Resources > What to Expect During a TDG Audit

Female driver filling out forms while seated inside of a semi truck | Credit: Freepik

Takeaways

• TDG audits are routine compliance checks designed to keep everyone safe.
• Inspectors review your documents, training records, labeling, and packaging for accuracy
• The most common violations  (missing labels and expired training) are easily preventable.
• Conduct internal TDG audits regularly to catch issues before an inspector does
• Using digital compliance software ensures your fleet is always audit-ready.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction

2. What Is a TDG Audit (and Why It Matters)?
   

3. The TDG Audit Process: What Inspectors Look For
   

4. Common Mistakes Found During a TDG or Trucking Compliance Audit
   

5. What Happens If You Fail a TDG Audit
   

6. How to Stay Audit-Ready Year-Round
   

7. How Digital Tools Make Trucking Compliance Easier
   

8. TDG Audit Checklist for Carriers and Drivers
   

9. Turn Compliance Into a Competitive Advantage
   

Introduction

Transporting dangerous goods (TDG) comes with strict federal regulations. Every carrier and driver handling hazardous materials must follow Transport Canada’s TDG Regulations to ensure safety on the road.

One of the most important parts of maintaining compliance is being ready for a TDG audit, an official inspection that verifies your company is following all documentation, training, labeling, and packaging requirements.

For many fleets, a TDG audit or inspection is also part of a broader trucking compliance audit process. These audits help ensure your business meets all regulatory standards, from safety training to recordkeeping and vehicle inspections.

This guide will walk you through what to expect during a TDG audit, what inspectors typically check, the most common mistakes carriers make, and how digital tools can help you stay fully compliant and audit-ready all year round.

What Is a TDG Audit (and Why It Matters)?

A TDG audit is a formal review conducted by Transport Canada to confirm that your company is compliant with dangerous goods transportation regulations. It’s designed to ensure that hazardous materials are handled safely, properly documented, and transported according to federal standards. Inspections are conducted on a risk-based schedule, with frequency depending on the risk level assigned to a site or facility. Audits also happen in response to specific events, such as incidents or a lack of valid certification.

Audits can happen with little notice, and they often occur as part of a broader trucking audit or trucking compliance audit that assesses your company’s overall safety management and compliance practices.

The goal of these inspections isn’t just to penalize, it’s to promote safety and prevent accidents. However, failure to comply can lead to significant fines, shipment delays, or even the suspension of your operating authority.

The TDG Audit Process: What Inspectors Look For

During a trucking compliance audit, TDG inspectors focus on three main areas: documentation, employee training, and packaging/labeling. Here’s what they’ll typically review:

a. TDG Documentation

Inspectors will ask to see all documentation related to dangerous goods shipments, including:

• TDG shipping documents (paper or digital)
• Emergency response assistance plans (ERAPs), if applicable
• Consignor and carrier details
• Proof of classification for dangerous goods
• Copies of previous TDG inspections or corrective action reports

All records must be complete, accurate, and available upon request. Make sure to check all UN numbers and signatures, even small mistakes in documentation can lead to violations.

b. TDG Training and Certification Records

Every employee involved in handling, loading, transporting, or documenting dangerous goods must hold valid TDG training certification. Carriers should also have a clear process for tracking when certifications are due for renewal. During your trucking audit, inspectors will verify that:

• Training certificates are current (valid for 36 months)
• Each certificate lists the employee’s name, date of certification, and employer signature
• Training matches the type of dangerous goods being transported

c. Packaging, Labeling, and Placarding

Inspectors will review your packaging and labeling procedures to confirm that all dangerous goods are properly identified and contained. This includes checking:

• Packaging integrity (no leaks, corrosion, or damage)
• Labels and placards that match the class of dangerous goods
• Compatibility of containers with materials being shipped

Inaccurate or missing labels are one of the most common findings during a compliance audit.

Common Mistakes Found During a TDG or Trucking Compliance Audit

Some of the most frequent issues found during audits include:

• Incomplete or missing TDG documentation: Shipping papers missing key details or signatures.
• Expired TDG training: Employees transporting goods without valid certification.
• Incorrect packaging or labeling: Containers not properly sealed or identified.
• Outdated procedures: Internal TDG policies not aligned with the latest Transport Canada regulations.
• Disorganized records: Inability to quickly produce documentation during a trucking audit.

These errors are preventable with regular internal reviews and digital recordkeeping systems that flag upcoming expirations or missing information.

What Happens If You Fail a TDG Audit

Failing a trucking audit or TDG inspection can have serious business implications. Transport Canada may issue fines or administrative penalties for each violation, and in cases involving serious safety risks, your company could face legal action.

Common consequences include:

• Fines and penalties for each infraction
• Shipment delays or seizures until corrections are made
• Increased oversight from Transport Canada, including more frequent audits
• Damage to reputation, which can lead to loss of customer trust

Once flagged for non-compliance, carriers often face additional scrutiny in future trucking audits, which can affect insurance costs and contract opportunities.

How to Stay Audit-Ready Year-Round

By maintaining accurate TDG documentation, up-to-date training records, and well-organized compliance files, you’ll not only pass your next trucking compliance audit but also improve your day-to-day operations.

Audit readiness also helps prevent interruptions, reduce liability, and give customers greater confidence in your reliability as a carrier.

Some best practices for staying compliant include:

• Conduct regular internal audits or spot checks
• Update training records before expiration dates
• Keep all TDG documents in digital format for easy access
• Review TDG regulations annually to stay current with rule changes

How Digital Tools Make Trucking Compliance Easier

When it comes to trucking compliance, paperwork is one of the biggest challenges for Canadian carriers. Manual forms are not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. Even a single misplaced document or expired certification can create serious issues during a trucking audit or inspection.

To address these challenges, many carriers are turning to digital compliance tools like Nutech Comply: software designed to simplify the trucking compliance audit process. These platforms combine automation, organization, and real-time monitoring to keep fleets fully audit-ready, helping teams focus on safety and performance rather than paperwork.

With tools like Nutech Comply, carriers can automatically validate TDG shipping documents and placards before departure, and securely store driver certifications and records. The software also provides clear, step-by-step guidance for hauling dangerous goods.

By digitizing your TDG and compliance workflows, you can save time, reduce human error, and ensure your business remains compliant with Canadian safety regulations 24/7.

TDG Audit Checklist for Carriers and Drivers

To help you stay organized, here’s a trucking compliance checklist that every carrier and driver should review before an inspection.

Documentation & Records

• Complete and accurate shipping documents
• Copies of ERAP numbers (if required)
• Records stored for at least 2 years
• Emergency contact info up-to-date

Training & Certification

• All staff have valid TDG training certificates
• Certificates renewed every 3 years
• Copies accessible during transport

Packaging & Labeling

• UN-approved containers used
• Correct labels and placards displayed
• Packages inspected for leaks or damage

Safety Equipment & Marks

• Spill kit and fire extinguisher on board
• PPE available and in good condition
• Placards visible, clean, and not faded

Turn Compliance Into a Competitive Advantage

A TDG audit doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right preparation and digital tools, it becomes an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism, safety, and reliability.

Investing in the right systems helps ensure you’re always ready for your next trucking compliance audit. Because compliance isn’t just about passing inspections; it’s about protecting your business, your drivers, and your reputation.

Sources:

Audit of Risk-Based Business Planning in Safety and Security

Transportation of Dangerous Goods – oversight program description and delivery

Basic competency for transporting dangerous goods