Paperless logs

On Board Recorder. It is a driver tamper proof device to electronically record your log entries, with either a readout or a printer, so that an enforcement officer will be able to review your previous eight days on the road.

 

I've been hearing rumors for the past three years about all companies and O/O's going to some sort of paperless logging system. One of my many concerns about this is parking. Look how crowded t/s and rest areas are now, even with some drivers who never take an actual 10 hour break. IMHO I think this will be one of the final ways to take the golden days of trucking out of trucking. I really don't mind the time I spend on my logs drawing lines and adding up hours. I'm actually surprised at the amount of posts that are in favor of paperless logs. Creative logging is one of the fun parts in this job. I can't tell you the amount of times I've intentionally fudged a log just to see if the company will catch it. Sometimes they did, sometimes they didn't. I made a game out of it. I've yet to ever receive a log book violation from the DOT, and have always run just one bound log book. The things I would cheat on were simple little things like logging an unload the night before I was actually unloaded, or showing a break while I was driving. Granted, I could have gotten a citation if I had been caught at the right time, but I reckon I got lucky. The point of all this jibber jabber is that I'm not in favor of paperless logs. I don't want a computer telling me when I can or when I can not drive my truck. I know when I'm tired, and when I need to stop for sleep. Certainly don't need a computer to tell me that. Reckon this is just the rebel in me coming out.
:smt033

 

Thanx Turbo You Da Man :smt023

As a Noob I welcome the OBR's, I read here about the dogging Noobs get from trainers as well as Dispatchers. Then I read the DAILY Articles posted by Cg, concerning the Accidents both fatal and non fatal , and its a wonder they (OBR) are not standard equipment.

No offense ScareCrow,
But your attitude is something Ive read and sadly it seems to be a lot of drivers in the industry have like yourself made it a Standard and thats why there are DAILY Articles available to be posted by Cybergal, and why the changes in HOS. I will run LEGAL and LOG IT AS I DO IT or be fired for Not running ILLEGAL. there are reasons for the HOS and even though it may not be agreed upon by the drivers who feel they can spend it in the GRAVE or JAIL the HOS is LAW. and MONEY aint everything, believe me Ive doe without it for a while now and I refuse to DIE or KILL for it, or even take the chance.
I read alot on this board and in fact here I have gained valuable information. I seek the WISDOM of those that have been and are still out there, not FOLLY of those that laugh in the face of the rules.
I have a Family to get back home to and I for one would rather tell them I cant make it home cause I dont have the Hours, then I cant make it home cause daddy had an accident (Fatal or Non) trying to get there.

And dont think Im talking down to you Brother Im not its just as a Noob I WONT get caught up nor do I wish to see any one get caught up in the PHONY LOG habit.


I wish you the GRACE & MERCY of the LORD in your travels.

 

On Board Recoder, also known as an OBC for On Board Computer.

 

The inspection is logged as On Duty, Not Driving when you first log on. There will be a sub-status listed as Pre-Trip, or Post-Trip. The Cadec system had about 20 or so different sub-categories to choose from. Roadside inspection is also listed.

One thing about electronic logs, is when the DOT man stops you and asks for your logs it can make your day a lot easier. Most look at the machine and say, "have a nice day". I know as time goes on and the technology is more widepread, they'll probably have a look-see.

With the electronic log (OBC/OBR), you are required to have an instructional card on board as well.

 

No offense taken, and none intended in this retort...

Come talk to me in three years and tell me then how many times you have gone on to the house even without the hours because you haven't been there for 6-8 WEEKS!!!! Or those times when you have to fudge because you were delayed at a dock all day after driving just one hour to get there earlier that same day and now your 14 hrs is up and it's a Friday afternoon, and since you have no hours, you won't get another load until Monday. If there is a driver out here who can put his hand to God Almighty himself and tell me he's never done that (and I mean the exact scenarios I just laid out) and MEAN IT, then I'll buy that driver and his family a trip to Disney World all expenses paid!

I said the same thing when I first started..."Driver's who drive illegal are just stupid and a disgrace to the industry"....yadda yadda yadda...I'd bet the farm that in three years you'll have the same opinion as I do about paperless logs.

Note to more experienced drivers: I am not trying to imply that I know everything about this business in just three short years, just trying to make a point to "the Noob" as he has dubbed himself.

Again, I take no offense, nor intend to offend, just making a point. Save this on your computer and look at it again in a few years.

 

Aren't you also required to have a paper log should the OBR/OBC fail? Had a few friends who drove for Werner outta truckin' school and know that they had to have a paper back up log.

 

I apprciate the reply as I have read and been told in RL that I will be put to the test. And I know I will persevere in my convictions, I will be out for 6 weeks to train Ill do it and legal or be fired. Its not that I want to prove a point I just want to make it home in one piece witout any drama. Heck getting caught could cost a XMAS at the very least 8 hrs OOS so whats the point? And Ill come to collect that Disney Trip...LOL.

Stay Safe ScareCrow

 

I'll make you a deal man. If you run for one full year absolutely 100% legal on a paper log, I'll hook you up with that Disney trip. If you don't, you owe me an all expenses paid single's cruise to the Carribean. Since I'm not married nor a father, I don't see much need in a trip to Disney World.

U stay safe too OTRLC

 

Yep... and I always wonder what will happen when DOT pulls you over and don't have your 7 days prior. If drivers could not get logged on before their routes, we would print their prior 7 days out so they would have them. I just always wondered what would happen if the computer went down on the route.

Heck, I forgot to update my paper log before I started for the day a few weeks back and was shut down for 10. I had only been on the road for 20 minutes, but the DOT guy wouldn't cut any slack. Hmm..