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Canada’s ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate is at full speed, and it’s officially taking full effect on January 1, 2023. 

The new directive requires every commercial motor carrier and driver to use an ELD that will record their driving hours. This rule officially passed on June 12 this year, but the actual enforcement of the mandate will not start until January 1, 2023. That means if you don’t have one of these devices installed in your truck by the end of the year, you may face fines or other penalties in the future.

Let’s take a closer look at what the ELD mandate means for Canadian carriers and drivers and how it can affect aspiring and veteran truck drivers down the road.

What is an ELD?

An electronic logging device (ELD) is a data logging tool that automatically records driving hours, vehicle movement, and other essential information related to commercial trucking operations. This allows carriers and drivers to not only monitor but regulate their working hours accurately.

What Is the Purpose of The Mandate?

The ELD mandate was created to help drivers reduce their reliance on paperwork when logging work hours. Since the new law encourages accurate monitoring, it also hopes to reduce the number of overworked drivers and fatalities on the road.

This implementation of the new rule has been a long time coming. It was announced by Transport Canada way back in 2019 and was originally scheduled to go full swing on June 12, 2022, but a number of delays in the deadline pushed it back to January 1, 2023.

What does this mean for Alberta truck drivers?

The ELD mandate was created to help drivers reduce their reliance on paperwork when logging work hours. Since the new law encourages accurate monitoring, it also hopes to reduce the number of overworked drivers and fatalities on the road.

In Alberta, federally regulated truck carriers and drivers are required to install and maintain an ELD in their vehicles beginning January 1, 2023. It is recommended that these drivers familiarize themselves with the responsibilities they have under the ELD mandate.

Good To Know:Types of Carriers Under Alberta’s Hours of Service Regulations

1. Provincial carriers operate vehicles that adhere to the Canadian National Safety Code standard. Vehicles in this category usually do not leave the province.
2. Federal carriers operate vehicles that follow the Federal Hours of Service. Most vehicles in this category are required to follow the ELD mandate.

On the other hand, provincially regulated drivers and carriers aren’t required to use the electronic devices. Additionally, drivers in Alberta who want to use a paper logbook to track their hours instead can be exempted from doing so if:

• They drive federally registered vehicles weighing more than 4,500 kilograms and operating within 160 km radius of the drivers home terminal
• They drive buses with 11 passengers, including the driver, operating within 160 km radius of driver’s home terminal
• They drive emergency vehicles

+ See complete list here

This implementation of the new rule has been a long time coming. It was announced by Transport Canada way back in 2019 and was originally scheduled to go full swing on June 12, 2022, but a number of delays in the deadline pushed it back to January 1, 2023.

Good To Know: Canada ELD Mandate Timeline

• December 16, 2017

Lawmakers proposed amendments to the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations.

• June 13, 2019 

Transport Canada officially requires the use of ELDs for commercial vehicles and motor carriers. 

• June 12, 2021

The mandate partially went into effect. The COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of certified ELDs delayed its full enforcement.

• June 12, 2022 

The mandate was to take on full effect on this day but was again delayed for another 6 months to give the industry an ample amount of time to prepare. Certified ELDs were still too few which was another reason for the delay.

• January 1, 2023

Commercial vehicles and motor fleets are expected to use ELDs starting January 1, 2023.

Who Is Required To Use ELDs?

The new rule applies to all federally-regulated commercial drivers and motor carriers in Canada. In other words, most commercial trucks will require an ELD installation

For those in the motor carrier industry, the mandate specifically applies to commercial vehicles that are:

• A truck, tractor, trailer or any vehicle that weighs more than 4,500 kg,
• A bus that’s designed to transport more than 10 people

Exemptions to Canada’s ELD Regulations

There are a few occasions wherein motor carriers and drivers aren’t required to use electronic logging devices. This includes trucker drivers who:

• Are not required to track their record of duty status
• Use vehicles that were built before model year 2000
• Drive short-term rental trucks (for 30 days or less only)
• Work for a motor carrier under a certain permit
• Work for a motor carrier that has been given an exemption by the Motor Vehicle Transport Act

Securing Electronic Logging Devices for Your Fleet

Of course, the first step to complying with the new ELD mandate is to purchase electronic logging devices. But before you purchase the first ELD software or device that you see, it’s important to do your research and find an ELD solution that best fits your needs. Not to mention, electronic logging devices must pass the standards set by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA). It can either be an app or wireless device. These devices are required to be certified by a third-party. Truckers and fleet owners can visit Transport Canada’s website to find the latest list of certified ELDs.

