Tag: canada

electric vehicles, gofleet, range anxiety, fleet

Electric Or Gas-Powered Vehicles: Which One Does Your Fleet Need?

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on Electric Or Gas-Powered Vehicles: Which One Does Your Fleet Need?

When you think of electric vehicles (EVs), what immediately comes to mind? Very likely you’re thinking about those tiny little cars and even tinier parking spaces outfitted with charging stations. But did you know that modern EV’s come in all shapes and sizes? Auto companies are constantly coming up with innovative ways to “electrify” large trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles, and there’s never been a better time to plug in.

Many major auto manufacturers, including Ford and Rivian, are rolling out electric commercial vehicles, and because they’re only likely to become more common than less, there are a number of things to consider when deciding whether or not to make the switch from gas to electric trucks for your fleet.

EV or Gas-Powered?

There’s never been a better time than now to start thinking about adding EVs to your fleet. There are pros and cons to early adoption of electric trucks, including business needs, vehicle requirements and resources to support both EVs and gas-powered vehicles. 

Pro #1: Saving Money

Compensation can be a big incentive for fleet managers who are on the fence about making the switch to electric vehicles. According to Environment Canada, the transportation, oil and gas sectors were the largest emission producers in Canada, accounting for 52% of total emissions in 2019.

The Canadian Government introduced the Green Freight Assessment Program (GFAP) in 2018, in order to help fleets reduce fuel costs and emissions over the next four years. The GFAP applies to medium and heavy duty vehicle fleets who are considering purchasing alternative fuel vehicles; those who invest in retrofit or low-emission vehicles can receive up to $100,000 from GFAP.

Pro #2: Cutting Costs

EVs are four times more efficient than internal combustion engines, which means you save money on fuel. Furthermore, electric vehicles have fewer equipment needs; they don’t require spark plugs or oil changes, which translates to less time and money spent on maintenance. 

Pro #3: The future is electric

The future is electric, and battery intelligence optimization is a key element to unlocking its potential. Not only does the future of electric trucks speak to a more eco-friendly future, but it also has the capabilities for stronger, faster and tougher vehicles. As fleets look ahead, national policy is going to change around zero-emission targets. For example, the U.K. is introducing a ban on petrol and diesel cars in 2035. If you don’t want to be left behind, now might be the time to consider adopting EV vehicles into your fleet. Electric trucks might not yet have the capacity for long-distance travel, simply due to the shortage of EV charging stations, but in the meantime, EVs are a great choice for local routes, and can make a big impact with short-distance travel. 

What to consider 

Although EVs represent a roadmap to eco-conscious trucking and huge fuel savings, There are several hurdles that remain before their adoption is widespread.

#1: EVs Are Expensive

New technology is expensive. For example, the 2021 Rivian R1T, one of the first all-electric trucks to hit the market, starts at $69,000 US — more than double the price of a 2020 combustion-powered Ford 150.

#2: There’s Not A Lot Of Data — Yet

Currently, EVs are lim­ited to specific applications that are well-suited to the technology; there will be many questions about their capabilities until such time as they can log significant travel time in real-world trucking operations.

#3 Range Anxiety

Route distance and road range can be an issue without infrastructure, leading to “range anxiety”; the fear that a vehicle won’t make it to its destination before getting to a charging station. The higher the speed, the more energy EVs require — most experts recommend that EV drivers keep their speed under 100 km to maintain battery life. 

In addition, EVs don’t perform well in the cold. Using the vehicle’s heating system in cold weather can drain the battery, leaving its range cut by more than 40%. If your electric commercial truck is loaded up with cargo, you will now have to consider how the additional weight could affect power, which might require more EV charging stations along regular routes.

Vehicle manufacturers are still trying to figure out range solutions for longer trips, including larger batteries that may have capacity to hold more electricity. For example, Rivian announced vehicle-to-vehicle charging, meaning drivers can charge their EVs with another one’s leftover juice. Even further down the road, there’s a city in Sweden that will soon install real-life “electric roads” that allow you to charge your EV while you drive.

Considering EVs? Consider GoFleet

It’s important to know your company intrinsically; what makes it tick, its size, scope, purpose, key stakeholders, what kinds of routes your vehicles take, and what kind of vehicles you already have so you can determine what you need. Can your company afford to invest in a complete overhaul of a brand-new fleet of electric vehicles? Probably not. If you start to gradually import new EVs, will your existing combustion-engine fleet suffer? How gradually should new vehicles be incorporated? As you start the process of adding EVs to your roster, GoFleet can help you make the transition as seamless as possible.

