5 Easy Steps to prepare you for the Canadian ELD Mandate

July 22, 2021
Posted by admin

If you are Canadian logistics company, you might be aware that the Canadian ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate will come into effect on June 12, 2021. Some might think it’s too early to start preparing the Canadian ELD mandate now. This article will help you understand why you need to start today.

In this blog, we dive into the Canadian ELD mandate rules and 5 easy steps to prepare for the Canadian ELD mandate.

Check our blog about the USA ELD mandate and HOS regulation changes.

What is the Canadian ELD Mandate?

Electronic logging device (ELD) is used to electronically keep a driver’s Record of Duty Status (RODS) and all drivers are required to use an ELD to document their compliance with HOS rules.

On April 11, 2019, the CCMTA published the formal Canadian ELD rule. ELD Mandate in Canada comes into effect on June 21, 2021. The Canadian ELD standard is very similar to the USA based FMCSA that came into effect in December 2017. The biggest difference is third party certification which ensures all ELD providers are compliant, their service works and meets all criteria.

An ELD is a hardware device which connects to the truck’s engine control module (ECM). It enables you to track HOS (hours of service) compliance, which is mandated for both drivers and trucking companies to track driving hours, and off-duty time, to increase safety and keep drivers safe.

All trucking companies need to transition from paper logs to electronic logs that will record data related to the vehicle, and driver activity, so you can monitor all the data with any internet connected device, such as mobile devices, and tablets.

The following is the Canadian ELD mandate effective date;

How it works?

ELD is based on a smartphone app which connects to a Bluetooth-enabled CANbus reader, or a GPS device, and accepts RPM, odometer, VIN and other data directly from the truck’s on-board computer.

The ELD app permanently displays the remaining time of “on-duty” and “driving” status, so that drivers are always in full control, ensuring compliance. Drivers quickly generate their electronic logbook right on the mobile device to display in case of a roadside inspection.

Office workers who manage compliance can then get access to the HOS web app and monitor all drivers’ actual statuses. Easily allowing the back office to clearly see if anybody is out of compliance or close to violating the rules and take proactive and preventive measures.

What are the benefits of implementing ELD?

Using ELDs brings your business huge benefits. It helps drivers increase safety and your business saves time and money. It enables you to utilize resources effectively and optimize scheduling with powerful tools. Fully compliant ELD solutions are simple, easy to use, and provide excellent back office Management tools.

Why ELD? Other than compliance and mandate?

Increases safety
- Reduced vehicle accidents
Reduces operating costs
Saves time
- Put hours back in your employee’s day
Eliminates human error
Proactive central management
Excellent back office management services
- Eliminate paperwork

Here is a video explaining an ELD and its benefits provided by CTA(Canadian Trucking Alliance).

5 steps: How to prepare yourself for the Canadian ELD mandate

5 Simple Getting Started Steps – Help implementing ELD in your Fleet

1. Research & Review

Researching new rules is critically important to comprehend the changes and prepare to adapt yourself to the new rules.

Check materials provided to you by CCMTA and Transport Canada

2. Don’t wait, find your ELD provider today

It’s never too early to prepare for the upcoming Canadian ELD. Geoff Wood, CTA’s senior vice-president also encourages carriers to implement ELDs as soon as possible.

LVM ELD is a fully certified ELD solution published on the FMCSA website under “Apollo ELD”. Our solution enables carriers to be fully compliant with the mandate while staying adaptable with client needs and requests. This is the easy to use, fully functional ELD solution for your business.

See how simple LVM Track’s ELD solution is

3. Start with a small group of drivers

Training your staff in advance is advantageous to make ELD rules work efficiently in your workplace.

Start slowly and get your driver’s used to digital logging.

4. Roll out ELD across your entire Fleet

It takes time getting driver’s used to Electronic Logging. Don’t wait for the mandate and avoid growing pains that may cost your business thousands of dollars down the road.