Canadian ELD Mandate: Latest Updates and What You Need to Know

Introduction

The Canadian trucking industry is on the brink of a significant change with the impending Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate. This article provides the latest updates on the Canadian ELD mandate and what it means for trucking companies.

What is the Canadian ELD mandate?

The Canadian ELD mandate is a federal law requiring commercial motor vehicle drivers to use electronic logging devices to record their hours of service (HOS) and records of duty status (RODS). This mandate aims to improve road safety and ensure compliance with driving regulations.

Canadian ELD mandate enforcement date

The enforcement of the Canadian ELD mandate came into effect on June 12, 2021. However, to provide adequate preparation time for the industry, full enforcement with penalties for non-compliance commenced on January 1, 2023.

Third-party certification of ELDs in Canada

Unlike in the United States, ELDs in Canada must be certified by a third party. ELD manufacturers must meet the requirements of the Technical Standard for Electronic Logging Devices published by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA). The Canadian government posts notifications on third-party certified ELDs on their website.

Important Dates:

• December 16, 2017: Proposed regulations published in Canada Gazette Part I
• June 13, 2019: Official ELD mandate rules announced
• June 12, 2022: Original enforcement deadline (later extended)
• January 1, 2023: Extended enforcement deadline with penalties for non-compliance

Comparing Canadian and U.S. ELD regulations

While the Canadian ELD regulations are similar to the U.S. rules, there are some key differences:

1. Third-party certification (required in Canada, not in the U.S.)

2. Data transfer methods (email in Canada vs. eRODS in the U.S.)

3. Compliance requirements (CCMTA standards in Canada)

Industry perspectives and preparations

The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) and other industry groups have been working closely with federal regulators to establish an ELD mandate that the industry can support. Key points include:

– The CTA is encouraging fleet companies to participate in required consultations.

– Some companies are developing plans to share documents with Transport Canada and represent the industry in upcoming consultations.

– Workshops are being held to provide guidance on choosing ELDs for fleet operations.

Industry leaders believe the ELD mandate could improve visibility on the road, reduce fuel use, enhance road safety, and make the transport of goods more efficient.

Next steps for trucking companies

1. Stay informed about the latest developments in the ELD mandate.

2. Participate in industry consultations and workshops.

3. Research ELD providers that are compliant with both federal Motor Carrier Act and Transport Canada regulations.

4. Prepare for implementation by educating staff and updating fleet management processes.

5. Consider the potential benefits of ELDs for improved fleet efficiency and safety.

As the Canadian trucking industry adapts to these new regulations, it’s crucial for companies to stay informed and proactive in their approach to ELD implementation.