Trucking Regulations in Canada: What Drivers and Dispatchers Need to Know

• April 30, 2025
• Lightspeed

The Canadian trucking industry plays a vital role in keeping the economy moving, delivering everything from food to fuel across vast distances. But behind every shipment lies a strict framework of trucking regulations in Canada—rules that all truck drivers and dispatchers must understand and follow.

Whether you are a seasoned fleet manager, a new dispatcher, or an aspiring owner-operator, staying informed about Hours of Service (HOS), licensing requirements, and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandates is essential for legal compliance and operational success.

At Avaal, we empower logistics professionals with the knowledge and training needed to thrive in this regulated landscape.

1. Hours of Service (HOS) Rules in Canada:

HOS regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue and improve road safety by limiting how long drivers can operate commercial vehicles.

Key HOS Rules:

• Daily Driving Limit: 13 hours within a 24-hour period.
• Off-Duty Requirement: Minimum 10 hours of off-duty time per day.
• Mandatory Reset: After 70 hours in 7 days or 120 hours in 14 days, a 36-hour reset is required.
• Split Sleeper Berth: Drivers may split their off-duty time, provided neither rest period is less than 2 hours and they total at least 10 hours.

As of January 2024, more flexibility has been added to accommodate adverse weather conditions, especially in provinces like British Columbia and Alberta. However, documentation is required when invoking these exceptions.

Pro Tip: Dispatchers should monitor HOS logs closely to avoid violations that can result in hefty fines or safety rating penalties.

2. Commercial Driver’s Licensing (CDL) in Canada

Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in Canada requires the appropriate Class of driver’s licence, which may vary by province.

Common Licence Classes:

• Class 1: Tractor-trailers (semi-trucks)
• Class 3: Straight-body trucks
• Class 5: Standard passenger vehicles (for reference)

Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT):

Introduced to improve safety standards, MELT programs are now a requirement in most provinces for new Class 1 licence holders.

Updates by Province:

• Ontario & Alberta: Enhanced MELT now includes more hours of practical training.
• British Columbia: MELT became mandatory for Class 1 applicants as of October 2023.

Tip for Dispatchers: Always verify a driver’s licence status and endorsements (such as air brakes) before assigning trips.

3. ELD Mandate in Canada: What You Must Know

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are mandatory for most federally regulated carriers in Canada. This move aligns Canadian laws with the U.S. ELD mandate and brings greater transparency to HOS tracking.

ELD Key Requirements:

• Devices must be certified by Transport Canada.
• ELDs automatically track driving time, engine hours, location, and miles driven.
• Paper logs are no longer accepted for carriers under federal jurisdiction.
• Cross-Border Compliance: All ELDs must meet both Canadian and U.S. requirements if you operate internationally.
• Real-Time Data Sharing: Many provinces are testing real-time data portals for enforcement officers, allowing instant roadside checks.

Why Dispatchers Need to Stay Current with Trucking Regulations

As a truck dispatcher in Canada, your responsibilities go beyond scheduling. You are legally accountable for assigning trips that adhere to HOS rules and ensuring that all drivers are properly licensed and equipped with certified ELDs.

A dispatcher’s awareness of current laws can:

• Reduce the risk of roadside delays or violations
• Improve CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Protect the company from costly fines or audits
• Build trust and credibility with clients

Get Trained with Avaal: Stay Compliant, Stay Ahead

Avaal has been a trusted name in logistics and dispatch training for over two decades. Our programs are designed for real-world application, helping you navigate:

• Trucking compliance
• ELD management
• Fleet safety
• Dispatch software tools

Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned logistics pro, Avaal’s truck dispatcher training and compliance consulting will ensure you’re always one step ahead of evolving regulations.

Explore our programs here: Avaal Training Courses

Regulatory knowledge isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about running a smarter, safer, and more profitable operation.

Stay informed, stay compliant, and trust Avaal to be your partner in professional growth.