Need some log book questions answered.

**Aditransport** · 09.19.2012

I have a few questions about filling out my log book. Hopefully someone can help me as I can't seem to get straight answers off the FMCSA web site.
First: There are 2 boxes for recording miles. One says "Total miles driving today" the other says "Total mileage today" I'm a single driver and would assume the second box that says "Total mileage today" is for teams. Do I leave the second box blank or put the same number as the "Total miles driving today" box?
Second: I'm used to doing a pre trip and filling out the inspection report. Now I've heard lots of people talking about having to do a post trip and filling out the inspection report. Do I need to do a pre and a post trip and fill out two inspection reports? I use log books that have the inspection report on the back. There is only one report per day.
Third: On the bottom of the log page where it says "From: and To:". What exactly do you put there. I'm an OTR driver and was always under the assumption that you put where you picked up your load as the From and where it delivers as the To. Even it takes 3 or 4 days to get there. Or do I need to put where I start that day From and where I stop as the To? Thanks for any help.

**NWMAXI** · 09.19.2012

#1 you put total miles driving today the other box is if you had a team driver

#2 do the inspection report at your post trip, if you find something wrong during your pretrip note in the remarks or get it fixed before your roll

#3 i was told that is where the load orginated and is ending, and then a safety guy told me that it is from where you started your day to where you ended you day

**not4hire** · 09.19.2012

First: Your assumption is correct, leave the second box blank.

Second: Fill out the inspection report for the post-trip inspection per 396.11. For a pre-trip, the driver only has to be satisfied that the vehicle is safe to drive, there is no report required.

Third: That information is not required, so fill it out however you want, or don't fill it out at all. Your choice, or follow your company's policy(ies).

**NWMAXI** · 09.19.2012

Originally Posted by not4hire

Third: That information is not required, so fill it out however you want, or don't fill it out at all. Your choice, or follow your company's rules.

this is going to depend on the DOT officer

**NWMAXI** · 09.19.2012

Originally Posted by not4hire

It is not an FMCSA regulation... no interpretation required.

i know its not like your hiding anything cause you have to put the location for the change of duty status

the 2 seconds it takes to fill it out my save some arguing thats all take it how you want

**not4hire** · 09.19.2012

Originally Posted by NWMAXI

this is going to depend on the DOT officer

It is not an FMCSA regulation... no interpretation required.

(d) The following information must be included on the form in addition to the grid:
(1) Date;
(2) Total miles driving today;
(3) Truck or tractor and trailer number;
(4) Name of carrier;
(5) Driver's signature/certification;
(6) 24-hour period starting time (e.g. midnight, 9:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m.);
(7) Main office address;
(

Remarks;
(9) Name of co-driver;
(10) Total hours (far right edge of grid);
(11) Shipping document number(s), or name of shipper and commodity;

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regul...aspx?reg=395.8

**NWMAXI** · 09.19.2012

you can argue with them im not going to

**not4hire** · 09.19.2012

Originally Posted by NWMAXI

you can argue with them im not going to

I don't operate from a position of fear, worrying about what any one particular officer is going to want. I follow the rules (having actually read them for myself as well as having a current copy with me) and provide what is required of me and generally not a smackerel more.

I don't get violations or citations either.

**123456** · 09.19.2012

Thanks for the link.

That settles it !

**Aditransport** · 09.19.2012

Thanks for the quick replies. I'll just keep putting where I loaded and where it's going like I have been. I hate leaving things blank, just gives them something to hassle you about.