As Canada’s ELD enforcement deadline nears, the government is planning a 12-month period of soft or progressive enforcement.
To help you ensure your fleet is ready, we clarify what has changed regarding Canadian ELD enforcement and answer your ELD enforcement questions.
The original deadline for compliance was June 12, 2021 at which point most commercial drivers are required to use third-party certified ELDs that are registered with Transport Canada in place of paper logs.
However, the past year has resulted in Transport Canada’s minister of transportation altering the enforcement period.
Regarding the Canadian ELD Deadline, Canada’s minister of transportation Omar Alghabra said, “I am firmly committed to this timeline — these devices will further strengthen road safety in Canada.”
“At the same time, 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 ELDs without penalty as of June 12, 2021. Early enforcement measures will consist of education and awareness.” On May 5, 2021 the CCMTA released an announcement providing additional details around this soft enforcement period, specifically highlighting that it will end on June 12, 2022.
What does Canada’s ELD soft enforcement mean?
For Canadian and border-crossing fleets, nothing has changed. Finding and implementing a new system takes time and effort and the work needs to begin immediately. While applicable carriers still need to wait for Canadian certified ELD software, Canadian and cross-border carriers will need to be prepared well before the deadline to ensure a smooth transition that does not interfere with operations.
The soft enforcement, or progressive enforcement period simply means that the Canadian ELD deadline will kick off a 12-month period of education and awareness without the repercussions of penalty until otherwise specified. Carriers should have a plan to meet these regulations well before the deadline and soft enforcement period.
Preparing for Canada’s progressive ELD enforcement period
In addition to reviewing the Canadian ELD provider options available, carriers need to be aware of their organization’s needs in order to be prepared for the progressive enforcement period. After selecting a provider, you need to include time in your plan for ELD device installation, factoring in the time it takes to install the physical device if your fleet is using an ELD for the first time.
You should also prepare your entire organization for changes to their compliance workflows. Companies will need time to ensure they have time for technical, process and practical checks that their new system would require which could impact operations. This includes changes in your organization’s compliance, documentation and record-keeping, IT and any customer relationship management that might impact day-to-day operations.
To learn how GPS to GO can help you prepare for the Canadian ELD soft enforcement period, schedule a time to speak with out team by clicking here.
Read more about Canadian ELD Mandate enforcement by clicking here.
