of a TRU that is based outside of California, applying for an ARB IDN is voluntary and there is no deadline. This registration program gathers information needed to evaluate emissions from TRUs and TRU generator sets and determine compliance with the TRU ATCM's in-use performance standards.  The requirements are set forth in title 13, California Code of Regulations, section 2477.

There are three ways to apply for an ARB IDN. The first is to electronically enter the information via the Internet into ARB’s Equipment Registration (ARBER) system, which will immediately issue an IDN for fully compliant TRU/TRU gensets. The second method is to download, print out, and fill out the forms manually, or fill out the forms on the computer and print them out, and submit them to ARB through the mail to the address shown on the forms. The third method, for those companies who have a significant number of units, is to upload a batch file in XML format to ARBER.

You are strongly encouraged to apply for ARB IDNs electronically, on the Internet, using ARBER, since this is the fastest way to register. To register TRUs electronically, first update your browser, then, read and follow the instructions for electronic registrations at the following link: ARBER TRU Registration Help Page.

You may fill out manual IDN applications, but this is not the recommended way to register TRUs because it will take much longer to process these applications.  Again, the electronic registration process is recommended (see above).  If you do not have a computer with Internet access, we recommend that you find a friend or relative that does.  Get together at a computer and call the toll-free TRU Help Line at 1-888-878-2826 during regular business hours and ARB staff will walk you through the on-line IDN application/registration process.

The instructions below apply to the manual method of downloading, printing out, filling in, and mailing the forms.  TRUs or TRU generator sets added to a company's fleet must be registered with ARB within 30 days of the unit entering the owner/operator's control.

1.   Click on the following link to download the TRU ATCM Equipment Registration Form (form #29):  SSD/EAB Form #TRU-REG (#29).   Print out this form and fill it out, as follows:

a.  Check the appropriate boxes to indicate whether the submittal is for a New Application, Revised Unit or Compliance Information, or to Report Sale or Change in Status.

b.  Company Profile Information section:  Provide the business name, federal Tax Identification Number (EIN), address information, and company contact information.  If the company is based in Canada, use the BN instead of EIN.  If the company is based in Mexico, use the RFC instead of EIN.

c.  Enter the number of IDN applications submitted in the box provided below the Company Profile section.

d.  Enter the total number of pages that will be submitted for all applications (see step 3c, below) in the box provided on the right side, just below the Company Profile.

e.  A company’s responsible official must check the box to certify company ownership of the TRU(s) or TRU generator set(s) and that the information being submitted is true and correct.  Print the company’s responsible official name and provide the responsible official signature and date of signature.  A responsible official is the person that is legally responsible for the business affairs of the company.

2.   Click on the following link to download TRU ATCM Model-Engine-Compliance Information Form (form #30):  SSD/EAB Form #TRU-MEC (#30).  Print out and fill out this form for each TRU or TRU genset that needs an ARB IDN.  Table 1 (below), includes a section for each part of the form.  The first column is the label for each entry.  The second column provides entry instructions and explanations.  The third column provides references for TRU Advisories, help, or other detailed information (e.g. where to find information).

3.   Combine the TRU ATCM Equipment Registration Form (#29) with the completed Model-Engine-Compliance Information Forms (#30).
a.  Enter the date of submittal in the box at the top left corner of each page.

b.  Enter the owner’s Tax Identification Number (EIN) the box at the top right corner of each page.  If Canadian, use BN.  If Mexican, use RFC.

c.  Count the total number of pages being submitted for all applications and fill out the page number (left space) and total number of pages (right space) at the bottom of each page.

4.  Submit these forms by mail to the address shown on the forms.

If you have further questions on any of these terms or are having difficulty completing the information on the ARBER TRU Compliance Information Page, please call the TRU ATCM toll-free helpline:  888-TRU-ATCM (888-878-2826), or send email to
arber@arb.ca.gov.
Table 1
TRU Model, Engine, Compliance Form
(Form SSD/EAB #TRU-MEC (#30))
Rental or Lease Status Check this box only if the unit is a rental or lease unit.  If the unit is not a rental or lease unit, skip to the next section.
Do not check this box if you are the one renting or leasing the TRU.
This is a lease unit Check this box if the unit is a lease unit (under contract  lease term, typically 13 months or longer).
This is a rental unit Check this box if the the unit is a rental unit (generally no contract term, typically short-term).
TRU/TRU Generator Set Information
TRU/TRU Generator Set
Unit Type
This is a required entry.  Check one of the boxes to indicate if the unit is a TRU or a TRU generator set. "Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU)" means refrigeration systems powered by integral internal combustion engines designed to control the environment of temperature sensitive products that are transported in trucks and refrigerated trailers.  TRUs may be capable of both cooling and heating.

