Companies that add equipment or "modify" new incomplete trucks/truck tractors, or build new trailers for sale in Canada, or for importation to Canada, are required to register with Transport Canada. Modify means adding axles, changing the wheelbase or changing the GAWR or GVWR. These activities are defined as "manufacturing" by Transport Canada and companies engaged in such work must conform to the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Act (the Act), its standards and its regulations.
Transport Canada's mandate is to ensure that all vehicles using public roads are safe. Transport Canada has taken a proactive approach to accomplish this goal. Manufacturers must register with Transport Canada by submitting specific documentation that demonstrates they understand the requirements of the Act for the class of new vehicles they build or modify.
There are two types of registration.
Canadian manufacturers are issued a National Safety Mark (NSM) number which is used with a maple leaf logo. Used in conjunction with a compliance label, this combined symbol and number signify registration status and safety compliance.
Foreign manufacturers are placed on a Pre-clearance list. This list is used by Canadian customs brokers, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), to verify that the foreign manufacturer is registered to import Canadian compliant vehicles that conform to the Act and its standards.
Most of CTEA's services help companies either become registered or remain compliant while registered. This process usually starts with the initial contact. Staff determine what a callers' needs are and we send information required by email.
Call us at 519-631-0414. We'll help you determine whether you are required to register. If you are, we'll explain why and give you the resources you need to get started.
NSM Application Review Service
This service was introduced in 2004 to help Members fast track their NSM Applications. Our detailed review covers all content, including verification of safety compliance calculations. It reduces the chances that an application will be rejected or delayed due to incorrect information or missing content. This is not a required service. It does offer some members peace of mind when they are in a hurray to get registered.
In 1998 the CTEA created a cost-effective Certification Label Program. This two-piece label system, developed by 3M, has helped to standardize the vehicle identification process. The labels contain a "tamper-indicating" feature. It voids the label so it can't be placed on a different vehicle. Manufacturers are required to affix labels on every vehicle they manufacture (or alter). Whether you build trucks or trailers, our diverse selection will meet your needs. Want custom labels? We started printing them in 2000. Want to print your own? Purchase blank stock. It works on laser printers. Sell vehicles in the USA? We have labels meeting American label requirements as well.
Please note: Canadian labels are sold to companies that meet the following criteria: have a valid National Safety Mark (Canadian manufacturers) or have received Transport Canada Pre-clearance (foreign manufacturers).
Click on PDF for 2010 Order Form for Canadian DoorPost Labels2010DoorPostForm.pdf
Click on PDF for 2010 Order Form for Canadian Trailer Labels2010TrailerForm.pdf
These regional workshops are open to Members and non-members. This intensive 7-hour session addresses the fundamentals, such as: the importance of partnerships, limiting liabilities, what the compliance regulations cover, the importance of compliance calculations, record keeping, and compliance labeling. Participants are given an overview of the National Safety Mark application, documents and registration process, a review of the CTEA JOB-FILE® Manual contents and a demonstration of CIE-TECH's LoadXpertTM software.
Since 2004 the CTEA has delivered 29 regional workshops, in 17 different cities in 8 provinces, to 590 participants.
CTEA Commercial Insurance Facility
Marsh, the world's leading risk and insurance services firm, has helped the CTEA to develop a comprehensive Insurance Facility exclusively available to our Members. Due to the nature of their businesses, CTEA Members may face increased exposure to product liability, product recalls, environmental impairment, theft and fire/explosion. This requires a wide range of coverage including: • Property: including building, stock, and equipment; • Business Interruption; • Commercial General Liability; • Products Liability; • Crime Insurance; • Commercial Auto; • Boiler & Machinery; and • Garage Liability.
Participation in most of the programs and services listed above involve an additional cost. The following benefits are all included in our yearly Membership fee. Please read this list carefully to get the fullest value for your investment.
Federal and Provincial Regulations: We monitor federal and provincial regulatory activity. All content of interest to Members is communicated by email, in our print publications and online. In addition, we link both federal and provincial vehicle weights and dimensions on this website. Also refer to Lobbying and Consultation services.
Regulatory Updates: Whenever a regulation change is proposed or made that can possibly affect our industry the CTEA posts all the related documents on our web site. We also include article and summaries in our CTEA Today magazine, and eXpress eNewsletter.
Lobbying: The CTEA plays an advocacy role on behalf of Members. We monitor federal and provincial government policy makers for topics or issues that might have an impact on the industry. When there are formal consultations, the Association coordinates feedback from interested/affected Members. Sometimes a group will collaborate on a response and speak to the issue in person. Manufacturers get to explain to government officials what the implications of their legislation or policies mean to the affected businesses. Talk about democracy in action! Such dialogue can be an eye opening experience for policy makers.
Consultations: The Association often acts as a sounding board for proposed policy or legislation because our Members represent the affected or targeted constituency. In these cases the Association acts as a communicator, coordinator and facilitator. A recent example includes Ontario's safe, productive and infrastructure friendly vehicle reforms and the transition from liftable to steerable axles on some trailers. The result was a collaboration that included performance testing of actual steerable axle trailers. This outcome ensured that the new regulations were an enhancement to trailers, not just a compromise. Urgent industry issues often are brought to us for resolution. For example, in the 1990s a rash of wheel separation incidents, causing accidents and fatalities in Ontario, prompted the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) to seek the Association's help. We organized a volunteer committee composed of Members building axle components to meet with the OTA. The end results were a training course and a provincial regulation requiring wheel and rim system installers and service providers to be certified.
Industry Database: The Association maintains a comprehensive database containing over 10,000 industry records. Access to this resource is just a call away for Members. Tell us who or what you are looking for. If your answer is there we'll find it. If it isn't, we can access a network of other organizations to expand the search. It'll just take longer. We aren't stumped too often so give us a try. The office number is 519-631-0414.
Buyer's Guide & Directory: Members provide basic contact information and a detailed description of their business activities, products and services when they join. This information is recorded in the industry database. We frequently update the online Directory using this Member information,
Technical Information: The CTEA is a member of most of the organizations and listed can pass on their member prices to publications they sell to our Members. We have alliances with organizations such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE); Truck, Trailer Manufacturers Association (TTMA), The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC)/American Trucking Association, The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) and others.
CTEA TODAY: Our four colour magazine covers Association news, events and activities; proposed and final regulations (federal and provincial); industry news; feature articles addressing topical issues; new product offerings; personnel changes; mergers and acquisitions; technical information; and other industry content. This free Member service is a must read.
CTEA eXpress eNewsletter: This electronic bulletin is published as required. It provides a summary of breaking Association and industry news. It only takes a few minutes to read. When you want to know more, the source material is just a mouse click away. And it's delivered directly to Members' email box - giving them the information they need when they need it.
Manufacturers'Conference and AGM: This annual event is held each fall in different parts of Canada. We bring industry experts together to deliver technical seminars and executive reports on topics of current interest. Our Technical Information Fair provides a networking opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers alike. Conference veterans look forward to meeting old and new friends. Not a member? Join us and see what you're missing. Non-Members are welcome to Register. Call and we'll ensure you received a Registration for in late August or September.