Manage and Support your EV fleet

With GoFleet, fleet managers can stay on top of planning, scheduling, and completing service tasks with real-time updates and reporting. Review the fuel and EV energy usage for your fleet, allowing insights for electric range and performance of your vehicles. Reports could also be used to maximize and identify if any of your PHEVs are running solely on gas.

We’ll provide support across your entire EV fleet; If your drivers have smart devices, no additional hardware is required. Just install the gps tracking app on their phones and start running vehicles with more efficiency.

Visibility On Fuel And EV Energy Usage

We’ll supply a complete charging history of your EVs, showing you when and where the vehicles are charging, the length of time the vehicles were charging at a specific location, and how much of a charge they received. Our EV Charge Assurance provides a comprehensive view into the charging status of all your fleet’s electric vehicles.

In addition, you’ll receive alerts and notifications, such as when battery levels of a vehicle reach critical levels while on the road and the battery needs to be charged. Remind your drivers when it’s time to plug in and prioritize charging order for your vehicles

The GoFleet Solution

Although diesel will likely remain many fleets’ primary fuel for the immediate future, especially for longer, more complex routes, the introduction of EVs represent the industry’s first steps toward a future beyond the internal combustion engine and a massive industry shift.

There seems to be a fast and furious race to the finish line to see who can bring EVs to market first, whereas the focus should be on smart, scalable implementation. Regardless of whether you choose an EV or gas-powered fleet, GoFleet offers comprehensive solutions designed specifically for your business requirements. We’ll help you determine what to look for based on your fleet’s needs; whether you’re transitioning to an entirely electric fleet or plan to retain gas-powered vehicles as well. We’ll help you strategize and plan for your fleet’s future, all while saving you time, money and resources. Contact one of our specialists today!

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The Top Canadian ELD Myths That Could Be Holding Your Fleet Back

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on The Top Canadian ELD Myths That Could Be Holding Your Fleet Back

If you’ve been keeping tabs on the Canadian Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate, you know that the deadline for compliance was set for June 12, 2021. While this date has recently been noted as a soft compliance date to focus on education and awareness with penalties not beginning until June 12, 2022, being compliant ASAP will only ensure you will be ready for anything. Regardless of whether you have a fleet of hundreds or only a few vehicles, this mandate will apply to you. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the deadline and bring your fleet up to speed.

Upcoming ELD Mandate Deadline

Transport Canada has been working diligently over the past four years to align with the ELD Mandate passed in the United States. The ELD Mandate states that providers must obtain certification from a third-party to ensure their solutions meet the necessarily-complex technical standards set forth by Transport Canada.

Among other things, the goals of the Canadian ELD Mandate include:

  • Standardizing processes to prevent logbook tampering, driver harassment and general errors.
  • Changing how drive time is recorded and reported
  • Replacing paper logs with ELDs that integrate directly into commercial vehicle engines
  • Compliance with Canadian Hours of Service (HOS) Rules

 

Canadian HOS Rules

The Hours of Service (HOS) Rules ensure that commercial drivers operate their vehicles within the daily limit and log working hours accurately using an elog app, or electronic logbook. The devices ensure drivers comply with the Canadian Government’s Commercial Vehicle Drivers HOS Regulations by tracking when drivers have been at the wheel and for how long.

 

Why Was the ELD Mandate Introduced?

The Canadian ELD mandate was developed to support the economy by improving road safety and decreasing driver fatigue. Similar to the U.S. ELD Mandate, devices must synchronize with engines, capture driving times automatically, offer GPS tracking and digital log verification. Unlike the American iteration, Transport Canada requires third-party verification of ELDs (in the U.S., ELD manufacturers can self verify.)

ELDs have long been linked with safer driving habits, including prevention of driver fatigue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) identifies driver fatigue as a main factor linked to vehicle crashes, accounting for 15-20% of transportation accidents.

Commercial vehicle drivers tend to be more at risk for fatigue on the road due to long work days, irregular schedules and monotonous driving. According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance, a universal ELD mandate would curb the behaviours associated with higher crash rates almost immediately. The goal is to ensure that all carriers follow the HOS rules, which will make compliance easier to track and ultimately level the playing field within the industry.

