Truckers at SC ports get $5,000 to upgrade rides

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — In a variation of cash for clunkers, the South Carolina Ports Authority is getting the oldest, most polluting trucks serving the Port of Charleston off the road.

Truckers driving trucks built before 1994 can get $5,000 if they junk their old ride and buy a 2004 or newer model. Drivers have to be frequent users of the port, averaging one visit a week.

The Ports Authority says about 10 percent of the frequent users – about 260 trucks – qualify for the incentive. Like the old cash for clunkers, the engines of the trucks will be disabled and they will be sold for scrap.

The program is being paid for by the Ports Authority and through a federal grant administered by the state.