 "TRU Generator Set (TRU gen set)" means a generator set that is designed and used to provide electric power to electrically driven refrigeration units of any kind.  This includes, but is not limited to gen sets that provide electricity to electrically powered refrigeration systems for semi-trailer vans and shipping containers.
TRU/TRU Generator Set Manufacturer  This is a required entry.  Enter the unit manufacturer. TRU manufacturers are Carrier Transicold, Thermo King, and Zanotti.  TRU genset manufacturers are Carrier Transicold, Thermo King, Taylor Power Systems, K-Line/MEC, Klinge, CIMC, Bodenheimer.
TRU/TRU Generator Set Model This is a required entry.  Enter the TRU or TRU genset model name that is shown on the unit identification plate, typically located inside the housing on the chassis frame.   TRU manufacturer's service bulletins are available from their dealer network describing where to find the unit model.  See Carrier Unit & Engine Label  for ARBER.  See Thermo King Unit and Engine Label for ARBER.
TRU/TRU Generator
Model Year
This is a required entry.  Enter the 4-digit model year that is shown on the unit identification plate, typically located inside the housing door and attached to the chassis frame. TRU manufacturer's service bulletins may be available from TRU dealers and service centers describing how to determine the model year from the unit ID or the unit serial number.  Ask your TRU dealer for assistance.  See Carrier Unit & Engine Label  for ARBER.  See Thermo King Unit and Engine Label for ARBER.
TRU/TRU Generator
Serial Number
This is a required entry.  Enter the TRU or TRU genset serial number that is shown on the unit identification plate, typically located inside the housing door and attached to the chassis frame. Ask your TRU dealer for assistance.  See Carrier Unit & Engine Label  for ARBER.  See Thermo King Unit and Engine Label for ARBER.
TRU/TRU Generator
Unit ID
This entry only applies to Thermo King TRUs.  Enter the Unit ID from the unit identification plate. The unit ID is typically located inside the housing door and attached to the chassis frame. See Thermo King Unit and Engine Label for ARBER.
Other TRU/TRU Generator Set Identifying Numbers:  If the TRU is mounted on a truck or trailer, you must enter the vehicle identification number (VIN), license number, and state.  For TRU generator sets, enter the BIC Code in the Company Equipment Number space.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) This entry is required if the TRU is mounted on a truck or trailer.  Enter the VIN. The VIN is a 17-digit number issued by the manufacturer for TRUs mounted on trucks or trailers. This will assist ARB inspectors in locating your equipment information quickly in the ARB registration database.
Vehicle License Number This entry is required if the TRU is mounted on a truck or trailer.  Enter the vehicle license number issued by the DMV for the truck or trailer. If the vehicle has multiple license plates, use the California plate, if it has one. 
Vehicle License State This entry is required if the TRU is mounted on a truck or trailer.   the TRU is mounted on a truck or trailer.  Enter the state where the above license number was issued.
Railcar Reporting Mark This entry is required if the TRU is mounted on a railcar.  Enter the railcar reporting mark assigned to the railcar by the Association of American Railroads. See TRU Advisory 08-03.
Shipping Container Number This entry is required if the TRU is mounted on a domestic shipping container.  Enter the BIC Code assigned to the shipping container by the Bureau International des Containers. See TRU Advisory 08-03.
Company Equipment Number  This entry is required if the unit type is a TRU generator set.  Enter the BIC Code (see above) if the unit is a TRU gen set.  If the unit is not a TRU genset but has been assigned a company equipment number, you may enter it here. See TRU Advisory 08-03.
Military Tactical Support Equipment MTSE should only be checked if the TRU is mounted on equipment that meets the definition of "Military Tactical Support Equipment." "Military Tactical Support Equipment" means equipment that meets military specification, is owned by the U.S. Department of Defense and/or a branch of the U.S. military and is used in combat, combat support, combat service support, tactical or relief operations or training for such operations.
TRU Status Information
TRU Status