 

Top ELD Myths Debunked

With any new mandate, as with any new technology, you’re bound to find misconceptions about the latest requirements and who they apply to. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common myths surrounding Canadian ELDs.

 

ELDs Will Put Owners Out of Business

One of the remarks most frequently shared with the FMCSA was the fear that ELDs would push operators out of business. Fears arose as a result of the anticipation that ELDs would be cost-prohibitive, and the perception that HOS rules would result in fewer driving hours, resulting in lower productivity.

Actually, commercial fleets that adopt ELDs statistically never return to paper logs. ELDs can record status changes down to the minute, whereas paper logbooks round up to the nearest 15 minutes. Ultimately, ELDs can lead to more posted mileage.

 

ELDs are Cost-Prohibitive

The underlying principle behind the ELD Mandate is that a driver’s time is a limited yet precious resource. When drivers are universally limited to the same time restrictions, fleets can focus on making the most of their time, rather than sitting idle.

While there is definitely an upstart cost, ELDs are not necessarily cost-prohibitive. Current ELD pricing is considerably lower due to compatibility with the smart devices already in use by most fleets. These systems are an investment in your company’s future; they’ll grow with your business and stay relevant as you continue to expand.

When compared to other operational costs such as liability, equipment, fuel and permits, investing in ELDs can offer significant cost savings, especially with regards to fuel economy. ELDs can actually identify driving behaviours that can cut into profits, such as idling, hard braking and speeding. According to the FMCSA, the average annual cost of an ELD will be estimated at $495 per truck, with a total range of $165 to $832 per truck with the ELD rule. Compare this to 20 years ago, when an individual camera cost upwards of $2500.

 

ELDs Require a Driver’s Attention, Distracting Them From the Road

There have been claims that ELDs require drivers to interact with them while driving.

In fact, a driver does need to log into his device and a status must be selected. But once the driver is on the road, an ELD will automatically update the driver’s status between ‘Driving’ and ‘Not Driving’. In addition, a countdown timer with audible alerts ensures that drivers have enough time to park safely before reaching the HOS limit.

 

ELDs Automatically Report HOS Violations

Nothing is transmitted to law enforcement unless there’s cause, such as a traffic violation, roadside inspection or a compliance audit. Like a paper logbook, ELD won’t automatically transmit data, nor does it automatically trigger violations. ELDs will actually make roadside inspection go faster, because officials can verify HOS compliance at a glance.

 

ELDs are Surveillance Machines

Fleet managers don’t have hours to sit around playing Big Brother with their drivers. The point of acquiring an ELD system is to prevent the influx of data. ELDs are programmed to notify managers about specific triggers and events, and the only people who use those data sets are the ones authorized to do so. An audit of your digital logs work in much the same way as they would with traditional paper logs; the only difference is the electronic logs are more accurate and save more time.

 

ELDs Can Shut Down Your Truck

Only the driver determines when and where he will stop. ELDs record engine data, they don’t drive your vehicle.

 

ELDs Don’t Improve Truck and Driver Safety

A report from the Center for Truck and Bus Safety of Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that commercial drivers using e-Logs had a 11.7% reduction in total crash rates and a 5.1% reduction in preventable crash rates compared to trucks not equipped with electronic logs.

 

ELDs Only Apply to Big Fleets

Smaller fleets (20 trucks or fewer) report the same improvements in their operations as larger fleets do with the implementation of ELDs. The same goes for reduced operating costs. Essentially, the ELD Mandate applies to all fleet sizes, regardless of how many trucks you have. If you file a Record of Duty Status, you must have an ELD.

 

I Don’t Need an ELD, I Can Use My Smart Device

A tablet or smartphone or tablet alone will not meet the ELD requirements. In order to be compliant, a device must also integrate with the truck’s engine. Only those devices certified and listed with the FMCSA will be considered compliant.

 

Conclusion

The Canadian regulation requirement of third-party certification is the biggest differentiating factor between Canada and the U.S.; devices in Canada must undergo a vetting process to make sure they have the correct technical requirements.

For that reason, fewer ELDs are expected to be approved for use in Canada. The Canadian Government is committed to a safe and reliable transportation system, and fleet managers would do well to follow suit. Don’t wait until June 12 — GoFleet has a host of ELD options and fully-integrated digital solutions for your business, regardless of size. When it comes to compliance, there are no shortcuts.

fleet, electronic logging device, eld mandate

What You Need to Know Before Purchasing an Electronic Logging Device

Posted on | by Victoria Gole | Leave a Comment on What You Need to Know Before Purchasing an Electronic Logging Device

Fleet management may look like an easy process at first glance. However, individuals who are working in this industry can testify that it is much more complex than it may seem. Fleet management systems are composed of information about all the aspects of an entire fleet within one specialized database system. The same goes for documents for meeting with fleet compliance. Fortunately, electronic logging solutions can ease this complexity. 

