All applicable hotshot drivers and carriers must comply with the Canadian ELD mandate. Drivers should be aware of their responsibility to keep Records of Duty Status (RODS), electronic logs, and maintain their electronic logging devices (ELD).
Canada’s Minister for Transport announced on July 13, 2019, that hotshot drivers of commercial vehicles should comply with the Canadian ELD Mandate by June 12, 2021. The ELD will require that the named drivers log their hours of service using electronic devices. For an ELD to be used, Canada’s federal government directed that the ELD has to be certified by a third party.
Canadian ELD Mandate
The Canadian government directed that starting from June 12, 2021, bus and truck drivers will have to use ELD devices to track their hours on duty. Currently, the drivers log their hours on paper logs, which is hectic and expensive. Logging hours on electronic devices will reduce the frequency of road accidents, thus improving road safety. Also, since drivers will not be driving when having fatigue, many lives will be saved. Adoption of ELD will again come with financial benefits. An estimated 55 million dollars will be saved annually. The estimated total present value of the ELD systems is 380 million dollars.
Most advanced ELD systems can quickly detect inattentive driving, check the speed, challenging braking events, and acceleration. Another advantage will be to save time during inspections as the transport officers will have all the information they need. In case of a vehicle accident, the information contained on the ELD devices is enough for transport officers to determine the circumstances that led to the accident.
Who Must Comply with the ELD Mandate?
The ELD mandate applies to any federally regulated carrier in Canada. However, there are a few exemptions to the rules, and hotshot drivers will not need to use an ELD if they are:
- Renting the vehicle for no longer than 30 days;
- Are using a commercial vehicle or engine built before 2000;
- Operating within a 160km radius from their home terminal;
- Or if the driver returns to their home terminal every to begin a minimum of eight hours off-duty.
- Have a statutory exemption to the ELD mandate.
Drivers who use a mobile home or operate/live in the US are not exempt to these ELD rules.
What is Hotshot Trucking and how is it regulated?
Hotshot trucking may conjure up all kinds of images. However, it is imperative to understand just what this term means and how it applies to the ELD mandate. A hotshot truck load is hauled with a midsize (class 3, 4, or 5) truck instead of the standard rig. Most drivers prefer three-quarter or one-and-a-half-ton models from a major manufacturer. They will need either a gooseneck or fifth-wheel type connection. In essence, hotshot trucking means that you are hauling a load with a souped-up pickup truck.
If you are interested in hotshot trucking, you need to look for the best model around. It should be capable of efficiently hauling more than 10,000 pounds. Because this is such a significant weight, it is almost always preferable to opt for a bigger truck that can haul with greater ease. Keep in mind that most trailers for hotshot trucking will range in size from twenty to forty feet.
The benefit of hotshot trucking is the expedited turnaround time for the customer. When time is of the essence, these smaller rigs can typically transport the necessary supplies within a shorter time frame. This type of trucking minimizes the overall cost of transportation for both the driver and the client.
For drivers who are interested in starting up their own hotshot trucking company, it can be tempting to bypass the time and financial investment required for a CDL. Gaining this certification can allow you to carry heavier loads, but it is not necessary for every transport. This is a major advantage for a driver who is looking to start their own business rather immediately.
Any truck and even a pickup truck becomes a CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle) if the gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of the vehicle, load, and trailer is 10,001 pounds or more. It means a hotshot driver must comply with Transport Canada regulations including the requirement for the electronic logs (ELD).
How do ELDs work?
Best ELD for hotshot trucks are designed to track and to prepare HOS (hours-of-service) reports automatically. Transport Canada requires that an electronic logging device is integrally synchronized with an engine through ECM (engine control module). The ECM connection allows electronic logs to capture the required data such as engine status, motion status, miles driven, and engine hours and to generate RODS electronically. Every record comes with a vehicle location captured from GPS. In addition to the required basics, HOS247 ELD captures vehicle’s fuel use and diagnostic codes and driver behavior data (breaking, acceleration, etc.)
What are the On-Board Diagnostics Protocols For Hotshot Trucks?
Light-duty and medium-duty vehicles come equipped with their own set of on-board diagnostics protocols, referred to as OBD-II. These protocols specify around one hundred different parameters that are standard as defined by SAE J1979. Most of the parameters pertain to the engine and include the FMCSA-required data.
Many ELDs on the market are built for heavy-duty vehicles (e.g. semi trucks) only and do NOT support protocols for hotshot vehicles such as pickups. HOS247 electronic logs hardware supports OBD-II and works flawlessly with light-duty and medium-duty vehicles.
ELD Installation for OBD-II Vehicles
In order to install the ELD in your OBD-II vehicle, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Always start with the parking brake engaged and the engine turned off. The main power switch should also be turned off, if available.
When this is complete, you must find your OBD-II diagnostic port and follow these instructions:
- Install the device in a convenient location such as near the windshield. It should have a clear line of sight to the sky for the GPS tracking capabilities.
- Connect and lock the 16pin OBD-II end of the cable to the port located earlier.
- Attach the other end of the cable to the installed device. Secure the device using screws or provided dual-lock reclosable fastener.
- After successfully installing the hardware, use an electronic logbook app on your phone or tablet.
