Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Feb. 18, 2022:
16 U.S. governors, two Canadian premiers call for end to cross-border vax mandate
A group of 16 governors from the United States and two Canadian premiers wrote a letter to President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau requesting the leaders reinstate the exemption for truck drivers from cross-border COVID vaccine mandates.
“We understand the vital importance of vaccines in the fight against COVID-19 and continue to encourage eligible individuals to get vaccinated,” the group said in the letter. “However, we are deeply concerned that terminating these exemptions has had demonstrably negative impacts on the North American supply chain, the cost of living, and access to essential products for people in both of our countries.”
The letter noted that the timing of the mandates – with Canada’s going into effect Jan. 15 and the U.S.’ on Jan. 22 – “could not have been worse” due to supply chain challenges caused by the pandemic.
“These constraints, combined with increasing inflation, place significant burdens on the residents of Canada and the United States,” the group added. “Furthermore, transportation associations have informed us that the lack of exemptions will force thousands of drivers out of the trucking industry, which is already facing a significant workforce shortage. The removal of these exemptions is ultimately unnecessary, and we cannot afford to lose any more truck drivers who transport food and other vital supplies across the border.”
More live music announced for MATS
Red Eye Radio will be celebrating Mid-America Trucking Show’s 50th anniversary in the lobby of the event with live appearances and musical performances by country music artists ranging from JD Shelburne and Lucas Hoge to Presley & Taylor and Tony Justice to name a few.
Visitors to the Red Eye Radio booth (Booth No. 41064) will also be able to register for daily drawings for CB Radios, GPS Units and more.
The Mid-America Trucking Show is scheduled for March 24-26 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Eric Harley, host of Red Eye Radio, will be on site to introduce attendees to the lineup of artists who will mix and mingle, take photos, sign autographs and engage with drivers.
Specific days, a schedule and more details are available here.
[Related: Country star set to headline MATS concert]
KeepTruckin ELD now certified in Canada
KeepTruckin’s electronic logging device is now fully certified in Canada for both Android and iOS operating systems, the company announced this week. After passing extensive road and bench testing with the accredited certification body CSA Group, KeepTruckin is officially listed on Transport Canada’s website as an approved provider.
With full enforcement of the Canadian ELD mandate set for June 12, 2022, fleets must adopt ELD technology as soon as possible to help improve driver safety and prevent both costly fines and operational disruptions.
In advance of this deadline, all ELD providers must undergo rigorous testing with an accredited third-party in order to verify their technology meets Canadian-specific technical requirements. By passing this extensive vetting process, fleets operating in Canada can rely on KeepTruckin to meet their ELD obligations.
"Since 2017, we have seen thousands of Canadian fleets trust us to help transform their operations," said Abhishek Gupta, Director of Product for Safety, Compliance and Insurance at KeepTruckin. "This official certification extends our ability to serve all customers operating in Canada, and help them take advantage of the safety, productivity and profitability benefits of our technology."
To better help Canadian fleets navigate these complex regulatory and safety requirements, KeepTruckin offers Canadian-specific functionality such as deferral of hours, yard move and personal conveyance limits, automatic cycle switch, and Alberta cycle rules, in addition to French and English support available in the product.