Moreover, purchasing an Electronic Logging Device or ELD solution is an imperative decision. Not only that it will help your fleet be FMCSA compliant but it also offers different features to make your operations easier. On top of that, it will allow business to maximize profits. 

However, there are so many ELD providers that you can find right now, making it difficult to choose the right one. That said, it is important for you to first understand the aspects that an excellent ELD provider must possess.

 

The Things You Need to Know Before Purchasing an ELD Solution

An Electronic Logging Device is a digital solution that allows commercial motor carriers and professional truck drivers to track the HOS or Hours of Service compliance. It is attached into the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port of the vehicle. This way, the device can record the vehicle’s data. That includes the speed, location, number of miles driven, and more. 

There are basically two ELD types. The first one is a fixed unit or one that stays in the fleet. Meanwhile, the second one is called BYODs – short for Bring Your Own device. 

The latter can be a simple app installed in the driver’s phone. Moreover, a fixed ELD should be installed by a professional as it is hard wired. 

Moreover, the main benefit of a fixed ELD is that the user is less likely to lose or damage it. Additionally, hard wired systems provides better control over the users’ data. They are also more straightforward in terms of maintenance since they are homogenous. 

On the other hand, a BYOD ELD is a system that lets user bring their own device and install the ELD system app there. It works by connected the device, a smartphone, for instance, to the Electronic Control Module or ECM via a dongle through the cab’s onboard diagnostic port. The dongle will be responsible for connecting and transmitting data to the smartphone using Bluetooth. There are also BYOD ELDs that rely on the phone’s data plan in order to work. 

Furthermore, regardless of the ELD type you will choose, one thing that you need to ensure is its certification on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA’s list of ELDs. 

 

The ELD Mandate

ELDs work by recording data about a vehicle’s operation and its driver’s activity. The recorded information about the driver is mostly about the hours of service. HOS consist of a permanent record of driving hours, rest time, and on-duty hours within the entire trip. Notably, on-duty hours is the time the driver is working but not driving.

Recording this data is important because commercial drivers have a maximum time restriction in the number of hours that they can drive between rest periods. 

In 1937, the federal law mandated commercial drivers to keep their service logbooks. Back then, they mainly used logbooks and information were manually written. This method was then replaced by the ELD mandate. This regulation specifies that commercial drivers need to use electronic logging devices. 

Moreover, the usage of ELDs for trucks in Canada is set to become a requirement for professional drivers by the 12th of June 2021. Doing this will improve the driver’s road safety as well as save the trucking companies’ time and resources. 

The main reason why ELDs are required to be fitted to all commercial trucks in Canada is to ensure that both the drivers and the transportation companies are abiding by the Federal laws. This new law is an assurance that logging devices are meeting the uniform technical standards for the information below:

  • Data sharing to make sure that all ELD systems are using standardized format
  • Logbook edits that will allow drivers to certify the Record of Duty Status or RODS and make necessary edits.
  • Collection of data as a way to provide information such as engine data, motion status, and location.
  • Drive duty status to permit special driving conditions.
  • Drive alerts that will notify drivers when it is time to pull out so they can avoid violating the HOS rules.

That being said, companies that are planning to purchase ELDs should make sure that their chosen system is complying with the FMCSA. This way, they can ease themselves by knowing that they are not violating the ELD law. 

 

Who Will be Affected By The Canadian ELD Mandate?

The Canadian ELD Mandate will affect trucks, tractors, trailers or any combination of the three that has a registered gross vehicle weight in excess of 4,500 kg or a bus that is designed and constructed to have a designated seating capacity of more than 10 persons, including the driver. 

This mandate will impact fleets in all industries. For a complete list of who is required to comply, fleets are recommended to review Transport Canada or the Ministry of Transportation requirements available online. 

 

Canada’s ELD Mandate is Near – What are the Next Steps?

Since Canada’s ELD Mandate is quickly approaching, there are 3 important steps to take before June 12th.

