The Latest on the Canadian ELD Mandate

The Latest on the Canadian ELD Mandate with Zonar Systems
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As of June 13, 2019, the Canadian ELD mandate is final. However, federally regulated, commercial fleets in compliance with the U.S. ELD mandate won’t necessarily be in compliance with the Canadian ELD mandate, even though the two feature many of the same provisions. There are significant differences.

For the 20 to 30 percent of U.S.-based fleets, and more than 150,000 Canadian-based fleets, that regularly cross the border, this new mandate will have a significant impact. If this includes your fleet, read on.

Key takeaways you need to know

One of the biggest differences between the two ELD mandates is the need for third-party verification. Canadian ELD requires it; U.S. ELD does not. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) allows U.S. ELD providers to certify their own devices and technology.

Problem: Doing so makes it difficult for those using the technology to know whether or not the ELD actually complies with requirements. In 2017, the FMCSA found that approximately 300 ELD devices in the U.S. failed to be compliant. Even today, some carriers still have problems with ELD technology, particularly around data transfer, because providers are allowed to certify their own devices instead of also being certified by a third party. Even today, some carriers still have problems with ELD technology, particularly around data transfer, because providers are allowed to certify their own devices instead of also being certified by a third party.

Canadian ELD hopes to avoid such problems by requiring that each ELD is certified by an accredited certification body. Fewer devices are expected to be certified and deemed compliant—and therefore available for carriers.

The deadline for compliance with the Canadian ELD mandate is June 12, 2021. Canadian ELDs are expected to be developed, tested and certified, and carriers are expected to have them installed by that deadline. However, for the first year, non-compliances with the mandate won’t earn a penalty. Jurisdictions, which are responsible for enforcing the regulations, will proceed with progressive enforcement, including elevated education and awareness, through January 1, 2023. Even though penalties may be issued immediately, carriers are still required to comply with the mandate, including with provincial and territorial regulations and requirements, which can vary.

Unlike the U.S. ELD mandate, the Canadian ELD mandate will not grandfather in AOBRD devices? beyond June 12, 2021. If your fleet’s still using AOBRD, now’s the time to move to ELD to ensure compliance with both mandates. As a trusted, proven leader in ensuring HoS compliance, we’re working closely with the CCMTA and Transport Canada to achieve Canadian ELD certification. And we’re at the ready to help your fleet transition smoothly.

Zonar will be certified and compliant by that deadline. We’ll also be ready to help you ensure compliance through that first year of progressive enforcement.

Planning your next steps

When the time comes, partner with a provider that worked with Transport Canada, Canadian Trucking Alliance and CCMTA on certification if you can. That provider will be better equipped to set you and your fleet up for a successful transition and ensured compliance.

Such an ELD provider will also help you:

  • understand the differences between the two mandates
  • know if one or more exemption applies to your fleet
  • develop a law-enforcement checklist to guide drivers through roadside inspections

Also, partner with a provider that offers more than just ELD devices. Research that provider’s industry credibility and longevity. If possible, partner with a provider that has its own in-house team of compliance experts who’ll work with you to understand and adhere to all applicable nuances of both ELD mandates.

Now’s the time to move to choose the right ELD provider to ensure compliance with both mandates because there’s no indication the Canadian ELD mandate will accept all devices that currently only comply with the U.S. ELD mandate. Besides, now that you’re (hopefully) in compliance with the U.S. mandate, you may as well make sure you’re prepared for both.

More about the Canadian ELD mandate

Canada.ca: Statement Regarding Progressive Enforcement

CCMTA: Canadian ELD Technical Standard

FleetWarrior: The Canadian ELD Rule is Final: What you need to know

FleetWarrior: Preparing for Canada’s ELD Mandate: Tips for U.S. Fleets Crossing the Border

About Zonar

Founded in 2001, Zonar has pioneered smart fleet management solutions throughout trucking and vocational industries. Zonar helps fleets of all sizes maximize the use of their assets with technology solutions dedicated to improving compliance, efficiency, maintenance, safety, and tracking. Cloud-based services with open APIs drive Zonar’s smart fleet solutions by making it easy for fleet owners and managers to stay connected to their fleets and operators to dispatch. Headquartered in Seattle and part of the Continental AG family—a global leader in automotive technology— Zonar also has a Technology Development Center in downtown Seattle, a regional office in Cincinnati and a distribution center outside of Atlanta.