Into the Clouds:
As we enter the new year, Canadian truckers and trucking companies will be in planning mode for the upcoming Canadian Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate. This will require drivers to switch from using paper logbooks to using ELDs for recording Hours of Service (HOS) data. As of June 12, 2021, all motor carriers must have chosen, purchased and installed certified devices.
Here’s what you need to know about Canada’s upcoming ELD mandate:
What is an ELD and what does it do?
An Electronic Logging Device is a piece of hardware that connects to a vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) port and syncs with a mobile app. When the vehicle is in motion, the ELD automatically records Hours of Service (HOS) data, Record of Duty Status (RODS) and other details such as location, distance driven, and engine hours. This information is available for both drivers and dispatchers to view via the app. The purpose of the ELD is to ensure drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are compliant with the legal limits for driving hours.
Why is the Canadian ELD mandate needed?
Fundamentally, the Canadian ELD mandate was created with the goal to increase safety in the trucking industry and to help drivers reduce fatigue by staying within the legal limit for driving hours. Beyond this, the mandate is also needed in order to maintain consistent regulations between Canada and the U.S where ELDs have already been mandated since 2017. Today, CMVs that cross the border travelling to the U.S already need to have ELDs installed to comply with American regulatory requirements. Soon, the Canadian ELD mandate will require most transportation businesses, regardless of whether they cross the border or not, to switch from paper logs to ELDs by June 2021.
What are the Benefits of the ELD mandate?
Both fleets and drivers will benefit from the Canadian ELD Mandate. First, the mandate will improve compliance with HOS rules, thereby helping businesses avoid regulatory fines and drivers avoid out-of-service detention time. Ensuring compliance with HOS also has safety benefits such as reducing the number of crashes, injuries and death caused by driver fatigue.
From an administrative perspective, replacing manual logs with automatic logs will save valuable time, as well as improve the accuracy of the data collected. Communication between dispatchers and drivers will also be more transparent, which will help to increase fleet efficiency. These benefits are explained in detail in the Canada Gazette Part 1 Volume 151, No. 50.
Who is exempt from the ELD Mandate?
According to Canada Gazette Part 1 Volume 151, No. 50. there are four main exemptions to the ELD mandate:
1) CMVs that are under a permit issued by a provincial or territorial HOS director
2) CMVs that are under a statutory exemption
3) CMVs that are subject to rental agreements for a term of 30 days or less
4) CMVs manufactured before the year 2000
What should I do next to prepare?
With the Canadian ELD mandate right around the corner, Canadian truckers and trucking companies need to be prepared. If you haven’t already, the next step would be to choose a certified ELD provider. CloudHawk’s FMCSA’s Certified ELD solution makes it easy for businesses to become ELD compliant. The easy-to-install hardware connects to the ECM port and syncs to the user-friendly mobile app. All drivers need to do is simply download the user-friendly mobile app onto a smartphone or tablet and create an account to begin logging hours. If you’re worried about running out of time before June to get prepared – don't worry! CloudHawk can help your business be ELD compliant in as little as 24 hours.