The International Roadcheck Blitz is a regulatory compliance enforcement initiative for commercial motor vehicles and their drivers that takes place annually over three days. During this period, enforcement officials conduct a high volume of inspections on commercial motor vehicles and commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Inspections take place at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites and via mobile patrols in Canada, the USA and Mexico. This year’s Blitz will run from May 12th to May 14th.

Focus for 2026: (ELD) tampering, falsification or manipulation

During an inspection, the inspector will review the driver’s record of duty status as usual and check for false or manipulated entries, with a focus on ELD tampering.

How to prevent costly delays

Regularly review your documentation

Drivers:

• Regularly review (and accept or reject) unidentified driving time assigned to you
• Review and identify Hours of Service(HOS) log inaccuracies. Where inaccuracies cannot be edited, add clear meaningful comments
• Review log edits suggested by others and accept or reject edits as required
• Review and sign your HOS log at the end of every shift

Fleet Managers:

• Regularly review unidentified driving time
• Assign unidentified driving time to drivers whenever the owner of the time can be clearly discerned
• Review driver logs for inaccuracies – suggest edits and clarifying comments as required.
• Review pre and post trip inspections for recorded defects that need to be address

Sources:

BC Trucking Association

CVSA

Canadian Trucking Alliance

Save Money and Fuel when Purchasing Navistream and

Applying for CleanBC Heavy-duty Vehicle Efficiency Program

The BC Trucking Association (BCTA) in partnership with the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is accepting rebate applications for the CleanBC Heavy Duty Vehicle Efficiency (HDVE) Program. In total, $3.5 million in rebates are available for approved fuel-saving devices, and Navistream is one of them. The program will run until August 31st, 2023 or until the funds are fully allocated.

The CleanBC HDVE Program consists of two components: a course and an application-based incentive program that provides rebates on qualifying fuel-efficiency equipment.

To be eligible for the program, the following rules have to be followed:

• Before purchasing the equipment and applying for the program, at least one company representative must take and pass the current CleanBC Heavy-duty Vehicle Efficiency Program.
• The equipment must be installed on a heavy-duty vehicle with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 11,794 kg or greater and the vehicle must be licensed and insured to operate in BC.
• All qualifying equipment must be purchased from a BC-based company and installed in BC by a BC-based facility/company.
• Equipment must be purchased and installed within the program year. (August 12, 2022, and August 12, 2023)
• The company must conduct business in BC
• The company must have at least one terminal in BC.
• The applying Company must have a National Safety Code (NSC) carrier profile demonstrating a “satisfactory” rating

Note: this rebate is subject to fund availability. Starting November 1st, 2022, unallocated funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of region.

To Read the Program Guide and Additional Requirements, click here.

To learn more and Register for the Course, please visit BCtrucking.com.

To Fill out the CleanBC Heavy-duty Vehicle Efficiency Program Incentive Rebates Application form, click here.

To Pre-order Navistream ELD, email sales@stti.ca, fill out our form, or call 778-696-8200.

Addressing Labour Shortages in the Transportation Industry

Labour shortages and “The Great Resignation” have dominated news headlines throughout 2022. An upward trend in vacancies across multiple industries has left many scratching their heads and wondering, “Where exactly did all the people go?”  A January report by Trucking HR Canada predicts an estimated 55,600 upcoming driver vacancies between 2019 and 2023.

Causes

Various factors are at play when it comes to driver vacancies. As we begin to transition out of the peak of the Covid-19 era, many individuals have had an opportunity to reassess their career plans. Some have chosen to reduce their hours, work remotely, go into business on their own, or even move into entirely new industries. However, the most significant hurdle for the transportation industry is undoubtedly retirement, with the average age of Class 1 Drivers in Canada being 55.

