Commercial Vehicle Operator Products
Summary of changes to CVOR – effective April 2, 2007
Background Information
Ontario has had a Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration (CVOR) system in place since October 1986 and has safety rated carriers operating in (or through) Ontario since 1999. These programs were developed through extensive consultations with Ontario truck and bus industry stakeholders.
Since July of 1989, until December 31 2005, all carriers that operated commercial motor vehicles in Ontario (over 4,500 kg RGW or gross weight and buses designed to carry 10 or more passengers) were required to register and obtain a CVOR certificate. This requirement applied regardless of where the carrier’s vehicles were registered. Event data that includes collisions, convictions, CVSA vehicle inspections and facility audit results was used to monitor the on-road safety performance of the carrier’s commercial motor vehicle fleet as well as the carrier’s compliance with highway safety legislation and regulations.
The Federal Motor Vehicle Transport Act
On January 1, 2006, amendments to the federal Motor Vehicle Transport Act came into force. These amendments required that all provinces cease from safety rating and issuing safety fitness certificates to extra-provincial truck and bus undertakings that are base-plated in other Canadian jurisdictions. The intent is that each province will register, safety rate and monitor the on-road safety performance of only its “own” carriers. Monitoring of carriers will be done utilizing event data (accidents, convictions and CVSA inspections) collected by all Canadian jurisdictions and sent to the carrier’s base jurisdiction through the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) data exchange system. Since the data exchange system is limited to events occurring in Canada associated with Canadian carriers only, Ontario will continue to monitor USA-plated carriers based on Ontario event exposure only.
In order to comply with these federal requirements, Ontario made significant changes to the CVOR system on January 1 2006 and will make more changes effective April 2, 2007.
On January 1, 2006 Ontario:
a) stopped requiring operators base-plated in other Canadian jurisdictions from having to register under Ontario’s CVOR program,b) stopped safety rating these same operators, and
c) now recognizes safety fitness certificates and safety ratings issued by other Canadian jurisdictions, in lieu of requiring an Ontario CVOR certificate and safety rating.
Building on these initiatives of Transport Canada, all provinces and territories agreed to “harmonize” their carrier safety rating and facility audit programs. As a result, significant program revisions have been made.
Changes effective April 2, 2007
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has modernized Ontario’s CVOR, carrier safety rating and facility audit programs. On April 2, 2007 a new intervention model will come into effect. In developing the new model, MTO conducted substantial research analysing events that occurred over the past five years and comparing them with future collisions. The results of the MTO study were compared to a similar study conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute. The ATRI study had similar conclusions as the MTO findings. The result is a predictive model that identifies those types of past events that best predict future collisions. Consequently, the new intervention process can be characterized as “proactive and predictive” compared to the current “rehabilitative” system.
The new model includes the following features:
- The new CVOR model will replace “adjusted fleet size” with “kilometric travel in Canada” as the basis for assessing each carrier’s relative exposure to on-highway risk.
- A carrier’s safety record will now include event data collected throughout Canada.
- All levels of CVSA inspections will be used in determining the carrier’s violation rate and safety rating.
- Ontario will continue to point only those collisions that indicate impropriety (at fault) on the part of the carrier and/or driver.
- Point values assessed for convictions have been revised to align better with the relative likelihood of those types of offences that lead to future collisions and also to be more consistent with those point values assigned by other Canadian jurisdictions.
- The intervention model (i.e. violation rate thresholds) has been re-calibrated to incorporate the new data and pointing methodologies.
- Carrier and CVOR Drivers abstracts will have a new look that incorporates all the new information.
The “road to change” will be a smooth one which will see the new model move forward from April 2, 2007 and will continue to apply the old set of rules for events prior to April 2, 2007. This “BLENDED” method applies a sliding 2-year window, where the old rules apply to the first portion of the 2-year period that took place before April 2, 2007 and the new rules to the second portion that takes place afterwards. The two violation rates are then “blended” in proportion to the amount of time associated with each period. Eventually, after two years, the entire violation rate will be based on the new set of rules and the road to change is complete.
For more information contact:
Carrier Sanctions & Investigations Office
301 St. Paul Street, 3rd Floor
St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 7R4
Phone: 416-246-7166 or 1-800-387-7736 (in Ontario)
Questions and Answers
- What kinds of Carrier products and Safety Rating Program services are available through the internet?
- What is meant by the term 'abstract'?
