Electronic logging devices expected to become mandatory next year in Canada

FPInnovations announced that a new federal mandate is expected to come into effect next year making electronic logging devices (ELDs) mandatory for federally-regulated motor carriers and their drivers. With few exceptions, anyone who currently uses paper logs to keep track of their hours behind the wheel will need to use ELDs beginning in June 2021.

Transport Canada included the mandate in the recently amended Commercial Vehicle Hours of Service Regulation. It comes into effect on June 21, 2021. All provinces and territories are expected to adopt the rules as well.

FPInnovations’ transportation research group has extensive experience conducting third-party verifications of several ELD systems for the U.S. market. It is applying that know-how to advise fleet managers in their decision-making and implementation process.

For forest-haul managers, the new regulation may also create challenges in fully optimizing the shift time of drivers and may require changes to how trips are scheduled.

FPInnovations takes steps to become an ELD certifying body

Adime Bonsi, a senior transportation researcher with FPInnovations, leads a team that conducts ELD verifications for the U.S. market and is leading the organization’s application to become an ELD certification body in Canada. The certification process is expected to be in place by this summer. Several ELD suppliers have already contacted FPInnovations’ transportation research group to have their systems certified for the Canadian market.

How fleets can prepare for the coming ELD regulations

Forest-operation companies can become familiar with developments at Transport Canada by  checking the Transport Canada webpage, which has resources and information about ELDs.

Fleets with existing electronic on-board recorders should ask whether their suppliers will have their systems certified for use in Canada.

Thinking about an implementation plan takes time. It’s not too early to begin assessing the impact the plan will have on fleets, such as the cost of labour and training.

Few trucks to be exempted from ELD regulations

The coming ELD regulations will exclude trucks built before the model year 2000 and for short-term rentals under 30-days. Drivers operating under either a permit or a statutory exemption will also be exempt from having to use an ELD. The terms and conditions of a permit or an exemption can be complex and vary significantly depending on the circumstances.

FPInnovations’ transportation research team is available to support fleet managers through the process of acquiring and implementing ELDs.

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