well they finally nailed me - forced into electronic logs

After you were done, you could have LEGALLY driven off duty to the nearest truck parking area (truck stop, Wally World, etc) without busting up a break or being in violation. You do not have to "sneak out". Since you had unloaded, you were empty, and that qualifies for using the truck for personal conveyance and driving to where you could complete a break. So, the customer didn't need to have any "skin in the game". I do this when I need to, even while using an EOBR.

By "legally", I mean that this is allowed in the FMCSA regulations. What goofy restrictions a carrier may place on a driver is another matter. I cured that problem early on, since I own the truck, by letting them know that my son is an IRS field agent and that I would call him and let him know that my carrier was restricting the use of my truck. That would have triggered an IRS investigation of the carrier as to whether their O/O should actually be classified as employees. Carrier did not want that issue, so they allow unrestricted movement of O/O trucks as long as compliance with FMCSA regulation was met.

 

Just make sure you carry the laminate card so DOT does not fine you because they are incompetent and do not know how to do their job!

 

it is the drivers responsibility to demonstrate he/she understands the eLogs. If the driver cannot do this there is a bigger issue.

 

Duh! However:

We are required to carry laminated cards to assist an inspecting DOT officer in operating and examining the Elog.

 

Depends on what system you're using. PeopleNet has a stupid little book, it's not so much about demonstrating the eLog as much as it states that it meats the FMCSR for EOBR's.

 

If (and I really hope!) I do get a Hot Shot job I think I'll do a log book just for fun!

 

I was gonna say that

 

Huh! It ain't just for fun!

Took about 3 weeks to do logging to "her" satisfaction.

And at least one thing I've done hotshotting would not have gotten done on Elog!

 

I can,t do my job so i, m going to charge you a fee for your failure to tell me how! lmao, except that is a lot more serious!