- What is the objective of an abstract?
- What is the difference between a Driver's Licence Abstract and a Commercial Vehicle Driver Record?
- What is the difference between a Level 1 (Public) Abstract and a Level 2 (Carrier) Abstract?
- What is the difference between a Level 1 (Public) Abstract and the Safety Rating Enquiry Searches?
- Can anyone obtain a Level 2 (Carrier) Abstract?
- Why isn't a Level 2 (Carrier) Abstract displayed on the requester's computer?
- Why were the Start and End Dates introduced for the Operator Record (Level 2 Abstract) and how can I make full use of them?
- Why is the event History start date on my Operator Record (Level 2 Abstract) different from what I requested?
- Why would the Operator Records for the same Operator with the same History start and end dates, ordered a week apart, have a different set of events?
- Why does the term 'operating as' appear on some abstracts?
- What are the possible CVOR certificate statuses and what do they mean?
- What is the purpose of the Safety Rating?
- What do the various safety ratings mean?
- What is meant when the safety rating field on the Level 1 (Public) Abstract is blank or not indicated?
- How will I know if a carrier's operating privileges are "suspended" or "cancelled"?
- What is a facility audit?
- What is a RIN Merge?
- What is a fleeted registrant; what is a "fleet" RIN?
- What is a fleet owner; what is a "parent" RIN?
- Are certified copies of a search available through internet?
- Will other delivery methods continue to be available?
- What payment method does the Ministry accept for internet transactions?
- What are the Check Verification Digits (CVD) and why is MTO capturing them?
- Is a customer charged for a search which cannot be completed?
- Is all information used to order an abstract over the internet, including credit card information, kept secure and confidential?
- Can I order an abstract, check the safety rating of an operator, or view the list of excellent or unsatisfactory carriers at any time?
- How long will it take to complete a transaction?
- What are the hardware and software requirements for using this internet transaction?
- Will the response times differ if the request is made after regular business hours or on the weekend?
What kinds of Carrier Safety Rating Program services are available through the internet?
The internet services are currently limited to a set of fee-based and free Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration (CVOR) performance information products.
Anyone can order a Commercial Vehicle Operator Summary (Level 1 Public Abstract) and a CVOR Driver Abstract for a fee over the internet. An operator or carrier can order its own Operator Record (Level 2 Abstract). In each case, credit card payment is requested immediately.
The Operator Summary and CVOR Driver Abstract will be displayed immediately on the requester's computer. The Operator Record will be delivered by Canada Post to the holder of the CVOR certificate.
Anyone can request a basic Safety Rating Check on a carrier or review the list of top (Excellent) and worst (Unsatisfactory) carriers for free.
Refer to other answers in this document for a description of the various safety ratings and abstracts.
What is meant by the term 'abstract'?
An abstract is a snap-shot—written or electronic display—of road-safety assessment and performance information about drivers or operators of commercial vehicles. The information pertains to accidents, convictions, inspections, and facility audits while operating in Ontario, Canada.
What is the objective of an abstract?
An abstract presents the user with a "snapshot" view of a company or driver's safety record at the time of enquiry. This information may be used to assess or pre-qualify carriers or drivers prior to engaging their services.
What is the difference between a Driver's Licence Abstract and a Commercial Vehicle Driver Record?
There are two types of driver information available to the public. A Driver Licence Abstract contains events involving or directly related to the driver while driving any vehicle on a highway. A Commercial Vehicle Driver Record captures accidents, convictions and inspections involving the driver while operating commercial motor vehicles only (vehicles registered or weighing in excess of 4,500 kgs.). The events noted on a Commercial Vehicle Driver Record remain for five (5) years to coincide with the relevant Operator's Level 2 (Carrier) Abstract.
What is the difference between a Level 1 (Public) Abstract and a Level 2 (Carrier) Abstract?
The Level 1 (Public) Abstract is a summary of a carrier's most recent two (2) year history. The Level 2 (Carrier) Abstract includes the same summary together with a chronological record of all events for the past five (5) years. The Level 2 Abstract also provides additional information to the carrier including specific details related to any accident, convictions, and inspections, such as the number of points assigned and the offence description as well as individual accident, conviction and inspection performance thresholds.
What is the difference between a Level 1 (Public) Abstract and the Safety Rating Enquiry Searches?
