U.S motor carriers will need a provincial safety certificate to operate in Manitoba

Manitoba has changed their safety regulations for U.S. commercial motor carriers entering the province. U.S. carriers without an equivalent operating authority from another Canadian jurisdiction will need to apply and receive a Manitoba Safety Fitness Certificate (SFC).

Carriers will need to meet Manitoba’s current standards, which includes showing proof of insurance, ensuring vehicles pass inspection requirements, completed educational requirements, and safety protocols. These certificates will need to be renewed annually and must be renewed before your previous certificate expires.

Once certification is acquired the carrier will need to display their company name or logo as well as the National Safety Code number (or Canadian equivalent) on the vehicle.

This will apply to all commercial vehicles with a gross weight of 4,500 kgs/10,000 lbs or more, and passenger vehicles with 11 or more seats (including the driver).

How to get a Safety Fitness Certificate for Manitoba

If you need to apply, you can visit Manitoba Transportations website. To apply you will need to pay a $200 application fee, as well as provide proof of:

  • insurance,
  • periodic mandatory vehicle inspection: the minimum requirement is “$1 million for commercial operations that operate for compensation and/or operate outside of Manitoba, $2 million for regulated passenger vehicles operating for compensation; and for the transportation of dangerous goods”,
  • valid business entity: proof of registered business that can operate in Manitoba,
  • and certification of compliance officer: the compliance officer must get certified with the New Entrant Training Course. This officer ensures that the company meets the necessary safe operating measures and record keeping responsibilities as outlined in the Highway Traffic Act.

What is a Safety Fitness Certificate?

The Safety Fitness Certificate is to help promote safety by tracking a carriers road safety performance. How a carrier performs allows a safety rating to be assigned to the carrier and can be found on Carrier Snapshot. This allows shippers and others to make decisions on who they hire based on safety performance. A safety rating is determined by accidents, inspections, and convictions. If a carrier’s rating falls and does not improve, they can have their safety fitness certificate suspended or revoked. So, make sure you stay up to date on your safety requirements, so you don’t run into trouble!

Need help getting your Safety Fitness Certifcate? Our experts can help you and make sure you never miss a renewal. Contact us today.