Lease-to-Own Funding
- Lease-to-own funding arrangements are not eligible for program funding. The replacement truck must be purchased in whole or through a traditional funding loan. Staff will confirm funding plans with accepted applicants.
Engine model year of replacement truck:
- The new truck must have an Engine Model Year (EMY) of 2017 or newer to be eligible for the maximum rebate of $35,000/truck
- If the newer truck has an EMY of 2014, 2015 or 2016, the maximum rebate amount remains $30,000/truck
Ownership of truck to be replaced:
- The program has increased the ownership requirement from 1 to 2 years as verified by the date on the title.
Annual miles of operation:
- The program requires that the truck to be replaced be operated at least 7,000 miles for each of the two prior years to be accepted.
Can I apply for funding for more than one truck?
- Yes.
Can I submit a new application?
- Yes. As of May 7, 2021 the Green Operator Program is accepting applications on a first-come / first-served basis.
I have previously applied to the program, what information must I provide to complete the application process?
All program materials will need to be valid as of October 1, 2020. Program staff will contact you and request that the following materials be updated as needed:
- Completed Application
- Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)
- Vehicle Registration
- Vehicle Title
- Vehicle Insurance
- Pictures of the Truck Showing License plate
- Financing Preapproval
- Operational Video and Engine Tag/Serial Number Photo
How long do I have to complete all the application materials?
- You have 30 calendar days from when you accept the offer to apply. If materials are not received or an extension granted within that time period your application will be closed.
Who is eligible for this program?
- Independent Owner-Operators as well as Fleet Owners that currently provide Drayage Truck services to the Port of Virginia facilities and who have owned their truck for at least two-years prior to the application date.
Program Details
| Program Time Period | Rebate Amount | Eligible New Trucks |
| September 29, 2023 + | Up to $35,000 |
|
The new truck must only be purchased after you have been accepted into the program AND only when instructed to do so by program staff. If the truck is purchased before acceptance into the program OR before directed by staff it will not be an eligible purchase.
How long do I need to keep the new truck?
- The program now requires that new trucks service Port of Virginia facilities for two (2) years after being purchased.
Can I withdraw my application?
- Yes, withdrawal from Program is permitted.
How much funding is available for retrofit devices?
- This program no longer supports tailpipe retrofits.
What is the purpose of this program?
- The program is intended to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases associated with the transport of cargo to and from The Port of Virginia facilities.
What are the eligibility requirements for the trucks?
- Provides drayage service to The Port of Virginia facilities.
- Must be operable.
- A truck with an engine model year 2009 or older, Class 8 vehicles with a GVWR of 33,000 pounds or more.
- If the new truck has an Engine Model Year of 2017 or newer, the
maximum rebate amount is $35,000/truck - If the newer truck has an EMY of 2014, 2015 or 2016, the maximum rebate amount remains $30,000/truck
- If the new truck has an Engine Model Year of 2017 or newer, the
- A truck with an Engine Model Year of 2010 or newer is eligible to be replaced if the new truck has an Engine Model Year of 2021 or newer.
- Owned by the applicant for at least two years, verified by date on the title.
- The program requires that the truck to be replaced be operated at least 7,000 miles for each of the two prior years to be accepted.
- Operable on the date that it is authorized for scrappage.
- Have current vehicle registration and proof of valid insurance coverage. Must be free of any liens.
- The truck must be able to drive forward and backward at least 25 feet. Please click HERE for a sample operational video and engine photo requirements.
I just bought an old truck – can I replace it with a newer truck through this program?
- Old trucks must have been owned for at least two-years prior to the application date before the truck is eligible for the program. The older truck must be scrapped before the newer truck can be purchased.
My truck just broke down – can I replace it with a newer truck through this program?
- Old trucks must be operable on the day scrappage is authorized.
My truck was recently involved in an accident was totaled by the insurance company but is still operable. Is the truck eligible to be placed into the program?
- Evidence must be provided showing the truck is still operable and servicing The Port of Virginia facilities. Program staff may request additional proof and may want to witness the truck is still operable.
Complete applications must include the following:
- A signed application.
- A copy (front and back) of a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
- A copy of the current truck title and valid registration.
- Proof of valid insurance.
- Pre-approval letter for financing.
- A video and photo of the engine tag/serial number showing the truck is operable per the Green Operator video guidelines.
- A photograph of the current truck with license plate clearly legible.
With video capabilities on smart phones, tablets and other devices, we feel this will not place an unnecessary burden on the applicants and will further strengthen equipment verification. If this does present a challenge, please contact the program administration staff to discuss options, which may include scheduling a site visit that may add to the application processing time.
Once a rebate certificate is issued, participants have 45 days to complete the process.
How can I tell if I will qualify for financing for the balance of the truck price?
Approval for financing is solely the decision of the financial institutions and is generally based upon your credit report and credit score. A credit report is a record of your credit history. Other factors may be reviewed by the financial institution before financing is approved. Below is a list of questions that are commonly asked by financial institutions when reviewing financing applications. Please consider these questions before you choose to pursue participating in the Green Operator Program.
- Have you had a bankruptcy within the last four years?
- Do you have a foreclosure or lien in your recent financial history?
- Do you have an open federal tax lien?
- Do you have a prior repossession in your past?
- Is your credit score below 600?
- Do you consistently pay bills late?
Answering yes to any or all of these questions may impact your chance of obtaining financing, but ultimately the decision is up to the financing institutions.
When should I buy my new truck?
- Program staff will contact you after you are accepted into the program. At that time, you will receive an acceptance packet with instructions for how to proceed with the purchase of your truck.
- The new truck must be purchased after you have been accepted into the program AND only when instructed to do so by program staff. If the truck is purchased before acceptance into the program OR before directed by staff it will not be an eligible purchase.
When should I scrap my old truck?
- Program staff will contact you after you are accepted into the program to give you more details on how and when to scrap your truck. A checklist for documenting the scrappage process will be provided to you.
- Do NOT scrap your truck without program approval or you risk making your truck ineligible for the program.
- Applicants are encouraged to scrap the truck at a commercial truck yard. If the applicant prefers to self-scrap, the scrappage must be witnessed by program staff and the owner must provide a copy of a salvage title along with the scrappage photos.
How can I get an application?
- Go to https://www.greenoperator.org/
- Call the truck hotline at 804-482-1790 to request an application.
Who do I contact for assistance?
- For questions, please call the truck hotline at 804-482-1790.
Investing Public Funds / Maintaining Public Trust
- Intentional falsification of information provided by an applicant with the specific intent to avoid meeting any aspect of the program’s requirements may lead to the individual being prosecuted to the extent allowed under law and may be used as an adverse factor in regards to future applications for rebate awards.
- The Virginia Port Authority is committed to the integrity of the program and encourages reporting of any known concerns involving any aspect of the program especially related to suspected fraudulent activity. Visit https://www.oig.dot.gov/hotline for more information on suspected fraud.