The Safety Rating Enquiry provides the current safety rating, the carrier's registered and Operating As names and is offered at no cost to the public.
In addition to the above, the Level 1 (Public) Abstract offers performance data. For example, the Public Abstract contains the number of pointable accidents, safety-related convictions, violation rate, ministry interventions and various other carrier performance indicators. The Public Abstract can be purchased over the internet, at any Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office or any ServiceOntario Kiosk for a fee of $5.00
A sample of a Public Abstract can be viewed in the Ministry's Level 1 (Public Abstract), Safety Rating Enquiry, and List of Excellent & Unsatisfactory Carriers internet order pages.
Can anyone obtain a Level 2 (Carrier) Abstract?
No. Access to a Level 2 Abstract is restricted to the specific holder of the Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration (CVOR) certificate, as this abstract provides additional information pertaining to the carrier.
MTO has not yet implemented facilities to verify that the operator is the one completing an internet order. As such, anyone can complete and pay for the order but MTO will mail the abstract to the holder of the CVOR certificate.
Why isn't a Level 2 (Carrier) Abstract displayed on the requester's computer?
The Level 2 (Carrier) Abstract is to be directed to the operator because it provides carrier specific information. In the future the Ministry will be testing various methods to validate that the requestor is the operator or is authorized by the operator to work on its behalf.
Why were the Start and End Dates introduced for the Operator Record (Level 2 Abstract) and how can I make full use of them?
MTO has received indication that operators wanted the flexibility to order segments of their Record. The Operator Record is designed to include events within the last 5 years.
If you wish to include all events within the last 5 years, leave both dates blank. If you wish to include events that occurred within a specific time frame, complete both start and end dates. If you wish the print to be certified, leave both dates blank, or request a minimum of 2 years from the current date included.
Why is the event History start date on my Operator Record (Level 2 Abstract) different from what I requested?
If the requested start date was before the date that you were first known to the CVOR system, the event History start date will be automatically adjusted. Also, the History start date will be automatically adjusted if you were known to the CVOR system for at least 25 months and you requested a certified record with a date range less than 25 months.
Why would the Operator Records for the same Operator with the same History start and end dates, ordered a week apart, have a different set of events?
This is possible. There are circumstances within the normal CVOR business flow that will cause delays in the addition, deletion, or modification of events.
Why does the term 'operating as' appear on some abstracts?
While the "operating as" name is, by definition, not a legal entity, it helps the registrant indicate more specifically to others the name the registrant is doing business. It can be a trade name, a branch office location, a corporate division or department within an organization, or a specific fleet. A carrier must have a registered name.
What are the possible CVOR certificate statuses and what do they mean?
Registered: An individual, company or joint registrants have been issued a CVOR Certificate;
Not-Registered: An individual, company or joint registrants known to the carrier database but who have not been issued a CVOR certificate.
Dormant: Either the Ministry has not received a response from the carrier to a formal request by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to update their carrier information or the carrier has advised the Ministry that they are no longer in business.
What is the purpose of the Safety Rating?
A Safety Rating is a label denoting a carrier's overall road safety performance and is readily available to the public, shippers, insurance companies, law enforcement, legal authorities, school boards, financial institutions, etc.
What do the various safety ratings mean?
Information on the various safety ratings can be found in the Carrier Safety Rating Program Questions and Answers.
What is meant when the safety rating field on the Level 1 (Public) Abstract or the Operator Record (Level 2 Abstract) is blank or not indicated?
Where no rating is indicated in the safety rating field, either the carrier is a new carrier and the 30-day period in which to dispute a proposed safety rating has not yet elapsed or there has been no event activity of any kind (accidents, convictions, inspections or other contact with the Ministry) on their record since December 4, 1994.
How will I know if a carrier's operating privileges are "suspended" or "cancelled"?
Under the Performance Data Line, there is an area which would indicate:
SANCTION: Type; Cancellation or Suspension; Ordered: from: / to:
Type includes: "P" for plates; "C" for CVOR Certificate: "A" for operating licence; "O" is other and "F" represents outstanding fines.
The sanction line for a carrier whose plates and CVOR certificate were suspended for the period 0900 hrs January 1, 2000 to 0859 hrs January 2001 would read:
Sanction: PC suspension ordered from 2000 01 01 09:00 to 2001 01 01 08:59
Also indicated would be:
Safety Rating while operating in Ontario: Unsatisfactory
What is a facility audit?
