Transportation Dispatching News: Canada to Introduce New Trucking Safety Regulations

February brought two huge steps forward for trucking safety in Canada, with the government announcing plans to initiate new safety regulations that could go a long way towards making our roads safer.
Officials from Transport Minister Marc Garneau’s department confirmed that they were moving forward with a measure that will make Electronic Logging Devices (ELDS) mandatory on all trucks by 2017. They also announced plans to introduce new manufacturing stands which would require all new heavy trucks to be equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems.
While both measures are being supported by the industry, adjusting to these sorts of changes will naturally bring challenges. Read on to find out how the new regulations could affect your dispatch career.

What are ESC Systems? An Overview for Truck Dispatch Training Students

ESC systems help drivers to remain control of vehicles during high risk situations, such as when they need to swerve or brake suddenly. Once the system detects that a driver’s steering pattern does not match the direction the vehicle is facing, it can automatically brake or reduce engine power. ESC systems also come equipped with skid and traction control.
While there is no timetable in place yet for implementing the measure, it should probably be in place by 2017 or 2018, when similar laws requiring ESC for trucks manufactured in the United States come into effect. The move has received widespread support from transportation dispatching industry bodies such as the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

ESC systems make it easier to control a truck which spins out of control.

What ELD Implementation Means for Students in Truck Dispatcher Training

Expected to come into force around the same time, the mandate requiring ELDs to be installed on all trucks and buses is being put in place to reduce driver fatigue, and protect drivers from being forced to work unreasonable hours.
As students will learn in a good truck dispatch course, Canadian law requires drivers to be behind the wheel for no more than 13 hours a day, with at least 10 hours off duty, 8 of which must be consecutive. The new devices will track the amount of hours drivers spend on the road and let them know when they need to take a break, making it easier for companies to manage their fleet’s safety.

Issues With the New Laws in the Transportation Dispatching Industry

While these measures have been mostly welcomed by the trucking industry, there has been some concern expressed by freight union Teamsters Canada about privacy, with some feeling that the devices will be used by companies to track their drivers’ every move. They also raised the issue of the longer travel distances and lack of rest stops in Canada compared to the U.S., which could lead to drivers running out of hours before they arrive at a suitable stop.
Small fleet owners have also voiced concerns about the cost of implementing the devices, which are priced at a few thousand dollars each. The Owner-Operator’s Business Association of Canada has instead suggested a voluntary system with incentives.