In January 2023, Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) became mandatory in Canada. Provinces can now impose fines and penalties on behalf of Transport Canada on vehicle fleets still using paper records to log driving data.
This mandate applies to all commercial vehicles and fleets—not just the trucking industry. If your commercial vehicle isn’t equipped with ELD devices, it’s time to make the ELD transition.
Adopting new processes isn’t comfortable. However, the risk of not switching is far worse. ELD penalties can impact your ability to operate your fleet and non-compliance fines in Canada can easily scale into thousands of dollars.
“Transitioning to ELDs is essential for compliance and fleet efficiency. But that’s not all. The right ELD solution can also improve fleet management processes, lower operational costs, and improve communications across the fleet,” says Marie-Christine Côté, General Manager, CDWare Technologies.
If you’re not sure where to start your ELD transition, the information we share here can help. What you’ll find in this article:
- What is the ELD mandate in Canada?
- Who does the mandate apply to?
- 5 steps to transition to ELD with confidence.
What is the ELD mandate in Canada?
The ELD mandate was introduced to tackle critical transport issues like driver fatigue and inaccurate record-keeping. It aims to improve road safety, reduce paperwork, and ensure compliance with regulations by accurately tracking driver hours of service (HOS).
ELD usage creates greater efficiencies for fleet operations, reduces costs, and makes compliance easier to navigate.
Overview of the ELD mandate.
The ELD mandate in Canada requires all commercial vehicles to use ELDs to log driving data. It came into existence in 2021 with an effective compliance date of January 2023.
Replacing paper logs.
Before ELDs, fleets used paper logs, which were prone to errors and manipulation. ELDs replace these less efficient methods, offering real-time data accuracy, streamlined compliance, and reduced administrative burdens. Commercial fleets must comply to avoid penalties and ensure efficient operations.
Who does the mandate apply to?
The ELD mandate applies to all commercial vehicles operating in Canada. This regulation ensures that all vehicles used for commercial purposes comply with standardized electronic logging.
What is a commercial vehicle? A commercial vehicle is any motor vehicle used for transporting goods or passengers for compensation. These include:
- Delivery trucks
- Long-haul freight trucks
- School buses
- Concrete delivery trucks
- Construction vehicles
- Emergency services vehicles
- And others
| Do commercial vehicles entering Canada from the US need an ELD? Yes, U.S. drivers operating in Canada must have a certified electronic logging device installed. While U.S. drivers have been required to use ELDs since 2019, they must ensure the ELD they use when in Canada is a certified device approved for use by Transport Canada. |
Federal vs provincial ELD regulations.
The ELD mandate is overseen by Transport Canada to ensure industry-wide compliance and safety standards. However, not all fleets need to comply. if a fleet operates in a single province and its vehicles operate only within that province, they will have to adhere to the ELD laws of that province, not necessarily the federal government.
Provincially operated fleets are vehicles that stay within a single province. For example, local delivery trucks operating only in Ontario fall under this category. These vehicles must comply with the specific ELD mandate of their respective province.
Inter-provincial operated vehicles, such as long-haul trucks traveling between provinces like Ontario and Quebec, are subject to the federal ELD mandate. These vehicles face stricter monitoring due to cross-border regulations and must adhere to both federal and provincial compliance requirements.
For instance, if a concrete plant in the province of Quebec operates a fleet of concrete delivery trucks, and they only deliver concrete within Quebec, they will need to follow the ELD laws set by Quebec. However, if that plant uses their fleet to deliver concrete to other provinces, such as Ontario, the fleet will need to adhere to the federal government’s ELD mandate.
Manage more than compliance with your ELD.Consider fleet management software that gives visibility beyond HOS. |
Transition to an ELD with confidence with these 5 key steps.
Transitioning to an ELD can seem daunting, but with a clear plan, it becomes manageable. Here are five key steps to guide you through a successful transition.
Assess your fleet’s needs.
Start by evaluating your current logging methods and identifying areas for improvement. Consider the specific needs of your fleet, such as the types of vehicles you operate and the routes they take. This will help you determine the features you need in an ELD.
Additionally, assess your fleet’s readiness for the transition by reviewing existing technology and infrastructure. Understanding your fleet’s unique requirements will help you choose the right ELD solution.
Choose the right ELD provider.
Research reputable ELD providers with proven track records. Compare features such as user interface, customer support, and if their solution is tailored to your industry. Selecting the right provider is crucial for a smooth transition and long-term success.
Look for providers that offer comprehensive training resources and robust technical support. Reading customer reviews and seeking recommendations from industry peers can also provide valuable insights.
Plan the implementation.
Set a detailed timeline for the transition and involve all stakeholders, including drivers, management, and more. A well-structured plan ensures everyone is on the same page and helps avoid potential pitfalls.
Develop a phased implementation approach, starting with a pilot program to test the ELD system in a controlled environment. This allows you to address any issues before a full rollout. For instance, you may want to stagger outfitting a fleet to minimize the initial investment costs.
Source: Transitions guide courtesy of INGTech
Train your team.
It’s crucial to provide comprehensive training for all ELD users, including drivers and administrative staff. This will make the transition less stressful and help them understand the benefits of letting go of paper records for such crucial data logs.
Make sure they understand how to use the new system and work with a provider that offers ongoing support; they should make resources available to address any issues during the transition period.
Try creating a training schedule that includes initial training sessions, refresher courses, and hands-on practice. Training initiatives should cover:
- How to operate an ELD
- Compliance requirements for ELD use
- How to troubleshoot common issues.
Be sure to encourage open communication and feedback to identify and resolve any challenges promptly.
Monitor and adjust accordingly.
Regularly review the transition process and gather feedback from your team. Track progress and be prepared to make necessary adjustments based on performance metrics and user feedback. This will help you fine-tune the system and ensure long-term compliance and efficiency.
Establish a monitoring system to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as driver compliance rates, data accuracy, and system reliability. Use this data to make informed decisions and continuously improve your ELD implementation and ongoing use of your ELDs.
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Embrace Your ELD Transition with Expert Support from CDWare Technologies
Transitioning to ELDs is a significant step, but you don’t have to do it alone. CDWare Technologies stands ready to support your fleet every step of the way. With our industry-leading solutions and expert team, we make the ELD transition seamless and efficient.
Contact us today to learn how we can help your fleet transition from paper records to fully compliant ELD processes.