Your Responsibilities Under the ELD Mandate

Canada’s ELD regulations may seem daunting initially, but the new mandate doesn’t have to be that difficult to comply with. As long as you’re prepared and armed with the right information, you can easily transition your fleet to using electronic logging devices. 

The law created new set of duties for commercial truckers that include the following:

1. Providing Additional Documents for Truckers With Two or More Commercial Vehicles

During roadside inspection, drivers are required to present a print out or digital copy of their other vehicle’s RODs.

2. Providing an Accurate Information on Their Electronic Log

Drivers are expected to digitally record work data that includes the following:

• Driver ID number
• The date and  start time
• Their driving cycle
• Truck’s license plates
• The address of their motor fleet or carrier
• The location where the driver stayed during a specific work day
• The vehicle’s location

+ see complete list here

3. Archiving Important Support Documents

Drivers are expected to digitally keep work files that includes the following:

• Records of messages between the driver and fleet carrier
• Payroll summary or documents
• Government-issued record that has the vehicle’s location
• Records of the items you’re transporting. This includes your schedule, itinerary, or files that share the origin and destination of your route
• Records that show the current health or condition of your vehicle
• Reports that indicate the date, time, or location of the vehicle during a trip

These responsibilities should be  taken seriously, as harsh penalties can be imposed on drivers or truckers who fail to follow these rules.

Penalties for Noncompliance to ELD Regulations

As of writing, Transport Canada is currently proposing fines that are categorized in three levels of severity:

Minor Contraventions

Let’s start with minor contraventions. This can include administrative and minor reporting violations. Drivers who don’t accept or reject a fleet’s change to a record of duty status belong to this level.

Moderate Contraventions

Next, you can incur moderate contraventions. This can include on-duty and drive limitations, off-duty requirements, more serious recordkeeping infractions, and violations that can affect compliance monitoring by the motor fleet. Drivers who fail to update all information regarding their record of duty status fall into this category.

Severe Contraventions

Severe contraventions include falsification or obstruction of violations; more serious data archiving, on-duty and drive limitations, rest requirement contraventions. Drivers who tamper their records to prevent the proper enforcement of law fall into this category.

For drivers, fines for severe violations can go up to $1,000 while penalties for motor carriers can range up to $2,000. There is no final word about the penalties and all commercial drivers are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the Transport Canada website.

The Takeaway

At the outset, it is important to note that the ELD mandate is a complex and nuanced law with serious implications for all commercial drivers. Truckers and motor carriers need to be aware of their responsibilities under the new regulation and take them seriously to avoid costly penalties. This includes appropriately using electronic logging devices, maintaining accurate records of work data, and archiving important documents. Additionally, it is crucial to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates to the law, as violators are subject to harsh fines and other penalties. If you have questions about ELDs in Canada or would like support navigating this complex new law, consult a trusted legal expert for guidance.

As your source of reliable truck driving courses in Edmonton, Gennaro Transport Training is committed to providing you with the information and support you need when it comes to all things trucking. Check back for industry updates, review our driving courses, or contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to helping you stay safe and compliant on the road!

Long-haul driving is one of the risks drivers voluntarily take and consider when getting into the trucking industry. 

Driving from one end of the country to another might sound like an exciting idea for a family road trip, but for a truck driver transporting tons of perishables, materials, or liquids? One small mistake or accident can result in a disaster on the road and the economy. 

And as the weather gets colder and the days shorter, long-haul driving becomes more hazardous than ever. With winter creeping in, truck drivers should take extra precautions on the road, as snow and frozen roads can hamper their journey. 

However, winter conditions are just one of the many things a truck driver has to be mindful of while driving. 

With the holiday season coming up, there is also an increased risk of distracted and impaired driving among motorists. 

And while we’d like to trust that fellow motorists are also driving responsibly, it is better to refresh and remind ourselves of the different types of distracted and impaired driving that we should look out for as we head into colder and longer nights on the road.

