Driving a commercial vehicle across the border, whether it’s a delivery van making local runs near the border or a tractor-trailer hauling freight between provinces and states, is a challenging and essential job. For drivers and fleet operators working between Canada and the US, the rules governing safety, vehicle maintenance, and customs clearance are always moving. Staying informed helps you avoid fines and maintain a seamless flow of goods and keep everyone safe on the highway.
We’re reviewing recent updates from Transport Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and US federal regulators over the last year and we’re highlighting some key shifts in digital compliance, border administration, and vehicle equipment requirements that commercial drivers need to know.
Digital Logs and New Safety Technology
Compliance in the cab continues to focus on accurate record keeping and modern vehicle technology designed to prevent collisions. Drivers who operate cross-border must navigate two sets of rules - Canadian and US - which can be adjusted without a lot of warning in order to maintain safety and compliance.
An important element is the electronic logging device (ELD). While the Canadian ELD mandate has been in full effect for some time now, the technical standards for the devices themselves are still being refined. The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) recently released an update: the Technical Standard for ELDs, Version 1.3. This latest revision ensures that the devices used to record hours of service are accurate, resistant to tampering, and provide reliable data during roadside inspections. For drivers, this doesn't change the daily routine of using the device, but it’s a reminder that carriers must ensure their chosen ELD provider stays certified and up to date with these technical requirements. These changes help ensure that the integrity of the data remains high, protecting both the driver and the company during any compliance review.
Beyond digital logs, regulatory bodies are increasing safety expectations for the trucks themselves. For commercial vehicles over 11,793 kilograms that operate south of the border, US regulations now require the phase-in of Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) systems. These systems use sensors to detect potential forward collisions and automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn’t react in time. This is becoming standard equipment on new trucks and is a clear effort to reduce the severity of accidents on major routes like Interstate 5.
There are also ongoing discussions regarding a potential federal speed limiter mandate for heavy trucks in the US. While this is not yet a rule, it signals a strong regulatory direction toward enhanced safety features that all cross-border carriers need to monitor when purchasing or leasing equipment.
Navigating the Border Administration Process
The administrative side of cross-border hauling - getting the paperwork right so the freight moves quickly - is seeing some major changes, primarily on the Canadian side. These shifts directly impact how much time a driver might spend at the border, whether they are crossing into Canada at the Pacific Highway Truck Crossing in Surrey or the Sumas border in Abbotsford.
The most significant recent update from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is the full implementation of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system. CARM is a modernization project designed to centralize and streamline how commercial goods are imported into Canada. As of May 20, 2025, a critical transition period ended: importers must now post their own financial security to qualify for the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program. Before this date, many importers relied on their customs brokers to cover the security bond. Now, if an importer has not filed their own security through the CARM Client Portal, the carrier’s goods may be held until duties and taxes are paid at the time of arrival.
For the commercial driver, this shift means that confirming customs compliance before arriving at the border is more important than ever. While the CARM system is designed to create a more efficient crossing experience, it depends entirely on timely and accurate electronic submission of information by the importer and the customs broker. Checking for full pre-clearance and ensuring all necessary eManifest data is on file prevents unnecessary delays that can cause long queues and affect delivery schedules.
Looking south, the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is standardizing carrier identification. Effective October 1, 2025, the system fully transitioned to using the USDOT Number as the primary identifier for motor carriers, phasing out the traditional MC (Motor Carrier) Number. This move simplifies the regulatory identity of a company and helps standardize data sharing across jurisdictions, making it easier for Canadian carriers who operate in the US to manage their registration and compliance documentation.
Vehicle Maintenance and Equipment Standards
Finally, there are ongoing updates concerning the physical integrity of the commercial vehicles themselves, focusing on transparency and harmonization. These rules apply whether the truck is navigating the steep, winding grades near Hope, British Columbia, or cruising across flat prairies.
Transport Canada implemented updated requirements regarding vehicle and equipment recalls in January 2025. Specifically, updates to the Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations now mandate that manufacturers must publish and maintain recall information on their websites for up to 15 years. For drivers and fleet managers, this means there is clear, easy access to crucial safety data for the tires and other components on their equipment. Knowing if your tires or braking systems are subject to a recall is a straightforward way to manage safety and avoid unplanned downtime.
Furthermore, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators continues its work through the Task Force on Vehicle Weights and Dimension. Their objective is to harmonize the rules governing vehicle weights and dimensions across Canadian provinces and territories. While this might seem like a local issue, achieving consistency within Canada directly supports smoother cross-border operations. When provincial rules are aligned, it reduces the complexity for carriers operating internationally, ultimately streamlining the planning process for long-haul trips.
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The landscape of cross-border commercial transport is defined by continuous improvement and regulatory adjustment. For professionals in the industry, taking time to understand these changes is fundamental to maintaining efficiency and safety. Proactive learning ensures your operation is always compliant and ready for the next load!
If you’re preparing for your next trip, check out our related posts like the First Long-Haul Truck Run Checklist and 5 Tips for Rookie Truck Drivers for more road-ready advice.