Different logbook program.

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.

I use Driver Daily Log and Iam an advocate for using computerized logbooks, That being said I print out a hard copy everyday, sign it and add it to my my notebook,

I find it amazing that drivers want to debate the points that are so clear. Computer/software logbooks and EBORs are 2 different things.

 

I have been using Eclipse Logbook with a Windows 8 computer without a problem.

 

Thanks for posting this.

Seems like a lot of drivers need to educate themselves on the important distinction between an EOBR which is wired to the truck's ECM and the regs do not require anything to be printed off nor that capability to print. Or a laptop computer soft ware program like DDL, or Big Roads, etc that is not tied into the ECM and the regs DO require that anyone using this MUST have the previous 7 days logs printed off.

Just because one state DOT inspector is ignorant of the regs or lets you slide doesn't mean they all will. BigBadBill learned this the hard way when he was driving and told those of us (his drivers) who were using DDL to always have previous 7 days logs printed off. I never move my truck without these logs printed off. Normally I will have the month's prior printed and they are welcome to peruse.

If you don't they can and probably will give you a ticket. Which WILL affect your all important safety rating. Thereby making it unacceptable and inexcusable to not always have the previous 7 days printed and ready upon request. Easy to avoid...

 

Most drivers have no idea of what the actual HOS rules contain, (too lazy to look it up) rather listen to what other tell them, which is 90 % wrong.

Let alone understand the difference between Logbook software and a actual Ebor.

 

It seems like a lot of extra work. I will stick to my paper logs.

 

If you ever tried DDL you would never want paper logs again. They save a lot of time not having to do the mundane like figuring up the recap and won't let you make any regulatory mistakes. Basically the same as paper only much faster. You don't really have to think about your hours or the regs. Just log it as you go. Point, click and make the lines. The slow part is having to boot up the printer every morning to print but still is worth the hassle.

 

The recap isn't a required part of the log book. Generally speaking, I don't fuss with the unnecessary unless I'm going to work a 6th or 7th day and I might be getting close on hours, at which point I add up my hours and figure what I'll have available and when. Since I'm home every night and generally off weekends, it has been a LONG time since I've had to do all that. My paper logs usually show me going on duty (line 4) at the start of my day, and back off duty (line 1) at the end of my day. Only on the days where I don't qualify for the short haul exemption do I show each change of duty status.

Log books really aren't a "hassle". Even when I was OTR, and prior to the 34 restart being introduced, I never saw keeping a log book as anything more than part of the job. If you are unable to handle a task so strenuous as keeping a log book, perhaps you shouldn't be driving a truck.:smt102

 

I never said it was a difficult thing to do keeping up logs. I ran under the old system with no 34 hour restart. And I haven't had to worry about a recap for almost 4 years now. What is the big deal?

My point was, DDL makes logging quicker. When you're doing math trying to figure out mpg's, or rates per miles do you sit there with a pencil and paper and figure things out? Or do you use a calculator? That's what I consider DDL to be. A "calculator" so to speak for logbooks.