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FPInnovations named as first certification body for mandatory ELDs

The federal government has named FPInnovations as the first third-party organization able to certify electronic logging devices for commercial trucks.

The mandate for electronic logging devices, which are designed to combat driver fatigue, comes into effect June 12, 2021.

Electronic logging devices are tamper-resistant devices that are integrated into commercial vehicle engines. They are intended to ensure that commercial drivers stay within their daily driving limit and accurately log their working hours.

In 2019, Transport Canada announced that all federally regulated commercial trucks and buses operating in Canada would need to be equipped with a certified electronic logging device to better track drivers’ hours of driving, work and rest.

Transport Canada, in partnership with the Standards Council of Canada, developed a plan to allow for third-party testing and certification. Only certified electronic logging devices will meet federal requirements.

Canada’s electronic logging device requirement addresses a Saskatchewan Coroners Service recommendation following the tragic collision involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team.

Best practices have shown that third-party certification for electronic logging devices will ensure a consistent, reliable and accurate certification process.

FPInnovations has a specialized expertise in this area.

“FPInnovations is honoured to receive accreditation from Transport Canada and the Standards Council of Canada as a certification body of electronic logging devices,” says Glen Légère, senior director, Fibre Supply Innovation Centre of Excellence at FPInnovations.

“We went through a rigorous accreditation process and have demonstrated compliance with the International Organization for Standardization standard, ISO/IEC 17065. We have demonstrated our expertise in testing these devices and the validity of the results of our methodology.”

FPInnovations will soon announce guidelines on how to apply for certification of electronic logging devices.

“FPInnovations understands the importance of the electronic logging device mandate and is ready and committed to helping improve road safety in Canada by taking up the challenge of certifying these devices. FPInnovations will soon announce guidelines on how electronic logging device providers can apply for device certification.”

Transport Canada estimates that the mandatory requirement for electronic logging devices will reduce the risk of fatigue-related collisions by approximately 10 per cent.