Canada’s electronic logging device (ELD) mandate went into effect on June 12th 2021. At the time, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said in a statement; “the impact of Covid-19 on commercial vehicle operations has been unprecedented and must be acknowledged. As such, with the support of provinces and territories, and in consultation with industry, we will work together on the successful and effective implementation of a progressive enforcement period. This will give sufficient time for industry to obtain and install certified electronic logging devices without penalty as of June 12, 2021. Early enforcement measures will consist of education and awareness.”
However, in March of 2022 Transport Canada announced phased-in electronic logging device (ELD) mandate enforcement, beginning with education and awareness in June 2021 with full enforcement to commence in June 2022. That full-enforcement deadline has been extended to January 1, 2023. More information is available here.
Industry is advised to research ELD device options and ensure any procured ELD is a certified device as approved by Transport Canada. Approved devices can be found here as they become certified: https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/electronic-logging-devices.html
There are around 30,000 commercial truck drivers who are enrolled in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program at four New York-Canada ports of entry and essential trade has been able to continue throughout the pandemic and supply chain shortages.
The ELD Mandate has flashed a light on some major concerns that have been plaguing the trucking industry for some time now. One is the lack of available safe overnight parking, particularly in large metro areas. Another is the issues with hours of service (HOS) regulations. The new HOS changes should help but the boom in e-commerce, exacerbated by the pandemic, as well as the major push to electronic and other alternative fuel vehicles over the next decade will only make the truck parking shortage worse. Though it is not a “sexy” issue, overnight truck parking must be included as part of a robust infrastructure plan.
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