New MVTA threshold and Alta. safety certificate standards take effect Jan. 1

EDMONTON — Starting on the first day of the New Year, Alberta carriers that operate outside of the province will have to obtain a Safety Fitness Certificate.

Currently under Alberta’s legislation, a carrier with a commercial vehicle registered at 11,794 kilograms or more, must obtain a SFC from Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation.

While this rule has not changed, on Jan. 1, 2006, Transport Canada’s new MVTA threshold takes effect, which requires truckers operating vehicles with a GVW exceeding 4,500 kg to obtain a SFC as well.

Alberta truckers get ready to comply with
new MVTA threshold on New Year’s Day

The Alberta Motor Transport Association says that in order for Alberta to administer and enforce both the federal and province legislation, all SFCs will be reissued in January 2006 at no cost to the carrier. According to the AMTA, the new SFCs will now display an Operating Status, which will be either federal or provincial.

Provincial Operating Status authorizes travel with vehicles over 11,794 kg GVW in Alberta only, while the federal Operating Status authorizes travel anywhere in Canada (point to point or to the United States border). If a carrier operates outside of their allowed jurisdiction, they will be in violation.

AMTA says that Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation will initially determine what Operating Status to issue carriers based on available information. Carriers wishing to declare a new Operating Status must submit an Operating Status Declaration form (available for AMTA members on its website or by contacting Carrier Services). AMTA warns, however, that changes from a federal to a provincial Operating Status is restricted.

Regardless of Operating Status, all carriers who obtain a SFC must implement written safety and maintenance plans and maintain driver and vehicle files on all drivers and vehicles that operate under the authority of the SFC. In January, inspection, conviction, and collision information on all vehicles registered in excess of 4,500 kg will appear on the NSC profile for federal carriers and will be taken into consideration when determining a carrier’s safety rating.

In Alberta, all carriers must obtain a vehicle inspection under Alberta’s Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program (CVIP) on trucks registered for a weight of 11,794 kg or greater. Other jurisdictions may require trucks to obtain inspections at a lower registered weight.

Regarding driver’s hours of service, and trip inspection requirements, all trips conducted point-to-point within Alberta will be regulated under Alberta legislation regardless of the carrier’s Operating Status. Trips outside of Alberta will be regulated under federal legislation.

Carriers are expected to be in full compliance no later than April 1, 2006, AMTA reports.

For more information on Alberta’s NSC program and Operating Status, visit www.inftra.gov.ab.ca, or contact Carrier Services at 403/340-5444.