Active Check the "Active" check box if the unit is operational or able to be used. If the unit runs and could be operated.
Remove from Service Check the "Remove from Service" box to report the unit as non-operation and permanently removed from service. Choose "Remove from Service" if the unit cannot or will not be operated.  If the owner chooses not to bring a unit into compliance, they may disable the TRU in some obvious way, such as removing the fuel tank and battery from a trailer TRU. See TRU Advisory 08-09 for more details.
Sold Check the "Sold" check box to report the unit has been sold to a new owner.  Provide the date of sale and the new owner company name, address, and contact information. This information is required so that any future enforcement action is directed to the new owner.  Not providing the information may result in penalties against the former owner for failure to revise TRU IDN application information (as required by the application) and for any noncompliance that occurs after the transfer of ownership to the new owner.
TRU Engine Information
TRU Engine Manufacturer Required field.  Enter the engine manufacturer that appears on the engine label. If the engine has no label, consult the TRU owner's manual or a TRU dealership. See Thermo King Unit and Engine Label for ARBER.  See also:  Carrier Unit & Engine Label  for ARBER.   See TRU Advisory 08-07 for more information.
TRU Engine Power Rating Required field.  Check the box to indicate the engine power rating that is shown on the TRU engine emissions label.  Select either "under 25 hp (under 19 kW)" or "over 25 hp (over 19 kW)".  [Note:  "<" means less than or under.  ">" means greater than or equal to, or over.]. See Thermo King Unit and Engine Label for ARBER.  See also:  Carrier Unit & Engine Label  for ARBER.    See TRU Advisory 08-07 for more information.
TRU Engine Model Required field.  Enter the engine model that appears on the engine label of the installed engine.  If the engine has no label, consult the TRU owner's manual or TRU dealership. See Thermo King Unit and Engine Label for ARBER.  See also:  Carrier Unit & Engine Label  for ARBER.  See TRU Advisory 08-07 for more information.
TRU Engine Model Year Required field.  Enter the 4-digit engine model year that appears on the engine label of the installed engine.  The engine label should have a statement similar to "This engine meets [YEAR] emission Regulations for the U.S. EPA..."  The YEAR shown in this statement is the engine model year.  If the engine has a label, but no model year is indicated, it may be a flexibility engine so refer to Advisory 08-07 to look for indications that the engine is a flexibility engine.  If the engine does not have a label, consult the TRU owner's manual or a TRU dealership. See Thermo King Unit and Engine Label for ARBER.  See also:  Carrier Unit & Engine Label  for ARBER.  See TRU Advisory 08-07 for more information.
TRU Engine Serial Number

Required field.   Without the engine serial number there is no way to reliably track this engine in the ARB registration system and the engine must be replaced by December 31, 2008.

Engine serial numbers may be found:
1. Stamped onto a machined surface on the engine block,
2. On a label that is attached to the valve cover
3.  On a label that is attached to the crankcase oil pan.