A Solid Retention Strategy

Of course, recruitment is only half the battle, and solid retention initiatives are essential to a successful employment strategy. In today’s tight transportation labour market, attracting top talent takes more than offering a well-rounded benefits package. Robust pension plans, health and wellness programs, and other industry perks such as paid wait time, year-round work, and scheduled home time will often determine employee longevity. Top-of-the-line equipment and a rigorous maintenance schedule ensure employees feel safe in their career choice. Intuitive Electronic Logging Devices such as the Navistream system allow drivers to go through entire pre and post-trip vehicle inspections with ease.

Recruitment challenges aside, the future of the transportation business is bright. A recent industry profile from the Vancouver Public Library shows that the Transportation and Warehousing industry in Canada expects to expand its workforce at a faster-than-average pace over the next ten years.

For further information on Class 1 Driver grant programs in Western Canada please see the links below:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/vehicle-safety-enforcement/information-education/training-funding-grants

https://www.alberta.ca/driving-back-to-work-grant-program.aspx

About Streamline Streamline Transportation Technologies Inc., an Arrow Company, is a leading provider of fleet management solutions for the transportation industry. Streamline combines telematics with advanced wireless and vehicle automation technologies to make vehicles safer, cleaner, and more productive. Streamline’s core products include; Navistream™, an ELD and telematics platform, and Degama, a Transportation Management Solution (TMS). The integration of the platforms allows Streamline to offer a complete package of fleet solutions, customizable to any fleet size. For more information, visit stti.com.

Streamline Transportation Technologies Supports

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Streamline Transportation is joining the 2022 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week initiatives. This year we have donated funds and items to provincial trucking associations and local trucking industry charities as a sign of support for North American Truck Drivers.

National Trucking Week is an annual event that celebrates the importance of the trucking industry in Canada. Held every September, the weeklong event highlights the vital role that truckers play in keeping the country running. From delivering essential goods and supplies to helping to keep the economy moving, truckers play a crucial role in our day-to-day lives. National Trucking Week is an opportunity to show appreciation for all that truckers do for us. During the week, there are many events and activities planned across the country to show support for truckers. Whether it’s attending a parade, hosting a BBQ or sharing a message of thanks on social media, National Trucking Week is a great way to show appreciation for the hardworking men and women of the Canadian trucking industry.

Streamline Transportation supports the CTA statement that “Truck Drivers: the Backbone of Our Economy & the Heart of Our Industry.”

 Understanding Canadian ELD Mandate and

BC Logging Hours-of-Services

In March 2022, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) announced that “the use of ELDs for federally regulated carriers will be mandatory starting January 1, 2023.” An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a device that is connected to the vehicle engine control module and automatically records a driver’s driving time.

The BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is currently determining how to mandate ELDs in the province. As stated in the BC National Safety Code Bulletin (updated on March 17, 2022), “the revised intended target for the implementation of a provincial ELD mandate is January 1, 2023.” Exact timelines for provincial ELD enforcement are expected soon.

Existing British Columbia Hours-of-Services (HOS) regulations mirror the Canadian federal regulations. Additional rules have been added; BC Logging Hours of Services is an example. Logging trucks in BC have a choice to follow three HOS rules: BC Logger, Canadian Federal Cycle 1, or Canadian Federal Cycle 2. While the Federal HOS seems straightforward, the BC Logging HOS can often be misunderstood. As per CVSE National Safety Code, trucks that follow BC Logging HOS:

The key benefit of using BC Logging HOS is they maximize legal daily working time by adding one hour daily and 10 hours weekly. However, if you regularly experience over 30 consecutive minutes of delays during a work shift and can go off-duty, you may find Canadian Federal HOS rules more beneficial to your business.

Regardless of the HOS that you choose to follow, you will eventually need to use an Electronic logging device to record your duty status. Streamline Transportation Technologies is a Kamloops-based ELD and telematics provider that supports BC Logging, Canadian Federal, Alberta Provincial and other HOS rules. We make sure that all our customers stay compliant with government requirements and benefit from using telematics. Our systems have a best-in-class user interface, the ability to build custom reports, and responsive local customer support. Forestry players such as Canfor, West Fraser, Interfor, ALPAC, Weyerhaeuser, and Mosaic Forest Management have chosen Navistream, by Streamline, as their ELD solution. 