How to Choose an Electronic Logbook
When it comes to selecting electronic logs for hotshot drivers, not all solutions are created equal. Drivers and trucking companies must find a system that is going to work best to meet their needs. It is recommended that companies start by checking the reviews from real customers who have used the electronic logs. These can give an early indication that something might not work for the company.
Be aware of the many red flags that ELD providers could potentially have. They may be relatively new to the field with little experience and few consumer reviews. Always opt for trusted companies who have experience over newcomers who want to make a few dollars.
Keep an eye out for hidden fees and long contract terms. Some companies will rope you into five-year contracts and then hit you with an abundance of hidden fees. Pay careful attention to the terms of your agreement with them before you settle on a single program. HOS247 team is confident that our ELDs will fit your hotshot trucking needs. We do not lock customers into long-term contracts and have a hassle-free, two-week return policy.
What Features Do You Need Other than ELD Compliance?
The ELD compliance may be at the forefront of your mind, but it isn’t the only thing that a good trucking company needs. Check out a few of these other features that could be essential to running a solid hotshot trucking business.
GPS Fleet Tracking
If you have or planning to have multiple trucks on the road, it can behoove to know exactly where every unit is located. Take a look at the available detours, the progress made toward a destination, and even estimate how long the return trip will take. The HOS247 GPS Fleet Tracking keeps your trucks on the map and reduces both phone calls and stress.
IFTA State Mileage Reporting
Many companies grow tired of calculating state mileage manually. HOS247 offers state mileage reporting feature for IFTA filing purposes. With just a few clicks, you can have a ready-to-print report that is likely more accurate than your previous system.
Trucking dispatch features
Spending time making phone calls and trying to schedule your next hotshot trucking route can be extremely time-consuming. With HOS247 Dispatch, managers can quickly identify shipments in progress, coordinate jobs, and review historical records. Managers can view all of their available hotshot trucks and distances/time from a shipping destination. Loads are assigned to appropriate drivers and monitored through completion. Dispatch feature helps managers to run their company with greater ease.
What is HOS247?
Hotshot drivers and trucking companies may want to consider HOS247 electronic logbook for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles. Our multilingual team is prepared to answer your questions. Flexible options to choose from:
- ELD
- GPS Tracking
- IFTA mileage
- Dispatch
Every hotshot trucking account comes with a dedicated account manager. Support team is constantly available to assist you with anything you need. We offer a hassle-free two-week return policy with no contracts. Give us a call today to request your demo!
List of Supported Vehicles with OBD2 Port
- 2000 or newer semi-truck
- 2008 or newer pickup or van
- 2000 or newer box truck or bus
- 1996-2007 pickup or van
Kenworth
- Kenworth – T170
- Kenworth – T270
- Kenworth – T370
- Kenworth – T470
- Kenworth – K370
Peterbilt
- Peterbilt – 576
- Peterbilt – 520
- Peterbilt – 348
- Peterbilt – 337
- Peterbilt – 330
- Peterbilt – 325
- Peterbilt – 220
- Peterbilt – 365
Chevy (All Models)
- Chevy – Colorado
- Chevy – Silverado 1500
- Chevy – Silverado 2500
- Chevy – Silverado 3500
- Chevy – Express Cargo Vans and Passanger Vans, Cutaways (1500, 2500, 3500)
Mercedes & Freightliner
- Sprinter Cargo an Passanger Vans
Nissan
- NV Cargo Vans and Passanger Vans, Titan Pickups
Ford (All Models)
- Ford – F150
- Ford – F250
- Ford – F350
- Ford – F450
- Ford – F550
- Ford – Transit Cargo Vans, Passanger Vans
- Ford – Cutaways
- Ford – Stripped Chassis F650
- Ford – Stripped Chassis F750
GMC (All Models)
- GMC – Canyon
- GMC – Sierra 1500
- GMC – Sierra 2500
- GMC – Sierra 3500
- GMC – Savana Cargo Vans and Passanger Vans, Cutaways 3500
Toyota (All Models)
- Toyota – Tundra (All Models)
Dodge (All Models)
- Dodge – RAM 1500
- Dodge – RAM 2500
- Dodge – RAM 3500
HINO (All Models)
- HINO – 195
- HINO – 195DC
- HINO – 195H
- HINO – 195H-DC
- HINO – 238
- HINO – 258LP
- HINO – 258ALP
- HINO – 268
- HINO – 268A
- HINO – 338
ISUZU (All Models)
- ISUZU – NPR
- ISUZU – NQR
- ISUZU – NRR
- ISUZU – RESEARCH VAN
International Trucks
- HV – SERIES
- HX- SERIES
- DURASTAR
- PROSTAR
- TERRASTAR
- TRANSTAR
- WORKSTAR
HOS247 ELD supports most vehicles including light-duty and medium-duty vehicles. Please contact us if you don’t see your vehicle on the list.
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.
Transport Canada has mandated that most commercial drivers who are required to maintain records of duty status must do so through an electronic logging device come January 1, 2023. These devices help monitor drivers’ time on the road to meet
The Canadian elog mandate aims to increase accountability and safety in the trucking industry. Accidents and the vast amount of administration from paperwork cost the industry billions of dollars, creating a significant economic problem for the sector. On 13th June
The advantages of using GPS trackers are significant, including enhanced safety, reduced fuel costs, increased productivity, and better communication, all of which translate into lower operational costs. By enabling fleet managers to monitor and manage vehicles and assets in real-time,