Canada's ELD Mandate: Get Started with Compliance Today

The Canadian ELD mandate has a new enforcement date. Here's what you need to know so you're prepared for January 1, 2023.

Published On: 05/13/2022
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.

The road to Canada’s full implementation of the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate has been a long one. In March 2022, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) issued a message to the industry establishing January 1, 2023, as the latest ELD mandate enforcement date in Canada.

This newly announced date is six months beyond the original enforcement date of June 12, 2022. However, the additional time is good for the industry; it gives carriers six more months to find certified devices, start implementing ELDs into their fleet, and conduct training on using ELDs.

If you haven't considered what you need to do to comply with Canada’s ELD mandate, now is the time.

Let’s break down the steps into actionable items you can get started on today.

Finding a Certified Device Provider

Remember, Canada’s ELD mandate requires the use of third-party certified devices. When the mandate became effective in 2021, there were zero devices certified. However, in the last year, the list of certified devices has grown significantly and continues to grow as more and more devices are being certified.

If you've already implemented ELDs, you'll want to ensure your device provider has been or is pursuing certification. If not, you’ll need to plan on finding a new provider. Consult Transport Canada’s list of certified devices for more information.

Implementing ELDs

Once you’ve selected a provider, your next step is implementation. When any transitions need to happen in an organization, communication is key. Even if you already have ELDs but need to switch providers, you still need to plan ahead for the implementation and keep your colleagues in the loop about your plans.

You can start by documenting how you and others in your organization will:

  • Access driver records in the system;
  • Edit driver records;
  • Gather and store supporting documents;
  • Transfer data to enforcement;
  • Handle ELD malfunctions; and
  • Audit driver logs.

Training on ELDs

A training plan is critical to ensuring drivers, managers, supervisors, and operations support and understand their roles surrounding hours of service compliance and ELDs.

For these reasons, be sure your training plan includes all affected employees.

Give plenty of time in your training plan and consider that you may need to train — and re-train — on some topics.

Don't Let Time Run Out

Yes, the ELD mandate has experienced some delays as far as enforcement goes. But this mandate is here to stay and eventually will be in place and enforced throughout Canada. However, we know waiting until the last minute is not ideal for implementing a significant change in your business.

Before you know it, this mandate will be here — for good. So now's the time to prepare so you and your drivers can have a smooth transition to ELDs.

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

The Encompass® ELD mobile app currently supports Canadian and U.S. carriers with border-crossing features and Canadian rule sets. J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. is actively pursuing third-party certification of its ELD. The driver-friendly app works with iPhone® and Android™ devices, helping fleets who need on-the-go flexibility. Talk with a compliance specialist today to learn more.

Encompass ELD screen transparent screen

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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