Tips for Adjusting to Expiring Alberta Safety Fitness Certificates

The requirements for transportation compliance as it relates to Alberta Safety Fitness Certificates (SFC) recently changed. Prior to March of 2019, commercial truck drivers only needed to apply for an SFC once, as the certification was continuous and required no upkeep. This is no longer the case.

It’s important for Alberta truck drivers and transport carriers to be aware of the new expiration process, as many certificates are now up for renewal and failure to adhere to the updated government requirements could result in serious implications for transportation companies.

Here’s What Transport Carriers Need to Know

1. A Notice Was Issued (But You May Not Have Received It)

Notices were sent via mail to transportation carriers who received their Alberta Safety Fitness Certificates prior to March 1, 2019, stating they had until February 28, 2022 to submit their SFC Renewal Application.

If you last applied for an SFC before March 1, 2019, but did not receive a mailed notice, you are still responsible for meeting the deadline stated above. You can check the status of your SFC and the date it was issued using Alberta Transportation’s Online Services.

2. Failure to Renew Could Mean Starting From Scratch

Transport carriers who do not renew their SFC within the three-year timeframe will be required to complete the entire application process again— even if they previously had a valid certificate. The application process includes attending a safety and compliance course, taking a knowledge test, completing a New Carrier Compliance Review (NCCR), and submitting all required documentation.

3. There’s a Renewal Fee 

The application fee to renew your Alberta Safety Fitness Certificate is $110 and certificates are issued for a 3 year term.

4. You’ll Need to Meet All Applicable Insurance Requirements

This includes cargo insurance, liability insurance, passenger insurance, and taxi insurance (if applicable).

5. You Can Not Legally Drive on Alberta Highways Without a Valid SFC 

In addition to potentially being fined up to $10,000, commercial vehicles operating without a valid SFC can be seized and prevented from driving on Alberta highways.

Tips for Adjusting to Expiring Alberta Safety Fitness Certificates

We recommend taking the following precautions to ensure adherence with new Alberta Transport Regulations:

• Set a calendar reminder for at least three months prior to your expiration date. (Renewal applications must be submitted and approved before your SFC expires.) If you do not have an expiration date, renew today to avoid forgetting.
  
  

• Consider streamlining your daily driver inspection reports (DVIR) and other paperwork using the intuitive ComplianceBox app. Having all your files in order will make it easier to apply for a new SFC, should you be required to do so.
  
  

• Invest in third-party certified electronic logging devices (ELD) to reduce the administrative burden of paper logs. This will ensure all your records are accurate and filed appropriately. You can view a list of certified devices here.
  
  

Have further questions about transportation compliance? We may be able to assist you. And if not, we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction. Reach out today.

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