A transport refrigeration system (10) includes a refrigerant vapor compression transport unit (12) including a compressor (14). A drive unit is utilized to provide power to the compressor. The drive unit includes a diesel powered engine (32) and a diesel particulate filter in operable communication with the diesel powered engine to filter combustion particulates from an exhaust gas output from the diesel powered engine. An air control valve is in operable communication with the diesel powered engine to control a flow of air into an air inlet of the diesel powered engine, thereby controlling an exhaust gas temperature of the diesel engine to aid in regeneration of the diesel particulate filter.