Pacific Harbor Line begins Tier 4 locomotive tests

The Pacific Harbor Line Inc. (PHL) began testing Progress Rail's EMD24B locomotive on March 10, the short line announced yesterday.

The locomotive, which features the latest low-emissions technology, is being tested as part of the California Air Resources Board's 3,000-hour in-service verification associated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Tier 4 standards, PHL officials said in a press release.

PHL provides rail transportation, maintenance and dispatching services to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.

"PHL is pleased to once again partner with Progress Rail in our ongoing effort to achieve the lowest possible emissions within the ports," said PHL President Otis Cliatt II.

In 2010, PHL worked with Progress Rail to modernize an existing locomotive fleet with cleaner burning engines.