Log Book Question

Apparently scanned or copied images of the 'original' are ok with the US DOT.

If an employer cannot wait for 8 days for my log book to relieve itself of a page, that is all they are going to get. Apparently the DOT likes to audit 'original' hand written ones for the same reasons I like to keep mine; so there are no misunderstandings with lines that don't copy directly where they should.

 

Yup. That's why the ORIGINAL copy has the perforations to easily tear out while the carbon (or carbonless) copy is bound into the book or has the holes to keep in a binder.

That and it says so in the regs...and again right there on the log book pages...

 

I think in the states you have to keep at least 3 years of logs before you can destroy them. I may be wrong

 

The prior seven days for a driver and six months for the carrier, for log audit purposes.

(k) Retention of driver's record of duty status. (1) Each motor carrier shall maintain records of duty status and all supporting documents for each driver it employs for a period of six months from the date of receipt.

(2) The driver shall retain a copy of each record of duty status for the previous 7 consecutive days which shall be in his/her possession and available for inspection while on duty.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/395.8
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A tax adviser may suggest keeping them longer, but for tax purposes, not log audits.

 

Got it so other than tax reasons I don't need to keep anything past the 8th day

 

As a driver (34 years) and owner operator, and consultant for two other companies, I have always kept a copy of logs, bols, receipts, toll and fuel records because even drivers can be alldedted

I've driven for 34 years, own a company and consulting to two others. I've always instructed other drivers in all positions to keep copies of logs, bols, receipts, toll and fuel records because a driver can be audit during accidents or if a company they work for is being investigated. Yes, it's happened to me because of a broker I used. Plus, during a very nasty divorce, my records kept me out of jail. Better safe than sorry. I'd keep for ten years just incase. Be safe

 

And if criminal investigated, hurting themselves if innocent. You ONLY HAVE TO SHOW SIX MONTHS but protecting yourself should go as far as you can prove.

 

Being local, I think food is still not deductible but hotel food overnight are and repairs out of your pocket