About Streamline Streamline Transportation Technologies Inc., an Arrow Company, is a leading provider of fleet management solutions for the transportation industry. Streamline combines telematics with advanced wireless and vehicle automation technologies to make vehicles safer, cleaner, and more productive. Streamline’s core products include; Navistream™, an ELD and telematics platform, and Degama, a Transportation Management Solution (TMS). The integration of the platforms allows Streamline to offer a complete package of fleet solutions, customizable to any fleet size. For more information, visit stti.com.

At Streamline, we constantly increase our level of expertise to provide our customers with the most reliable information, however, the information on this page is presented for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as legal advice. Please, contact your local DOT department for questions Streamline is unable to answer.

Streamline is now partnering with Direct Communication Solutions to bring the Next-Generation Video Telematics

Direct Communication Solutions, Inc. (DCS), a leading provider of information technology solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) market, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Streamline Transportation Technologies to deliver SaaS solutions for next-generation Video Telematics.  It enables operators of Streamlines’ Navistream™ solution to experience the power of Video Telematics in addition to Navistream™ Onboard intelligence and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) compliance.

For more information, read the full press release »

 What a Fleet Manager Should Know About Fleet Compliance

Trucking as a business can be very challenging. A few reasons are maintaining a fleet compliant and identifying what regulations have to be followed. Every country, state, territory and province has its own set of rules. In this blog, we share some key information and links that should help you understand the basics of fleet compliance.

What is Fleet Compliance?

In a nutshell, a fleet is compliant when all the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT) and/or Transport Canada (TS) compliance requirements are met. Local transportation policies and regulations also need to be followed. If a business chooses to overlook compliance, then fines and increased administrative costs can drag the business down and negatively impact your reputation.

Most compliance regulations are country-specific but there are some similarities.

What does Fleet Compliance Include?

USA Fleet Compliance

To be compliant in the USA, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (the Department of Transportation (DOT) enforcement branch)  regulations have to be followed. All commercial motor vehicle companies and operators are subject to DOT compliance regulations.

The FMCSA requires fleet managers to follow five main types of compliance:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Compliance
• Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports
• IFTA Compliance
• CSA Score
• Pre-employment checks, continuous random drug and alcoholic testings and Federal Drug & Alcohol Testing Regulations

HOS Compliance

Hours Of Service regulations have been created to decrease the number of accidents caused by driver fatigue. Drivers are required by law to use FMCSA-approved electronic logging devices (ELDs) to follow the regulations and have evidence that the number of hours driven stays within the HOS regulation limits.

You can read more about the USA Hours of Services regulations here.

Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports

A Driver Vehicle Inspection Report is a formal record confirming that a driver has completed a daily inspection on a vehicle. It is a documented list of inspected items on a vehicle, and it can be requested by an authorized inspector or a law enforcement agency. If truck drivers fail to provide the DVIR when requested by an authorized inspection body, they can be fined and/or refused entry into the USA or Canada. 

The DVIR’s purpose is to prevent defective commercial vehicles from operating on the road to minimize the chances of an accident. You can read more about the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report here.

International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)

IFTA is the agreement between the Canadian provinces and lowers 48 American states that allows inter-jurisdictional carriers to report and pay taxes to a single jurisdiction. Any commercial vehicle that is used for business, or travels in more than one jurisdiction, and has three or more axles and/or a total registered gross vehicle weight of more than 11,797 kg (26,000 pounds) has to be registered for IFTA in their province/state of vehicle records. You can read more about IFTA here.

ELD Compliance

In order to prepare Hours-of-service records of duty status (RODS), most commercial drivers need to use electronic logging devices. Canadian and American ELD rules differ and each country has its own set of exceptions.  To get familiar with the regulations and with the ELD mandate exemptions visit ELD – FAQ and General Information about the ELD Rule (FMCSA).

