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Overview
We oversee commercial carriers operating in Alberta and review their safety and maintenance practices during audits. Each carrier's compliance level is monitored and carriers demonstrating compliance problems face progressive disciplinary actions.
New carrier compliance reviews
A new carrier compliance review (NCCR) is designed to ensure a new commercial carrier understands what is required to be in compliance with the National Safety Code (NSC) Program. The review is due before the first anniversary of the carrier’s safety fitness certificate.
During a NCCR, a certified third party auditor or certified reviewer examines the carrier’s records and reports to the ministry on demonstrated compliance with NSC safety standards and applicable legislated transportation requirements, as implemented in Alberta.
Facility audits
In accordance with NSC Standard 15, a facility audit is designed to review a carrier's on-highway and safety management activities in considerable detail. During a facility audit, a public safety investigator or a certified third party auditor examines the carrier's records and reports on demonstrated compliance with the safety standards of the NSC Program and its related legislation, as implemented in Alberta.
The facility audit report provides an understanding of the carrier's degree of compliance. Each carrier is evaluated through the facility audit report, in conjunction with an examination of the carrier’s profile. This review helps determine if disciplinary actions – that is, change of safety rating, assignment of follow-up conditions or issuance of administrative penalties – will be introduced.
Prepare for an audit or review
A self-assessment audit tool is available for download and can be helpful in preparing for an upcoming facility audit or NCCR:
Some carriers may choose to work with a transportation safety consultant to ensure all required documentation is ready in advance of the audit or NCCR and to fully understand their obligations under the NSC Program.
- Learn how to select a consultant. Note: Alberta's government does not recommend any specific consultant or require you to hire one.
Documentation we will request for an audit includes, but is not limited to:
- letter of audit assignment that was sent to the carrier by the department
- recent copy of the carrier’s carrier profile (within 30 days of the scheduled audit date)
- insurance coverage
- written safety and maintenance programs
- driver file records
- hours-of-service records and documentation that supports the reported hours – payroll records, gate tickets, fuel receipts
- trip inspection reports
- vehicle file records
For more information about the required documentation, refer to the education manual for commercial carriers.
We maintain a list of certified third party auditors and reviewers who offer services within the province, as well as a list of suggested fees. See the Third Party Auditor Certification Program for more information.
Audit or NCCR location
New carrier compliance reviews can be completed either in person or remotely. If the review is being completed remotely, the reviewer will provide the carrier with information on how to forward the required documentation.
Facility audits must be completed in person at the carrier’s principal place of business. The carrier should expect a meeting at the beginning of the audit and another one to review the results after the audit has been concluded.
Failure to complete
If a carrier fails to complete a condition by the assigned due date, their safety fitness certificate will be suspended on the first business day after the due date. This means that the carrier’s NSC vehicles cannot be operated until the audit assignment has been completed and the submitted documents have been reviewed. The carrier will be notified when the suspension has been lifted.
If a carrier receives a letter assigning an audit or an NCCR and that carrier is no longer operating or has no vehicles registered that are regulated by the NSC Program, the carrier should contact us.
Contact
Connect with Monitoring and Compliance:
Email: [email protected]
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Commercial carrier audits