It has been reported to the Canadian Trucking Alliance there is growing concern from FMCSA that some Canadian commercial drivers operating vehicles into the US that require a Class 5 Canadian issued drivers licence (G Class licence in Ontario) to operate vehicles (those operating 2 axle vehicles including cube vans and straight trucks up to 14,000 kgs) may not be qualified to operate in the US because they have not completed an appropriate medical examination (as is the case for Class 1 or Ontario Class A licence holders).
US law specifies that all drivers operating vehicles in excess of 4,500 kgs (10,000 lbs) (weights are based on a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater) must have a medical completed.
Currently, FMCSA is managing this issue with Canadian governments through their driver licence reciprocity agreements; however FMCSA would like to determine how this group of drivers can come into full compliance and be able to show proof of medical certification on a go forward basis.
To assist CTA and Canadian governments in understanding the scope of this issue amongst the Canadian carrier community please complete the survey at this link by Friday October 31, 2014.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and participation.