Consequences of Being Non-Compliant

If a business chooses to overlook compliance, penalties and fines will follow. Penalties incurred by having a non-compliant fleet can cost a fortune and slow down business administrative work. When a driver is found in violation of HOS or ELD regulations, they can be forced out of service or the carrier’s safety score can be affected. Additionally, the business won’t be able to take advantage of any incentives the government offers for compliant businesses.

Fleet Compliance Solutions

Telematics, dashcams and fleet management systems have been game-changing in the field. They help by automating some safety and compliance checks and help simplify the way fleet managers get driver and vehicle reports, files and other compliance documents. One of the best telematics solutions for maintaining fleet compliance are Electronic Logging Devices. FMCSA and Transport Canada certified ELDs help keep fleets compliant with HOS and DVIR regulations. Some of the more advanced ELDs can help provide IFTA and advanced safety and maintenance reporting that can speed up  fleet administration work. Dashcam solutions are known to be a great asset to have if the CMV is involved in an accident.

Stay Compliant With the Navistream ELD by Streamline Transportation Technologies

Navistream is an easy-to-use, safe and compliant ELD solution. With Navistream, you will be able to simplify HOS, DVIR and IFTA reporting as well as get advanced and customizable reports regularly scheduled to your email address. Telematics will be able to help you save money and time in the long term. Read this customer success story of using Navistream and watch the video from the BC Forest Safety Council to get to know how our ELD solution can change your life. If you have any questions, please let us know.

About Streamline Streamline Transportation Technologies Inc., an Arrow Company, is a leading provider of fleet management solutions for the transportation industry. Streamline combines telematics with advanced wireless and vehicle automation technologies to make vehicles safer, cleaner, and more productive. Streamline’s core products include; Navistream™, an ELD and telematics platform, and Degama, a Transportation Management Solution (TMS). The integration of the platforms allows Streamline to offer a complete package of fleet solutions, customizable to any fleet size. For more information, visit stti.com.

At Streamline, we constantly increase our level of expertise to provide our customers with the most reliable information, however, the information on this page is presented for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as legal advice. Please, contact your local DOT department for questions Streamline is unable to answer.

References:

https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/396.11

https://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/tax/ifta/

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service

https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/motor-vehicle-safety/motor-carriers-commercial-vehicles-drivers 

https://www.transportation.gov/

Canadian ELD Mandate Has Been Delayed

On March 7th, 2022, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators announced that an extension of the ELD enforcement transition period is required. CCMTA will “continue to support the mandate through a period of education and awareness through to January 1, 2023”.

This change gives enough time for more ELD providers to get certified on time and CMV operators and business owners to shift from paperlogs/non-certified logging devices to Transport Canada certified Electronic Logging Devices. 

Related blogs:

ELD – Frequently Asked Questions

ELD Enforcement in Canadian Provinces

Successful ELD Implementation Timeline

Streamline is on its way to Canadian ELD Certification. What to Expect?

About Streamline Streamline Transportation Technologies Inc., an Arrow Company, is a leading provider of fleet management solutions for the transportation industry. Streamline combines telematics with advanced wireless and vehicle automation technologies to make vehicles safer, cleaner, and more productive. Streamline’s core products include; Navistream™, an ELD and telematics platform, and Degama, a Transportation Management Solution (TMS). The integration of the platforms allows Streamline to offer a complete package of fleet solutions, customizable to any fleet size. For more information, visit stti.com.

At Streamline, we constantly increase our level of expertise to provide our customers with the most reliable information, however, the information on this page is presented for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as legal advice. Please, contact your local DOT department for questions Streamline is unable to answer.

Electronic Logging Devices – Frequently Asked Questions

The ELD Mandate (Electronic Logging Device) can raise many questions. For your convenience, we have gathered the answers to the most commonly asked ELD-related questions and summarized them in the below blog post.

What Is an ELD?

According to both the FMCSA and CCMTA, an ELD is an electronic hardware device resistant to tampering and capable of electronically recording on & off duty statuses and other activities of a Commercial Motor Vehicle(CMV). The ELD mandate, sometimes referred to as the electronic logbook mandate, took place to streamline Hours of Service (HOS) management, reduce crashes caused by driver fatigue and increase fair competition between fleet owners.