A Facility Audit is an examination of an operator's safety practices and record keeping. The audit is conducted by a ministry auditor at the operator's principal place of business for the purpose of determining the operator's compliance with relevant highway safety regulations.
The Facility Audit is an important component of MTO's highway safety program as it complements the on-highway enforcement program and provides the carrier with an educational opportunity to increase its awareness of its highway safety responsibilities.
At the conclusion of a Ministry audit - in which Ministry personnel have examined carrier records and documentation related to the Highway Traffic Act, and regulations, National Safety Code components to create a profile of the carrier's safety performance - scores will be assigned that reflect the carrier's safety performance and practices.
Additional information can be located by reviewing the CSR Public Guideline.
What is a RIN Merge?
A RIN (Registrant Identification Number) merge occurs when two or more RINs are merged into one, known as the surviving RIN. The merged-out RINs then become inactive and all active plates and vehicle registered to the merged-out RINs are automatically transferred to the surviving RIN.
If you order an abstract for a merged-out RIN, the system will display the abstract for the surviving RIN.
What is a fleeted registrant; what is a "fleet" RIN?
A fleeted registrant is an entity with its own RIN, having some characteristics different from its fleet owner, such as address, mailing address, operating alias, prorate percentage or stagger date (expiry date for renewal purposes). The RIN belonging to this entity is called a fleet RIN.
If you order an abstract for a carrier who is part of a larger fleet, the system will produce one for the parent RIN.
What is a fleet owner; what is a "parent" RIN?
A fleet owner is a registrant who owns one or more fleets, each having a separate fleet RIN. The RIN belonging to the fleet owner is called the parent RIN.
Are certified copies of a search available through internet?
No. A certified copy is not delivered over the internet. However, should a client indicate in their order that they require a certified copy of an abstract, a copy will be displayed on the screen for printing and the certified version mailed via Canada Post. As indicated at 8., the Operator Record (Level 2 Abstract) is never displayed on the screen.
Will other delivery methods continue to be available?
Yes. Other delivery channels such as counter service at the Ministry Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office, ServiceOntario Kiosk, Electronic Data Transfer (EDT), or mail in requests will still be available. The Operator Record (Level 2 Abstract) cannot be ordered via EDT or kiosk
What payment method does the Ministry accept for internet transactions?
Internet transactions currently require either a valid American Express, Master Card, or Visa.
What are the Check Verification Digits and why is MTO capturing them?
The Check Verification Digits (CVD) are included on the reverse side of newly issued credit cards. They are the last 3 or 4 digits after the credit card number. Some cards may not have the CVD.
Capturing the CVD provides a higher level of comfort and security to customers since, in all likelihood, the purchaser will need to refer to the actual credit card. The CVD are not included on credit card statements or receipts.
The CVD entry is currently optional.
Is a customer charged for a search which cannot be completed?
Customers are not charged for services not completed due to problems with MTO's system. However, each request with properly formatted CVOR or Driver Licence Numbers will be charged a fee, including those where no corresponding record is found.
Is all information used to order an abstract over the internet, including credit card information, kept secure and confidential?
Yes. All the data is encrypted to ensure that it will not be accessed by anyone else other than the financial institution, the user and the Ministry of Transportation. All transmissions of data are fully secure. In addition, the CVD provides an extra level of security.
Can I order an abstract, check the safety rating of an operator, or view the list of excellent or unsatisfactory carriers at any time?
Yes. The internet service is available seven days a week, 24 hours per day.
How long will it take to complete a transaction?
Users have immediate access to the lists of excellent and unsatisfactory carriers; a request for the current safety rating of an operator will be processed within seconds. Search times for the operator summary (Level 1) and CVOR driver abstracts depend on the number of abstracts requested. You can request a maximum of 10 abstracts in an order and the order will be fulfilled in 45-90 seconds. You can only request 1 Operator Record (Level 2) at a time and the record will be delivered by Canada Post to the holder of the CVOR certificate.
What are the hardware and software requirements for using this internet transaction?
- A Pentium class PC with at least a 33k modem, Microsoft Windows 95 or higher, a popular browser such as the Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and higher, Netscape Navigator 4.0 and higher, AOL.
- A UNIX or MAC workstation with the Netscape browser.
Will the response times differ if the request is made after regular business hours or on the weekend?
We do not anticipate significant changes in response times although the system is less busy after business hours and on weekends.
