The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) recently celebrated a significant victory for the RV transportation industry in Canada. Transport Canada approved their request for an exemption from the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate.
This exemption, which came into effect on October 19, has been a topic of considerable discussion and advocacy within the RV industry.
This exemption pertains to a 2019 regulation that mandated electronic logging devices for commercial carriers in Canada. Notably, this includes companies in the “Drive-Away/Tow-Away” sector, responsible for delivering motorhomes and towable RVs from both US and Canadian manufacturers to RV retailers in Canada.
The need for such an exemption became evident after industry stakeholders voiced their concerns, leading to the CRVA, with the support of the RV Dealers Association of Canada (RVDA of Canada) and the RV Industry Association (RVIA), submitting an exemption request in January 2022.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time such an exemption has been sought. The RV Industry Association in the US had previously secured a similar exemption for US towaway drivers back in 2015.
Such exemptions are not just bureaucratic victories; they have tangible benefits for the industry. With this recent decision by Transport Canada, the Canadian RV Industry is poised to experience a positive shift, as per the News & Insights report of the RVIA.
One of the immediate impacts of this exemption will be on the ease of sourcing commercial vehicle drivers, especially for US manufacturers and Canadian RV retailers.
The ELD Mandate, which began on January 1, had posed challenges, with many commercial vehicle drivers demonstrating reluctance to enter Canada. This exemption effectively addresses such concerns, providing a much-needed respite to the industry.
The CRVA has expressed its gratitude to the RVDA of Canada and the RVIA for their collaborative efforts. Their joint advocacy aimed to maintain exceptional service to customers without compromising Canadian road safety.
The CRVA emphasizes that this decision by Transport Canada provides the RV transportation industry with the flexibility and efficiency essential for its unique demands.
Looking ahead, the CRVA has committed to a continued collaboration with Transport Canada. Their goal is to ensure that operators remain compliant with federal regulations while maximizing the benefits of this ELD exemption.
Such collaborative efforts between industry associations and regulatory bodies are crucial for balancing industry needs with safety regulations.