The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) electronic logging device (ELD) mandate has remained a major topic since soft enforcement began in December 2017 and full enforcement followed in April 2018. Although U.S. fleets currently report a 97% ELD compliance rate, the quality of available ELD solutions still varies widely. Fleet operators have at least two reasons to pay close attention. First, the FMCSA previously noted that roughly 300 ELD devices on the U.S. market did not meet technical specifications for data transfers, which are essential during roadside inspections. Second, because U.S. suppliers can self-certify their ELD solutions, it can be difficult for regulators and inspectors to determine whether a device truly complies with the mandate.
The first issue creates risk for U.S. fleets today. The second may soon become an even bigger concern for fleets that regularly move freight across the Canadian border.
Although Canada’s ELD regulations were still being finalized at the time this article was originally written, the expectation was that the Canadian mandate would differ from U.S. rules in several important ways. One of the most significant proposed differences was third-party certification for ELD solutions used in Canada. If adopted, that requirement would reflect a lesson learned from the U.S. rollout and an effort to avoid the problems created by noncompliant devices entering the market.
For U.S. fleet owners and drivers, these developments also presented an opportunity: prepare for both U.S. and Canadian compliance at the same time. Here are three practical tips to keep in mind.
The American Trucking Associations has long argued that trusted third-party verification would strengthen ELD enforcement. While the Canadian mandate had not yet taken effect when this article was first published, it was already clear that fleets should ask whether an ELD solution had been independently validated against both current U.S. requirements and anticipated Canadian standards.
When evaluating ELD vendors, fleet managers should ask how each solution aligns with U.S. regulations and how the provider is preparing for Canadian compliance. At a minimum, FMCSA-compliant ELD solutions should support features such as:
An ELD provider should be more than a device vendor. The right partner should be able to guide your team through the nuances of both the U.S. mandate and Canada’s evolving requirements. Fleet managers should evaluate a provider’s credibility, industry knowledge, and staying power, especially in a market where vendor consolidation and service shutdowns can create compliance risks. For fleets still operating with AOBRD devices, it is also critical to determine whether those systems are truly ready for the transition to ELDs.
Choosing an ELD provider should be more than a compliance exercise. It should be an opportunity to invest in technology that improves fleet management more broadly.
Fleet managers should also expect their ELD provider to support driver training. A strong training plan can help operators understand how to use their devices properly, respond to roadside inspections, and return to the road more efficiently. For fleets that cross the border, it may even make sense to co-host training sessions with the vendor so drivers can practice real-world scenarios and prepare for both U.S. and Canadian inspections.
While training drivers, fleet owners should consider providing a law-enforcement-focused checklist that drivers can complete before they are assigned a route. These checklists should highlight key differences between U.S. and Canadian ELD requirements and walk drivers through what to expect during a roadside inspection.
For example, fleets may want drivers to be prepared to answer questions such as:
By taking the time to prepare both drivers and vehicles for cross-border compliance, fleet managers can reduce the risk of fines, delays, unnecessary inspections, and lost business opportunities.