log book problems

After getting used to a way of doing the log book it will seem simple. Just my opinion but stay away from Werner (We Employ ####### No Experience Required) I have heard lots of things that do not put them in a shining light.

 

Man: Do you mind computers? There is a log program that you can purchase and type them logs that way. I am a computer person and hate paper work, therefore I am more likely to do my logs on the computer. Just a thought.

It does all the math work for you and will tell you when your 11 & 14 is up every day. It does the recap for ya so you can see how many hours you have every day. I think you just need that program and someone to take the time to teach you (Me after this audit). Now not all companies accept it, but you will definetly have more of a variety of companies to pick from this way.
Their website has a list of companies that accept it. I am going to pm you their website as I can't post it here. Good luck!

 

Wow I am not really sure you know English, nor do I know what the question is. Are you looking for a job? Need help with log books? I would advise downloading the newest version of Firefox, it comes with a spell check built in.

 

A paperless log won't solve your problems--you still have to understand how a log works. The only difference between a paperless log and traditional log is that you enter the info into a computer instead of on a piece of paper. Logging, like most everything else with driving, comes from experience and trust that you WILL get it. Change companies if you are unhappy with the pay, policies, or equipment, but not simply because you don't "get" logs--that won't change simply because you have a different employer. Werner came out with the paperless logs because they were about to be shut down by the DOT. They were in such violation re: logs that they became under FMCSA oversight and when even that failed to bring down their rate of log errors/falsifications they were told they would lose their license to operate if they didn't offer a solution to the FMCSA. Hence, Werner spents millions ($) on developing a logging software (they had to spend so much $ because no such product existed and had to be developed from scratch.) The computer logs satisfied the FMCSA/DOT that Werner would be in compliance with log rules and helped get the government oversight committees off of Werner's back. That is why Werner has paperless logs and other companies don't--Werner paid for all of the research and development and they aren't going to just hand it over for free--their system can be purchased, but presently they want so much for it that companies aren't willing to pay for it. As more similar products are created, prices may come down and become more mainstreamed. Beware of Werner's log though--when the computer says your "time is up"--your time is up! I know a driver that hit his 14 hrs while in a dock and Werner actually paid for a tow truck to take the rig to a safe location for the driver's 10 hr break!! There is very little "wiggle room" when you go to an automated paperless log. Just something to keep in mind.

 

Swift was easy to work with on learning logs, that was my first company. You can log whatever you want then take a log class if you mess up lol. They teach you the fundamental of "logging legal." But running legal, you'll have to take time to learn that art. I got frustrated and logged everything I did before I left and had to talk to a safety admin one on one. He was nice and really gave some good advice. The easiest way to stay legal is just run at night and shut down in the day. You wont have to play around with
split sleep, running out of hrs so much. When you get extra time on a load and you have been running for a week, take a longer break or you will run out of hrs and have to take a 34 hr break of you will be playing around falsifying all over the place. I haven't requested a 34 hr break in over 6 months and I stay out 14-21 days. Let the hours you worked that first week come back to you, don't try and use every last one. I always would think I had plenty of time and realize that that 8th day would only have 2 hrs available. Then someone that thinks you can pick up a load 30 miles away and take it 30 more miles will send you away to a customer that takes 4 hours to load you and then you'll be stuck in traffic and drive over hrs or just plain work all day when you could take a break and go out at night and get another set of hrs back and do some work that is worth your time.

 

Log books aren't really that complicated, actually. Your problem is that you never had a good trainer to show you how to REALLY do it - not how to make your safety officer happy and letter-of-the-law the book...

Here's what you have to remember: your log book is a tool, just like a gun and an IRS 1040 are tools. You can use the tool for good (a gun can defend from intruders, IRS forms can be used to start a fire when it's cold) or for evil (a gun can be used in crime, IRS forms can be filled out and sent in...)

Your #1 goal as a driver is to make money. You make money by driving. Therefore you want to maximize the amount of time you can drive that truck, which means you want to maximize the number of hours in your log book devoted to the act of driving (line 3). So...minimize what you log for "on duty not driving" (line 4), and minimize the amount of time wasted that detracts from your 14 hour limit for the day.

It's hard to explain details without being able to draw pictures in the comic book for you, but basically don't waste time on line four and don't log your actual time driving on line 3 (instead, log the amount of time it SHOULD have taken, legally). Find an experienced driver who looks approachable at a truck stop and offer to buy him a hot meal if he'll explain log booking to you. Do this a couple of times and you'll probably get the gist of it.

They don't teach you this stuff in driving school because, legally, they can't show you how to cheat the system.

 

Got stopped by DOT for an inspection. Asked the inspector how to do it..he showed me..no violations/tickets either..said most guys don't do it right..