How Does an ELD work? 

An Electronic Logging Device is connected to a vehicle’s Onboard Diagnostics port (OBD),  a driver’s input device (usually a tablet or phone), and the fleet software (such as Navistream). An ELD records data either triggered by input from the driver (such as driver’s duty status change, login/logout activity and so on) or by an ELD’s internal monitoring functions (data diagnostics detections, etc.). The ELD device records data on the vehicle engine, location, speed, distance driven, VIN, driver’s hours of services, inspections and more.

Who must have ELDs in the USA?

All commercial motor carriers and drivers who are currently required to prepare HOS records of their duty status (RODS) must use ELDs. The rule also applies to Canada-/Mexico-domiciled drivers, as well as to commercial buses and trucks.

When is ELD Mandatory in Canada?

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra stated that the mandate starts on June 12th, 2021, with early enforcement measures consisting of education and awareness, no penalty stage, and formal notifications thorough inspection reports. The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators has announced that the mandate is reaching full enforcement on January 1st, 2023.

Who is required to have ELDs in Canada?

Starting from January 1st, 2023, all federally regulated trucks and buses will require the use of Electronic Logging Devices to record their Hours of Services (HoS), replacing paper logbooks.

For Provincially Regulated Carriers changes apply based on their specific provincial adoption decisions. Visit ELD Enforcement in Canadian Provinces to learn more about specific provincial ELD regulations.

Which Trucks/commercial motor vehicles are ELD exempt in Canada?

Canadian ELD exemptions are the following:

− A CMV that stays within a 160 km radius of its home terminal. 

− A CMV rented for less than 30 days and is not an extended or renewed rental of the same vehicle.

− A CMV manufactured before the model year 2000.

− A good rule of thumb: if drivers did not require using paper logs before the mandate, they probably do not require ELDs.

What should I do if an ELD Malfunctions?

As described in Technical Standard, when the ELD malfunction occurs, the driver has to, first of all, notify the motor carrier when it happened. 

• The carrier has to register the event and maintain the event’s information for six months from when the event has occurred. Keep in mind this register is subject to audit by provincial or territorial auditors.
• In Canada, the driver can use paper logs for a maximum of 14 days or upon return to the home terminal if the trip takes longer than 14 days. The malfunctioning ELD must be repaired or replaced before the CMV with the ELD is dispatched to another trip. 
• In the US, the driver can record their HOS on paper for a maximum period of 8 consecutive days.

What else can I use an ELD for?

Each ELD provider offers different features. With Streamline ELD Navistream, you will get:

How to implement ELDs in the fleet?

At Streamline, we have the following recommendations to keep in mind while choosing an ELD:

1. Do your research (know what features you are looking for, try and pilot different solutions, compare)
2. Choose your provider and understand what is required for installation (self installation, 3rd party, level of difficulty etc.)
3. Understand training requirements, costs and length of training.
4. Establish what KPIs are important for managing your fleet and begin benchmarking good behaviours.

For more information, please go to Successful ELD Implementation – Preparing for June 2022.

About Streamline

Streamline Transportation Technologies Inc., an Arrow Company, is a leading provider of fleet management solutions for the transportation industry. Streamline combines telematics with advanced wireless and vehicle automation technologies to make vehicles safer, cleaner, and more productive. Streamline’s core products include; Navistream™, an ELD and telematics platform, and Degama, a Transportation Management Solution (TMS). The integration of the platforms allows Streamline to offer a complete package of fleet solutions, customizable to any fleet size. For more information, visit stti.com.

At Streamline, we constantly increase our level of expertise to provide our customers with the most reliable information, however, the information on this page is presented for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as legal advice. Please, contact your local DOT department for questions Streamline is unable to answer.

References:

https://www.cvse.ca/

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-08-18/pdf/2020-15667.pdf

https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/electronic-logging-devices

https://eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/

https://www.ccmta.ca/en/commercial-motor-vehicle-safety