What is the ELD mandate for truckers in Canada? What are the best electronic logging devices? This comprehensive guide will explain these and other questions that drivers and carriers might have about electronic logbooks to help them achieve compliance with the new federal legislation while optimizing trucking operations to increase profits.
What Is the ELD Mandate for Truckers?
The ELD mandate for truckers is a regulation passed by the Government of Canada stating that commercial vehicle drivers will be required to use a certified electronic logging device to keep records of duty status. According to the mandate, paper logs and automatic on-board recording devices must be replaced with electronic logbooks before the final compliance date of January 1, 2023.
Electronic logging devices are designed to record important data related to the operation of a vehicle and the driver. The electronic logging device connects to the engine control module (ECM) of the vehicle through the diagnostics port. The device then synchronizes with the engine to record data like power status, motion, distance driven, etc. The data collected can be accessed by the driver via an app on their tablet or smartphone and by the fleet manager through an online portal. In case of a roadside inspection, the driver will be required to generate a report and transfer it to the officer.
Who Must Comply with the ELD Mandate?
The ELD mandate for truckers will affect more than 157,000 Canadian truckers who are required to maintain RODS to prove compliance with HOS rules. Buses and trucks used for interprovincial commercial transportation come under the radar of this federal legislation. However, Transport Canada has allowed certain exemptions, which include:
- Short-haul drivers. Drivers who operate within a 160 km radius of their home terminal are not required to keep RODS and, therefore, to use electronic logbooks.
- Permits and exemptions. Motor carriers under a specific permit issued by a provincial or territorial director and those under statutory exemptions can forgo the use of elogs.
- Rentals. Drivers of vehicles under a rental agreement lasting 30 or less days are exempt.
- Old model vehicles. Vehicles manufactured before the year 2000 are not compatible with elog technology, so they are exempt from the requirement.
Choosing the Right Electronic Logging Device
To help Canadian truckers pick the right electronic logbook for their business, here are three simple ways to identify a quality electronic logging device:
- Check user ratings. Currently, most electronic logging devices are paired with a mobile app that can be downloaded either from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. These are reliable platforms to check user ratings and reviews, since they come from actual users. It is advisable to pick a provider who has positive reviews (look for users’ take on the logbook functioning and efficiency of customer service) and a rating above 4 out of 5.
- Verify the Transport Canada listing. While the Transport Canada does not ensure that the devices on their list are compliant, your logbook of choice must be registered. To verify the registration of any electronic logging device, truckers can visit the Transport Canada’s website.
- Take a look at the company’s customer care policies. Some providers might lock customers into very long contracts, making it very costly to switch to a different provider if they are not satisfied with the service. Others might not offer quality technical support, but make customers wait in line for too long or direct them to automated customer service because of a lack of representatives. These are important factors to consider when choosing a compliance partner. Confident providers like HOS247 will always offer flexible policies with customer-friendly options and efficient post-sale services.
Benefits of HOS247 Electronic Logging Devices
HOS247 is a reliable provider with a proven track record. Besides testing our solution periodically for optimum performance, we have incorporated additional features to help fleet managers and owner-operators increase efficiency and profitability. The main benefits of partnering with HOS247 are:
- Reliable hardware. The quality HOS247 electronic logging devices means they are durable and won’t break down mid drive and it makes for a stable Bluetooth connection. It can be installed in minutes and starts recording information immediately after being switched on.
- User-friendly elog app. Our logbooks are designed to be operated on Android or iOS smartphones and tablets. The HOS247 app allows drivers to manage HOS records, create DVIRs, and transfer RODS with a few clicks.
- Intuitive portal for fleet managers. Fleet managers have access to the intuitive HOS247 online portal. The user-friendly dashboard offers access to vehicle and driver information to give the manager a bird’s eye view of operations. The dashboard can be configured to show additional information like real-time GPS data.
- Top-rated multilingual support. HOS247 has an active support team that is accessible any day of the week for guidance regarding the optimum use of electronic logging devices. Technical support is available in English, Spanish, Russian, and Polish.
- Add-on features. HOS247 logbooks can be complemented with additional features such as GPS tracking, vehicle diagnostics, idling monitoring, IFTA calculations, and more.
- Flexible no-contract policy. Our clients decide to stay with us because of the quality of our services and not because of lengthy contracts. HOS247 has a no-contract policy to offer customers the flexibility they need. Our monthly plans can be upgraded, downgraded or canceled without any hassle. Clients might also choose to pay annually.
- 14-day trial period. Every new customer is entitled to a two-week trial period. Truckers can use the HOS247 ELD for 14 days and return it for a full refund if they are not satisfied.
Additional Information About the ELD Mandate
The ELD mandate for truckers was issued by Transport Canada and will be fully enforced starting 2023 to control drivers’ hours of service, reducing driver fatigue and increasing road safety. Besides keeping RODS automatically, electronic logging devices play other important roles, including preventing drivers from being harassed or pressured into driving past the time limit.
Apart from using electronic logbooks, drivers will be required to keep the following documentation in the cabin:
- Elog user manual.
- Datasheet on RODS data transfer process for roadside inspections.
- Instructions on ELD malfunction reporting.
- A blank graph grid paper for a minimum of 8 days.
Noncompliance with the mandate past the final enforcement deadline could result in fines and penalties. HOS247 helps truckers stay compliant and provides extra tools to improve operations and allow carriers to increase their profits.
I’ve co-founded, built and managed several transportation-related businesses. Now, I’m a founder and CEO of HOS247 – an AI Transportation Platform for trucking companies, freight brokers and other logistics operations. We are transitioning old-style operations to technology-advanced logistics entities and help them to grow their businesses. ELDs (electronic logging devices), fleet tracking and management 2.0 combined with AI-powered dispatch tools.
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