Drivers Daily Log

Nick (Creator of DDL software) has written several "scanware" plugins to work with MANY log book scanning programs, including JJ Keller.

 

In other words it was a software problem or glitch?

 

It's not cheating.....we sometimes forget something...and, uh...have to go back and change it....that's right....and this software is probably the most valuable piece of software on ANY of my computers.....not the most costly....but, easily the most valuable!!

 

I see they still don't have an up to date version for Canada.

 

If you haven't downloaded and checked in out in the last month you don't know that. Nick has been work constantly on the software and I would have no worries using it in Canada. There are 2 different sets of rules (1 for US and 1 for Canada). DDL is capable of using either and you can change rules "on the fly"(like at a border crossing). I think Canadian drivers would find this software much easier than just using the paper logs we are all so familiar with.

 

I have been using DDL since 2002 when Fritz was the only contact and it was free. He never charged money for the software, but it works and I sure don't mind paying for it. It is just like running loose leaf logs except it speeds up everything when it comes to filling out paperwork. The DOT doesn't even want to to look at it so they have always just glanced at it and said "looks good to me". If you do use the logs, make sure you find the DOT regulations that tell the DOT how to open the log program on your laptop.

I keep them printed out with the logs along with the law in case I ever do run into an officer that doesn't know the regs. The logs for the last 7 days must be printed out and the log on the laptop must be current and you must be able to print it out if asked. You can't print and sign an incomplete log, so if you are asked to print it, don't sign it. I keep loose leaf logs just for this purpose, but they are ten years old and I have never had to use them. The bottom line is that DDL has worked flawlessly for me for over ten years and it works very well.

 

wife and I use the DDL program and as a team love it! The company safety director who checks all the logs has told us that she really appreciates those printed logs as everything is nice and neat and all the math is always right!

 

I started using DDL back when it was a new (free) download and have never looked back. I noticed several years back that a lot of DOT officers were downloading it into their laptops and using it to check logs as well. In 10+ years I have been asked for my logs countless times and every single time except once when I would grab my laptop I would get told never mind. I did have one office in Louisana that did actually look at the logs and he knew his way around the program. He did ask if I had the ability to print them and when I answered yes he said good enough and sent me on my way.

And on that note I spent a short time with a carrier with e-logs and 2 out of 3 times when asked for my logs and me informing them I was on e-logs I had to then jump through all the hoops and have the last 7 days faxed in. PITA and a waist of time! Anyhow I got smart after the second time and went back to matching my DDL with my e-log just in case I was asked again but in the short time left with them I wasn't.

I would like to think that with the advances in technology that companies would start seeing the light and do away with all the Qual Com type stuff, equip the trucks with laptops that are cable locked to the truck and printers. They could tie into a cell network for 2 way text communications at one heck of a lot less per use charge than QualCom plus use DDL. I'm sure there's some techie that could tie DDL to the vehicles on board computer and a GPS receiver to accomplish the same results as QualCom's log system. Wishfull thinking especially since my company is moving me to a newer truck today which means that I loose my DDL and go to QualCom e-logs :>/