Common Types of Distracted Driving

Next to speeding, distracted driving is one of the leading contributing causes of car accidents and crashes in Edmonton. According to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, whether or not your driving performance is affected, the law considers the following as distracted driving. 

Using Hand-Held Cell Phones

With the advancement of technology, most, if not all, people heavily rely on their mobile devices and cell-phones.

It might seem harmless to check or send a text message or an email while in transit, but if you are speeding 100km/h on the highway and hauling tons of goods on your truck, you might want to reconsider checking that notification for the safety of other motorists and your own.  

Operating Electronic Devices

If using a hand-held cell phone is a form of distracted driving, it goes without saying that using other electronic devices, such as:

• Laptops
• Cameras
• Video games
• Video entertainment displays
• Portable audio players

While driving is also considered distracted driving.

Inputting Information on GPS Units

These days people rely on their GPS unit more than the printed map, whether they use an app on their mobile device or their vehicle’s system.

Even though a GPS is a necessary tool to go from one place to another, the law considers inputting information on a GPS unit while driving a form of distracted driving.

Reading Printed Materials

Reading a map or any printed material while driving a vehicle is also a type of distracted driving.

Personal Grooming

Some people have adopted the habit of brushing or flossing teeth, clipping nails, shaving, putting on makeup, and even curling hair while driving.

While some may consider personal grooming in the car a time-saver, the law states personal grooming is a form of distracted driving.

Penalty for Distracted Driving

The penalty for distracted driving is a $300 fine and three (3) demerit points. 

However, there are some activities that the law does not consider a type of distracted driving, such as:

• Calling emergency services with a hand-held mobile device
• Activating a mobile device and an earphone by voice or a single-touch
• Drinking non-alcoholic beverages and eating a snack
• Smoking
• Talking with passengers
• Listening to an audio player that was set up before driving
• Using a hand-held or two-way radio for emergencies or when required by an employer
• Using a display screen of GPS navigation, collision avoidance, passenger dispatch, vehicle information, logistical tracking system, and alcohol ignition interlock device

But even though doing these activities while driving will not charge you for distracted driving, it is highly encouraged that you keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel the entire time.

Common Contributing Causes of Impaired Driving

With the change of weather and the upcoming festivities, we can expect cases and accidents caused by impaired driving to spike up. 

The following are some of the common contributing causes of impaired driving:

Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the leading contributing causes of impaired driving. 

According to 2016 statistics, alcohol-impaired driving injured 5,494 people and killed 368 people over five years in Alberta alone. And in 2019, statistics show that the rate of alcohol-impaired driving rose by 15% in Canada.

While Canada has a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit, it does not mean that a person’s driving performance will not be affected if they have a BAC of 0.08% and below.

For example, a person with a BAC of 0.02% can experience the following:

• Relaxation
• Shift in mood
• Some loss of judgment

These can affect a person’s ability to pay attention to the road and react in a timely manner while driving.

According to studies, the higher the driver’s BAC range is, the higher the fatality risk increases. For example, a driver with a BAC:

• 0.02% to 0.05% will have a 3x higher fatality risk 
• 0.05% to 0.08% will have a 6x higher fatality risk
• 0.08% to 0.10% will have an 11x higher fatality risk

Cannabis

Since the legalization of cannabis, 2019 statistics show that the rate of cannabis-impaired driving increased by 43% compared to the previous year.

It is illegal for a person to drive after inhaling or consuming cannabis because it is difficult to pinpoint when the effects of cannabis start. Just like alcohol, cannabis can impair a person’s:

• Judgment
• Coordination
• Reaction time
• Balance

Additionally, a person who consumes alcohol and cannabis will have different effects and a higher fatality risk while driving.

Medication

Whether prescribed or bought over the counter, medical cannabis and other medical drugs can cause impaired-driving accidents.

Aside from cannabis, some types of drugs, such as:

• Anti-depressants
• Sleep medicine
• Cough medicine
• Antihistamine
• Decongestants
• Narcotic pain pills
• Tranquilizers

Can affect a person’s:

• Judgment
• Reaction time
• Alertness
• Coordination
• Attention
• Comprehension

Fatigue

According to research, driver fatigue is behind 20% of fatal collisions in Canada. It also shows that being awake for 17 to 19 hours is the same as having 0.05 blood alcohol content. With this, we can say that when a tired person is behind the wheel, they share the same risks as a drunk driver behind the wheel.