See Thermo King Unit and Engine Label for ARBER.  See also:  Carrier Unit & Engine Label  for ARBER.  If you cannot find the engine serial number for the installed engine, consult the TRU owner's manual or a TRU dealership.
TRU Engine Type
Original TRU Engine Check this box if the engine is the original engine provided when the unit was new.
Replacement Engine, New Check this box if the engine is a new or newer engine.  A new or newer replacement engine may be installed in a TRU/TRU genset to reset the compliance clock.  The model year of the replacement engine is then used to determine the in-use performance standard compliance requirement and compliance date. See TRU Advisory 08-01 Use of Model Year to Determine TRU ATCM Compliance Date.
Replacement Engine, Rebuilt Check this box if you replaced the original engine with a rebuilt engine.  You must also provide the tier of the emissions standard being met, year of the rebuild and the date the rebuilt engine was installed.   See TRU Advisory 08-05.
Rebuilt Tier Required of all rebuilt replacement engines.  Enter the tier that appears on the supplemental label.  Rebuilt engines must have a supplemental label that includes the name of the rebuilder, year of the rebuild, horsepower and the emissions standard being met (e.g. Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4i, or Tier 4f).  If a rebuilt engine has no supplemental label providing the tier of the emissions standard being met, then the engine shall be assumed to have been rebuilt to an uncertified configuration and the effective model year shall default to the last pre-Tier 1 year.  Such a rebuilt engine must meet LETRU by December 31, 2008. See TRU Advisory 08-05.
Year of Rebuild Enter the year of the rebuild that is shown on the supplemental label on the rebuilt engine.  Rebuilt engines are required to have a supplemental label listing the name of the rebuilder, year of rebuild and tier of the emissions standard being met.  If a rebuilt engine has no supplemental label providing the required rebuild information, then the engine shall be assumed to have been rebuilt to an uncertified configuration and the effective model year shall default to the last pre-tier 1 year.  Rebuilt engines must be rebuilt to a certified configuration of the same or later model year as the original engine.  When a rebuilt engine is used as a replacement engine to comply with the TRU ATCM, it is only logical to rebuild the engine to the most current certified configuration possible to maximize the useful life of the rebuilt engine before LETRU and/or ULETRU compliance is required. See TRU Advisory 08-05.
Compliance Options -- Choose one of the three option:  Retrofit, Alternative Technology, or None
ULETRU Extension Check the box if you are applying for early compliance consideration.  You must submit a form for a ULETRU compliance extension. The form will be reviewed by ARB staff and early compliance consideration will be granted if all conditions are met.  See TRU Advisory 08-12
Retrofitted with Verified Diesel Emissions Control Strategy (VDECS) Check the box if the engine was retrofitted with a VDECS. A Level 2 VDECS is required to meet LETRU.  A Level 3 VDECS is required to meet ULETRU.   VDECS labels are required to be attached to the control device and the engine. The TRU website lists VDECS that meet Level 2 and Level 3.  Options:  HUSS, Proventia, Thermo King
Flexibility EngineCheck this button if the engine is a "flexibility" engine.  Flexibility engines were built to a less stringent emissions standard than what was in effect when the TRU was manufactured.  Look for indications that the engine is a flexibility engine.  The absence of an emissions label on the engines used in TRU model years 1999 through 2007 may indicate the engine is a flexibility engine.  In addition, engine labels that use the terms “FLEXIBILITY”, “TPEM” or “TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM FOR EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS” or labels with any mention of the federal or state regulation sections that deal with flexibility provisions (40CFR 89.102, 40CFR 1039.625, 40CFR 1068.265, or 13CCR 2324(d)) are all indications that the engine is a flexibility engine.See TRU Advisory 08-07.
Family Name Enter the VDECS family name that is shown on the VDECS label.   VDECS labels are required to be attached to the control device and the engine.  VDECS family names correspond to the manufacturer.  
Huss           CA/HUS/2006/PM3+/N00/OFF/DPF01 Proventia    CA/PEC/2008/PM2+/N00/OF/FTF01
Thermo King   CA/TKC/2006/PM2+/N00/OF/FTF01
VDECS Manufacture Date Enter the VDECS manufacture date shown on the VDECS label using a month-year format:  MM-YYYY. VDECS labels are required to be attached to the control device and the engine.
VDECS Serial Number Enter the VDECS serial number shown on the VDECS label. VDECS labels are required to be attached to the control device and the engine.
Date VDECS installed Enter the date when the VDECS was installed. This date should be included on the installer's work order.
VDECS installer information Enter this information for the business that installed the VDECS.
Alternative Technology Check the box if compliance has been achieved by using an Alternative Technology.  If your TRU uses an alternative technology select the button indicating the type below.
Electric Standby Check the box if electric standby or hybrid electric was used to comply. These may be used to comply with LETRU and ULETRU if diesel particulate matter emissions are eliminated at all facilities (with limited exceptions) and records are kept to demonstrate compliance. See TRU Advisory 08-02.
Cryogenic Refrigeration Systems Check the box if a cryogenic refrigeration system was used to comply.  Cryogenic refrigeration systems are exempt from the TRU ATCM if there is no internal combustion engine used to power the refrigeration system.  Hybrid cryogenic refrigeration systems that include an internal combustion engine may be used to comply with LETRU and ULETRU if diesel particulate matter emissions are eliminated at all facilities (with limited exceptions) and records are kept to demonstrate compliance. See TRU Advisory 08-13.
Alternative Fuel Check the box if an alternative fuel is used to comply and then check a box corresponding to the type of alternative  fuel used.
Date alternative technology was implemented Enter the date when compliance was achieved by using Alternative Technology.
None of the above. Check this box if compliance was not achieved using any of the compliance option listed above.  (This would be the case if the unit has not yet reached its compliance date.)



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