1. How will your fleet be impacted?

You must review the regulations outlined in the Canadian ELD Mandate to not only confirm whether your operations will be impacted, but how your operations will need to prepare. This can be done by reviewing information released by Transport Canada or the Ministry of Transportation about the requirements. 

 

2. Ensure that you are subjected to the Mandate by verifying that the right hardware and software solutions are installed.

While much of the hardware and software components required to remain compliant to the upcoming mandate is likely already in place for most fleets, teams should confirm and verify this. Installations or testing can often fall through the cracks and leave teams at risk. If solutions are already in place, each driver should confirm that their device is properly configured and is collecting the right data related to their assigned routes.

 

3. Confirm that your team is properly trained on the regulation changes. 

Checking the hardware and software setup of electronic logging devices also requires team members to be trained on the materials. Whether this is how to display hours-of-service while on the road understanding new rules or time off requirements – proper research on regulation changes should never be overlooked. Fleets are recommended to review Transport Canada or the Ministry of Transportation requirements available online. 

If your fleet is impacted by the Canadian ELD Mandate and you require electronic logging devices or solutions to help remain compliant, contact us today. Our team is trained to help carriers in all industries abide to regulations.

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The Mandate Is Coming: The Additional Details You Need To Know About ELDs

Posted on | by Victoria Gole | Leave a Comment on The Mandate Is Coming: The Additional Details You Need To Know About ELDs

As many fleets in the long-haul transportation sector know, Transport Canada’s ELD Mandate is quickly approaching and will require countless vehicle-based businesses to transition to electronic logging devices (ELDs). As there will be penalties for fleets who do not use these devices, fleets are forced to update their paper logbooks. While there is basic training related to how to properly use ELDs, fleet managers must also become familiar with additional ELD information to properly abide to hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. 

Widely Known Benefits Of ELDs 

When electronic logging devices are purchased and implemented, many fleets are made aware of basic benefits. Before the mandate, it is important to review the benefits and ensure you are aware of how to see the results. Typically, fleets can see: 

  • Accurate logging for HOS as ELDs read the odometer and monitor the engine to collect various data to make sure drivers and managers abide by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations 
  • Prevention of driver fatigue since drivers won’t be overworking – accurate logs will ensure  drivers are not over-driving
  • Increased public safety as a result of decreased driver fatigue and overworking 
  • Improved data collection when investigating driving incidents as officials can use information gathered from the ELDs to rule out theories to why a driving event occurred
  • Reduced tampering of company tools or devices as the ELDs approved by the FMCSA are tamper proof and automatically display HOS

 

Additional Information About ELDs That Fleets Can’t Go Without 

While the above information is great, the Transportation Compliance Specialists at GoFleet have concluded that there is more to know. Without knowing such information, fleets may run into issues or continue to miss out on fully leveraging their devices. As a result, we believe the following is critical to know: 

  • Fraudulent changes to logs are actively stopped as FMCSA regulations limit what edits can be done (even with fleet manager access) – in addition, logs cannot be switched between drivers.
  • Crossing the border will require drivers to adjust their device to display the country they are in. This will allow the ELD to automatically update to follow the regulatory frameworks of the country that they are in. Drivers are still recommended to review the regulations of the country they are about to enter, before crossing the border, so that they are not caught off guard.
  • Even though the chances that the ELD will fail are low, drivers are allowed to revert back to paper logging if the ELD malfunctions. In case the ELD does fail, they can easily prove to officers that the tablet malfunctioned and the data was unable to transfer. 
  • Tampering with the device is easily detectible as ELDs do not only record HOS but whether the vehicle is in movement or not. 
  • Electronic logging devices must be accredited by a 3rd party certification body who is certified under the FMCSA – self certification is not allowed.

 

Properly Educating Drivers About The Mandate 

It is not enough to only have fleet managers knowledgably about the incoming ELD mandates. Fleet drivers must be properly trained in everything that we have discussed.  

From the standard operating procedures of using the electronic logging device to being aware of how devices are pre-designed to reduce improper utilization, drivers must undergo proper training. It is therefore mission-critical for training courses to be created and assigned in a timely manner for drivers, so that they can be acquainted with the mandates that are being enforced. 

To assist with this, ZenduLearn is the perfect application that can help create, deploy, and track personalized learning and training. 

With the ELD Mandate approaching in a matter of months, Canadian fleets must prepare and train their drivers. To learn more about how your vehicle-based business can further prepare for the incoming mandate, contact us today to speak with one of our Transportation Compliance Specialists. 

