I'm pretty much jumping the gun here, but I wanted to ask prior to going to school in two weeks so I'd have an idea in case it isn't covered. I know you have to keep a set of logs - but do you also keep a "personal copy" for any reason?
...but I know that most (if not all) major carriers provide their drivers with company produced log books. In these you have a "carbon" so that each log sheet you fill out has a copy. You send the original (white copy) in with your bills to the company. The yellow copy remains in the book. D.O.T. can audit your logs going back 2 weeks during a stop, but you will probably submit your originals in to your company once a week, so it's a good idea to keep your "personal copies" handy in the event that you go through an inspection. Also, you will want to keep your log books for tax reasons - you can deduct a per diem for every day you are over-the-road. The log book serves as "proof" if you ever get audited by the I.R.S. And finally, it's always a good idea to keep your log books on file at home even months later, because if you ever get slapped with a lawsuit by some four-wheeler who claims that 8 months ago you "ran them off the road", you can look back at your logs and instantly see where you were at any specific date and time instead of having to sit around waiting for your company to research it for you. F.Y.I.
Shoot, I still have log books from PAM going all the way back to the three and a half weeks I was with my trainer. My dad, a driver for over 40 years, still has some logs from the 80s.
I read an article in "Highway Star" about a guy who has all his logs from like 30 years, and looks at them like a journal showing everywhere he has ever been almost down to the minute. It was kinda depressing 'cause I thought it was a great idea, but mine aren't quite so accurate
Thanks for your replies, everyone! I wasn't aware there were carbons and just wanted to know if this was a way drivers needed to cover themselves. Again - thanks! One other question I had is internet access. I've noticed a few people mention having their laptops. Do you have to have a connect card from your cell provider or can you somehow gain access through the truck? This would be for keeping in touch with family via email and uploading photo albums for them to see.
all 12 of my logbooks for the year go in the tax envelope for that year into the filing cabinet. i'm on the idle air WIFI at the TA right now because of "ATT 2G hell'