Penalty for Impaired Driving

The penalty for impaired driving ranges from $300 to a $2,000 fine and immediate license suspension, depending on the offense and roadside sanction. A driver can also be criminally charged and placed behind bars, depending on the circumstances of the offense.

Winter Driving Tips and Preparation

When it comes to driving, there is not much you can do for fellow motorists on the road but to be responsible for your condition and vehicle. And with the expected winter conditions and surge of the holiday crowd, drivers should be extra cautious at this time of the year.

Here are some tips to help prevent distracted and impaired driving casualties from happening:

• Get the right amount of sleep the night before
• Plan your drive by setting up your GPS unit and audio player before driving out
• Put away your phone and other electronic devices
• If there is an emergency, stop at the nearest rest area
• Keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel as much as possible
• Avoid engaging in heated conversations with passengers
• Assign a designated driver if you are expecting to get drunk or high
• Share the drive with passengers
• Pull-over in the nearest rest area if you catch yourself falling asleep

However, if you are an aspiring truck driver, you should know that you will bear more responsibilities than a non-commercial vehicle driver. To be a licensed truck driver, you must have the proper education and training before you head out on the road.

Edmonton’s Premier Commercial Truck Driving School

At Gennaro Transport Training, we have all the courses you need to jumpstart your trucking career. And if you are a seasoned truck driver, we also have refresher courses such as our Air Brake Refresher Course and Professional Driver Improvement Course (PDIC) that can equip you to drive in any season.

Contact us today to find out how you can start and further enrich your trucking career.

We already know that trucks are vital to the economy. Products get shipped all over the country via these massive vehicles, and without them, well, life as we know it would be very different. From the phone in your pocket to the food on your plate, it all comes via truck at some point in its journey to you.

But what happens in this journey is not just simple grinding of gears and turning of wheels. Instead, it’s a complex ballet of technology, with various systems working in harmony (or not) to get the job done.

Freezer trucks are used to keep meat and other perishables cool, while dry freight trucks are used for non-refrigerated items. Tanker trucks carry liquids like gasoline and milk, while flatbeds haul lumber and other construction materials. And each one of these trucks has its own set of specialized equipment to make sure the load is secured and safe.

Truth is, we created technology with the sole purpose of overcoming challenges. It’s exactly because of this that our trucking industry continues to evolve.And these tech advances are only getting more sophisticated and integrated as time goes on.  

If we wanted faster trucks, we could make that happen. 

Trucks that could drive cross-country nonstop? We could probably do that too. 

But at the end of the day, it’s not about making things faster or easier. It’s about making things better. And that’s exactly what these new technologies are doing: Changing the trucking industry forever.

The Internet of Trucks

You know about the Internet of Things–a concept of connecting physical objects—devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity—that enables these objects to collect and exchange data. 

In other words, it’s a way to connect pretty much anything and everything to the internet. But what you may not know is that this concept is already being applied to the trucking industry in a big way.

There are already a number of IoT applications being used in the trucking industry today, from GPS tracking and fleet management to driver safety and maintenance. 

But this is only the beginning. 

Data is an important aspect of the trucking industry, and the IoT provides a way to collect vast amounts of data that can be used to improve efficiency and safety. For example, by tracking the location and speed of trucks, companies can optimize routes to save on fuel costs. Or by monitoring tire pressure and engine temperature, they can prevent breakdowns before they happen. 

The 21st annual study from Third-Party Logistics (3PL) found that 98% of third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and 93% of shippers believed data-driven decision-making was important to the future of supply chain activities

In 2022, the 26th edition of 3PL’s study showed that shippers were now investing in Internet of Things technology to:

• Improve workforce productivity (63%), 
• Improve real-time decision-making (57%),
• Create a competitive differentiator in the market (57%)

“Internet of Things technology also improves connectivity while driving digitization, mobile computing, analytics and cloud-based technology, changing how shippers and logistics providers conduct their operations,” read the document.

Some of the most frequently-cited technologies included control tower visibility, transportation management-scheduling, transportation management-planning, cloud-based solutions, and transportation sourcing. 

