Steps to Successful ELD Compliance

Article written by: Titan GPS | Edited: January 24, 2022

Titan GPS is a partner of Strategic HSE and we are excited to announce that our ELD 2.0 has now been certified by CSA Group and Transport Canada!

The Canadian ELD mandate became effective June 12, 2021, with an educational transition period being granted for one calendar year. This gap isn't intended to give carriers additional time to choose a system; it's a grace period allowing them to install and implement compliant electronic logging devices (ELDs) and ensure they're running efficiently before June 2022. Is your fleet ready for ELD enforcement? 

TIP: Each jurisdiction is running its own enforcement period, so be sure to check the dates and level of enforcement in effect for your region.

Create a Culture of Positivity

A supportive culture is essential for successful adaptation and implementation. Carriers with a positive outlook on ELD systems set the tone for the transition process.

Encouragement and a positive outlook from top stakeholders influence the success of your company-wide ELD rollout. Focus on the positive. Remind drivers and admins that ELDs do the following:

• Reduce time spent monitoring logs by 40%

• Eliminate the need to review most form and manner violations

• Flag fatigue-related violations so they don't have to

A culture of positivity focuses on how an ELD solution simplifies your team's workday and improves user adoption. 

Choose Your ELD Partner

Carriers must choose an approved ELD provider for their jurisdiction. When you choose your partner, ask them about IFTA mileage collection, pre- and post-trip inspections, Federal HOS support, driver training, alternate day start times, and ELD-supported exemptions.

Our partner, Titan GPS, powered by Certified Tracking Solutions, offers the first ELD solution to be certified by the CSA Group. Their integrated solution is certified end-to-end, works the way it's supposed to, and has world-class customer support. Plus, the Titan GPS ELD 2.0 solution supports both iOS and Android phones and tablets. And, while other companies have a midnight start time, they offer alternate day start times. 

Plan Your ELD Transition Schedule

Installation, implementation, and onboarding take a minimum of five months—and that's if everything is flawless. Be intentional about planning your schedule for education and transition, and include extra time for drivers and admins to become familiar with your ELD solution. 

TIP: During this time, identify staff who can assist others when questions come up.

We estimate introducing the ELD process will take 155-185 days from start to finish. Here's a sample timeline for achieving compliance:

• Research: 15 days

• Planning: 20 days

• Operational implications: 20 days

• Develop company policies and training: 20 days

• Set up a testing program: 20 days

• Execute training: 20 days

• Install devices: 5-30 days

• Troubleshoot problems: 10 days

• Conduct internal audit: 30 days

Build in time for users to become familiar with the program on a day-to-day basis. Administrators can verify how well the system works by monitoring drivers' logs as usual. If there are any hiccups, implement additional training so everyone is comfortable moving forward.

TIP: Allow additional time for scheduling unit installs.

Watch Out for Pitfalls

In a perfect world, you could set a deadline and always meet that date. This can be challenging to achieve with so many moving parts in the industry and the learning curve associated with ELD transition. As you plan your transition schedule, beware of these common problems:

• Waiting too long: Unfortunately, many companies heard twelve-month education period and put ELD compliance aside for tomorrow. They don't have a clear plan of action or, if they do, they may not have buy-in from stakeholders. You know now that it takes a minimum of five months to prepare—you can't afford to wait any longer. 

• Jumping in head- first: We're using the word plan a lot, but only because it's the foundation of your success with ELD compliance. You can't afford to dive into your ELD transition without preparation. Test the waters by having key personnel use both the dashboard and the driver's side of the ELD solution you're implementing.

• Rushed training: Things are moving quickly, but don't cut corners by rushing staff training. You want everyone to be comfortable with all areas of the system. We recommend key personnel use the ELD as a driver to see how it reacts to daily driving operations. Staff must understand how the ELD functions and why certain activities generate information in the dashboard.

Remember Key Factors

Complying with the Canadian ELD mandate can be a lot, and it's not uncommon for everyday use factors to slip through the cracks. Here are questions to ask yourself as you move toward June 2022:

• Does your admin staff have previous ELD knowledge? Ask them to contribute to the planning, training, and implementation process.

• Does your admin understand Federal HOS?

• Does your ELD solution partner provide supplemental training? 

• How many drivers and admin do you need to train? These numbers affect the scope of your ELD education and implementation plan.

• Do you run exemptions, and does your ELD partner support them?

• Who will install devices in your fleet?

Whatever ELD solution you decide to implement, keep these factors in mind when planning your rollout—they're integral to success. 

Wrapping Up

Change is hard for everyone. Employees are resistant to change because it requires them to step out of their comfort zone. Ensure all key players are comfortable with the new ELD system before training others so they can provide a positive culture where change is a good thing.

Download the Titan GPS ELD 2.0 timeline checklist and 10 Pitfalls that Derail Your ELD Certification to make sure you have everything in place.