Not exactly an electronic log...

[CharlesD]

When I was on the road for the summer, I had a notion regarding log books and I asked a few people, including some cops, and got varying answers. This is what I did. I took a standard loose leaf log book page and scanned it in as a pdf. I then opened it on a pdf annotator app on my ipad and used a stylus to fill it out. At the end of the day I would print it out and stick it in the book. This passed inspection a couple times in New England, but I've had a few other people question the legality. I really don't see the difference between doing that and buying the pre-printed loose leaf forms. Thoughts?

 

[ChanceMaster]

Stopped in a weigh station somewhere in the south early one morning, got into a conversation with a friendly officer who admitted he was confused by elogs. He also stated that he inspected the log from one T/T driver from his iPhone app, the driver offered to print any log entry/page for the officer from an in cab printer. Officer said he was satisfied, and released driver.

I like elogs, and understand why others hate them. I like how exact the times are, and the easy to understand graphs.

Sent from my PC36100 using EO Forums

 

[60MPH]

No different then using a software program like TruckLogger. As long as you can print them out on the spot and they have all the required fields then there should be no problems.

 

[jjoerger]

The Garmin DEZL GPS has an HOS option that can be downloaded to a computer and printed. But it clearly states that it is not an approved substitute for paper logs.
It also does IFTA logging for fuel taxes that can be downloaded and printed.

 

[greg334]

Well a lot of DOT officers are getting used to the computerized logging, which makes their lives easier. There are several "apps" and software packages that are on the market, I'm using DDL and use a database backend to do most of my data collection (fuel usage to maintaince) but have used a lot of others in the past to try them out. As for 'apps' Xata Turnpike and uDrove are two that seem to be a good Qualcomm EOBR alternatives, both look like they can be used within the EOBR regulations for data integrity, while providing a cost effective alternative to the blackbox BS that is overpriced. Others like iDDL and ilogmiles are two that will replace computerized applications within some reasonable limits.

See here is the thing, and it seems to hit the nail right on the head - electronic logging or EOBRs are nothing more than another form of record keeping and if you run legal, then you have nothing to worry about.

 

[highway star]

I'm using DDL as well and really like it. DOT cops seem to like it too.

 

[Turtle]

To answer your original question, no, there's no difference in what you are doing and in buying pre-printed logs.

 

[moose]

Well a lot of DOT officers are getting used to the computerized logging, which makes their lives easier. There are several "apps" and software packages that are on the market, I'm using DDL and use a database backend to do most of my data collection (fuel usage to maintaince) but have used a lot of others in the past to try them out. As for 'apps' Xata Turnpike and uDrove are two that seem to be a good Qualcomm EOBR alternatives, both look like they can be used within the EOBR regulations for data integrity, while providing a cost effective alternative to the blackbox BS that is overpriced. Others like iDDL and ilogmiles are two that will replace computerized applications within some reasonable limits.
Which is why the wording of ANY EOBR PRM require the unit to be integrated with the truck ECM, it's about money, big money, not safety
See here is the thing, and it seems to hit the nail right on the head - electronic logging or EOBRs are nothing more than another form of record keeping and if you run legal, then you have nothing to worry about.

Except of finding parking when the driver run out of log. if everyone will be using them.
small IC carriers cannot negotiate parking at costumers or terminals like ATA can, which is why they pushing it. small shippers do not sound their voices, and will be left with only one option, local/regional work, which is why the ATA is pushing for it. large shippers, who can provide for truck parking, will have ample of trucks to serve their needs, which will dunk the rates, which is why the pushing this.
& as a bonus : a free cookie for anyone that think they can find a TT parking in the EastCost after 3 pm, once all truck require to EOBR.
wanna make EOBR a mandate ?
fine, make anyone else BUT the small IC trucker be responsible for truck parking, AND make the HOS so they can accommodate for a loss in truck parking.
then we can talk.

 

[nightcreacher]

Moose,I was at a large company the other day,4pm appointment,so started the day 3 hrs earlier to drive there,then didnt get backed into dock for 2 1/2 hrs and then another 2 1/2 hrs loading.by the time I got out of being loaded was 2130,now 8 and 1/2 hrs out of my 14 were used up.I wanted to finish out 8 hrs sleeper birth,but this company said I couldnt saty on their grounds,after being loaded.I drove 5 hours and took 10 hrs,but it was 5 hard hours after being up all day

 

[greg334]

Which is why the wording of ANY EOBR PRM require the unit to be integrated with the truck ECM, it's about money, big money, not safety

Well the problem is that there is no requirement for the unit to be integrated into the ECM of the truck in order to fulfill any DOT requirements. The catch is a unit has to be in sync with the trucks odometer and that's the only reason why most of these companies have chosen the path they did.

Believe it or not, Cat, Cummins and DD (maybe others) already have trip logging built into their ECMs but I'm thinking that the integration of that data collection will not be too far off and will be an OEM solution.

Except of finding parking when the driver run out of log. if everyone will be using them.

So?

I mean if this is a problem it is a problem with paper logs as much as it is with a EOBR, running illegal is still running illegal.

 

[beachbum]

This is from Interpretation for 395.8:

Question 28: May a driver use a computer to generate his or her record of duty status (log book) and then manually sign the computer printouts in lieu of handwritten logs?

Guidance: A driver may use a computer to generate the graph grid and entries for the record of duty status or log books, provided the computer-generated output includes the minimum information required by §395.8 and is formatted in accordance with the rules. In addition, the driver must:

1. Be capable of printing the record of duty status for the current 24-hour period at the request of an enforcement officer.
2. Print the record of duty status at the end of each 24-hour period, and sign it in his or her handwriting to certify that all entries required by this section are true and correct.
3. Maintain a copy of printed and signed records of duty status for the previous 7 consecutive days and make it available for inspection at the request of an enforcement officer.

 

[beachbum]

nightcreacher, you finished out a 14 hour day after resting for 5, used to do that all the time when I drove TT. Anyway when you had to move to back into the door it would have broken the 8 hour sleeper berth rule anyway.

 

[beachbum]

Come on gregg, no one cheats on a paper log