AI and Trucking

Just as the Internet of Things is changing the way trucking companies collect and use data, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way they make decisions. 

AI is being used in a number of different ways in the trucking industry, from route planning and fleet management to driver safety and maintenance. Most of these applications are still in the early stages, but they have the potential to evolve rapidly over the next decade.

Tesla is one company that is working on using AI for trucking. The Semi, Tesla’s autonomous electric truck, features an autopilot system that is similar to the one found in Tesla’s cars. The truck also has a number of other features that are designed to make it safer and more efficient.

“Enhanced Autopilot helps avoid collisions, a centered driver position provides maximum visibility and control, and a low center of gravity offers rollover protection,” read their website.

According to research firm MarketsandMarkets, the market for AI in the transportation industry would grow at a compound annual growth rate of almost 18% between 2017 and 2030, increasing in size from a measly $1.2 billion in 2017 to $10.3 billion in 2030.

In terms of fuel cost, self-driving truck tech company Plus.Ai said that the decrease would be at least 15%. 

What does this mean for someone who is, say, thinking about a career in trucking?

Well, for starters, it means that the job is going to be a lot more interesting. And it also means that there will be a greater need for skilled workers who can operate and maintain these complex systems. 

Hybrid Trucks

Technology isn’t just about fancy new gadgets and gizmos. Sometimes, it’s about taking something that already exists and making it better. That’s what hybrid trucks are all about.

A hybrid truck is a truck that uses two or more different power sources to move. The most common type of hybrid truck is a diesel-electric hybrid, which uses a diesel engine to power an electric motor. Other types of hybrid trucks include gasoline-electric hybrids, fuel cell hybrids, and natural gas-electric hybrids.

Hybrid trucks are more efficient than traditional trucks because they use less fuel. They also produce fewer emissions, which is good for the environment. And because they use less fuel, hybrid trucks save money over time.

There are a few different ways that hybrid trucks can be used:

1. The Series Hybrid. The most common way is to use the diesel engine to power the electric motor, which then powers the truck. 
2. The Parallel Hybrid. Another way is to use the electric motor to supplement the diesel engine.
3. The Hybrid Electric Vehicle or HEV. The third way is to use the electric motor to power the truck and the diesel engine to recharge the batteries. 

These vehicles are becoming more common as battery technology improves. In fact, many major truck manufacturers, including Volvo, Freightliner, and Kenworth, now offer this. A recent study by Fact.MR showed that the global market for HEVs is likely to spike at 14% of its compound annual growth rate by the end of the 2021-2031 forecast period. 

The study attributes this to the “growing focus on reducing carbon emissions along with the stringent government regulations regarding vehicle emissions.”

How Does This Affect Jobs in Trucking?

Changes of this magnitude can sometimes be scary, but they can also present new opportunities.

Whether you’re already part of this proud profession or you’re thinking about a career in trucking, it’s important to remember this: the trucking industry is evolving, and that’s good news for everyone involved. 

Here are just a few of the ways that these changes might affect jobs in trucking:

1. Greater need for skilled workers who can operate and maintain these complex systems

The job is going to be a lot more interesting. You won’t just be driving; you’ll be part of a team that’s using cutting-edge technology to move the world forward.

2. Trucking companies will be able to save money on fuel costs

Potentially, this could mean that they will have more money to invest in other areas, such as employee training and development.

3. Less stress, more job satisfaction

Unpredictable traffic, long hours, and strict deadlines are just some of the challenges that truck drivers face on a daily basis. But as technology advances, these challenges are likely to become less and less common. 

Interested In Trucking? We Can Teach You More!

The future of the industry is looking bright, and we want you to be a part of it. If you’re interested in learning more about trucking, Gennaro Transport Training offers comprehensive trucker training that can help you get your commercial driver’s license in as little as 4-6 weeks. We offer both online and in-person classes, so you can learn at a pace that’s comfortable for you.

Our vast catalog of resources also includes articles on trucking news, industry trends, and tips for new drivers. 

We’ll also help you prepare for the CDL exam with our study guide and practice tests. Our certified instructors have years of experience and are passionate about teaching. They’ll answer all your questions and help you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to start your trucking career, contact us today. We can’t wait to help you achieve your trucking dreams!