Now Scheduled: CVSA’s International Roadcheck

Posted on | by Victoria Gole | Leave a Comment on Now Scheduled: CVSA’s International Roadcheck

On August 10, 2020, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) announced that their International Roadcheck is rescheduled. The new date announced was September 9 – 11, 2020. Since this date is quickly approaching, it is critical for all commercial vehicles on the road to reassess and ensure compliance with federal regulations.   

As many fleets are just beginning to return to near normal productivity or are just returning to the road after pausing work after the COVID-19 pandemic, compliance must remain a priority.

 

What Is The CVSA’s International Roadcheck

The International Roadcheck is a thorough inspection of commercial vehicles on the road. These inspections are conducted over a 72-hour high-volume period and enforcement is conducted by inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Inspections will be conducted in a variety of settings – in mobile patrols, at fixed locations and weight, or at inspection stations.

 

What Will Be Checked? 

In Canada, law enforcement personnel will conduct motor vehicle and driver inspections. They will leverage standard out-of-service criteria in North America, the National Safe Code and other provincial or territorial regulations to note violations to vehicle or driver compliance.

In the U.S. inspections will use Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in addition to rules and regulations that are applicable to the commercial motor vehicle sector.

Similarly, in Mexico inspections will review regulations and standards set by the Mexican government. 

It is important to note that inspections will review driver and vehicle compliance. For more information review this note released by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance: https://www.cvsa.org/news-entry/2023-rescheduled-roadcheck/

 

How To Prepare: 

While this is not a complete list, here are some important reminders for drivers to have easily accessible while on the road: 

  •         Have ELD documentation ready with a proper understanding of how to display it 
  •         Ensure there are blank paper logs available within the vehicle (it is recommended to have at least eight days worth)
  •         Have any and all malfunctions properly notes 
  •         Ensure unassigned driving time is annotated or claimed 
  •         Wear seat belts 
  •         Remain professional with inspectors
  •         Keep vehicles clean and tidy 

Drivers should also have their driver’s license, skill performance evaluation certificate, medical examiners certificate, driver’s record of duty status, as well as any other supporting documentation that may be relevant.

Looking for more information on how to keep your fleet compliance to strict industry standards? Contact us today – we’re trained and experienced in finding effective solutions to target nearly any need. 

HOS Relief Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on HOS Relief Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

As the concern of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to worsen, many are looking at how businesses can be provided with additional relief during this time. While there are initiatives in place to help small businesses who had to close their doors to practice social distancing and slow the spread, there is additional aid that focuses on the demand for essential supplies. Specifically, focusing on increasing the amount of supplies and equipment transported daily by waiving hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. 

 

Below are updates in both Canada and the United States: 

 

HOS in the United States 

 

Earlier this month, on March 13, it was announced that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will adjust the HOS regulations. They will help those in the US transportation sector provide more assistance to relief efforts of the virus. Until April 12, 2020, or when the COVID-19 emergency is terminated, a FMCSA Emergency Declaration has been issued and will be in place nation-wide to suspend the hours-of-service regulations for drivers. 

 

Prior to adjusting any processes within your fleet, make sure you familiarize yourself and your team with the Emergency Declaration as the FMCSA has specific criteria on what will allow a carrier to be eligible. 

 

Find the Declaration here: Emergency Declaration

 

HOS in Canada 

 

Similarly, Transport Canada has issued an exception to help provide COVID-19 relief to Canadian truck drivers moving essential supplies. Again, drivers who meet specific criteria will be exempt from hours-of-services requirements when carriers who are federally regulated give advance notice with specific information regarding which vehicles will be partaking in it. This waiver will be in effect from March 24, until April 30, 2020. 

 

Again, prior to implementing any new initiatives related to HOS, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself and your team with the Essential Freight Transport Exemption. As there is specific criteria that must be met prior to being safely exempt, understanding the exemption in-full is critical. 

 

Find the Exemption here: Essential Freight Transport Exemption

 

As information and plans are in constant flux during this time, we always recommend for businesses and fleet drivers to stay up-to-date with ongoing news and regulations. This will ensure that compliance is always met and teams are working efficiently. 

 

Additional Resources To Follow: 

Truckload Carriers Association: https://www.truckload.org/resources-for-covid-19/#1585236782225-d159424f-afd2

Canadian Trucking Alliance: http://cantruck.ca/covid-19/