Countdown to the Canadian ELD Mandate: 3 Tips to Prepare

Canada's ELD mandate goes into effect on June 12, 2021. Here are three tips to prepare.

Published On: 01/08/2021
Canadian transport insight from J. J. Keller
J. J. Keller Editor Heather Ness

Written by:

Heather Ness

Editorial Content Manager — J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

Canada’s electronic logging device (ELD) mandate goes into effect on June 12, 2021. If you’re a federally regulated carrier in Canada or a U.S.-based cross-border carrier, you’re subject to Canada’s ELD mandate, including the requirement to use only certified devices in the country. The requirement to use a certified device applies to U.S. carriers operating in Canada.

There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind as this date is quickly approaching:

There’s no grandfather period

Transport Canada floated the idea of a grandfathering period similar to the U.S. two-year implementation period, but the two-year period didn’t make it into the final regulation. They felt that a two-year timeframe was sufficient for ELD providers to become certified and for carriers to implement the devices. The mandate is effective June 12, 2021, for federally regulated carriers.

Find a provider pursuing certification

If you’ve already implemented electronic recording devices (ERDs) or ELDs, you’ll want to ensure your provider is pursuing certification. If they aren’t, you’ll need to plan on finding a new provider that is certified. While a third-party certification body is now accepting electronic devices for certification, no providers have been certified yet. Once certified, the provider will be listed on Transport Canada’s website.

Be aware of Canada’s exemptions

Canada’s mandate has just a few exemptions. The following are not required to use ELDs:

  • Carriers operating a permit or statutory exemption under the Motor Vehicle Transport Act,
  • Drivers operating rental vehicles under an agreement of 30 days or less (rental agreement cannot be extended or renewed), or
  • Drivers operating vehicles manufactured before model year 2000.

Also exempt from the rule are drivers operating within a 160-kilometer radius of the home terminal, provided the carrier keeps proper records. If a carrier or driver can no longer claim this exemption, they would be subject to the mandate requirement.

Will the mandate date be extended?

As of January 8th, all signs point to no, as regulators are committed to the June 12th date. However, industry groups have valid concerns surrounding the timeframe left for carriers to implement ELDs. These groups are pushing for extensions of up to six months to give carriers more time.

It’s the perfect time to consider how the new rule will affect your company and consider how you can prepare for the deadline. Read more from our experts on Canada's mandate FAQs and US and Canadian mandate differences.

Manage Canadian Hours-Of-Service Compliance with the Encompass® Fleet Management System

The Encompass® ELD mobile app currently supports Canadian and US carriers with its border-crossing features and Canadian rule sets. The driver-friendly app works with iPhone® and Android™ devices, helping fleets who need on-the-go flexibility. Learn more.

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Try J. J. Keller's Quick Comply Program

Are you looking to change your ELD provider? We make it easy with our Quick Comply program. Plus, get a 60-day trial of the Encompass Fleet Management Platform.

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