Logs

(b) The duty status shall be recorded as follows:

(1) “Off duty” or “OFF.”

(2) “Sleeper berth” or “SB” (only if a sleeper berth used).

(3) “Driving” or “D.”

(4) “On-duty not driving” or “ON.”

See the words, "must" ? You must log Sleeper if you are in the Sleeper.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/395.8

 

No, I don't see that word "must"

 

Oooops, the word is "shall". Shall is even more powerful than "must". Shall is all over the Bible.

Thou Shall Log Sleeper When Thouest Is in Said Sleeper.

 

Here is what I do see, and this is straight from the FMCSA

Off-Duty Time
“Off-duty time” is not specifically defined in the regulations. In effect, it is any time that is not “driving time,” “on-duty time,” or “sleeper berth” as defined in § 395.2.

The following guidelines must be met before a driver is considered off duty:

1. During a trip, the driver must be relieved of all duty and responsibility for the care and custody of the bus or passenger-carrying CMV, its accessories, and any passengers, baggage, and freight that it may be transporting.
2. During a trip, the driver must be at liberty to pursue activities of his/her own choosing and to leave the premises where the bus or passenger-carrying CMV is parked.
3. The driver must not be performing any work in the capacity, employ, or service of a bus company or motor carrier.
4. The driver must not be performing any compensated work for a person or company that is not a motor carrier.

So what is the definition of Sleeper Berth?

Sleeper berth means a berth conforming to the requirements of § 393.76 of this chapter.

It defines what a sleeper berth is, but does not require one to log time spent in it as line 3

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/395.2

 

OK you sold me, no more logging Sleeper Berth time.

 

Do what you like

 

Well then, if a driver parks at a truck stop and goes inside for an hour to eat and shower he technically isn't off duty as the CMV is still in his custody. What does he log then? Definitely not sleeper berth since he isn't in the sleeper.

 

I can't find where it says you have to log SB, I did find this. I think it was changed when we got the 2 hour exemption for co-drivers a couple years back, but I could be wrong.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/395.2

While 4.ii does specify sleeper berth, 4.i does say any time resting is NOT On Duty. Some office may try and say being in the SB isn't resting, but I think it's a long shot. Nowhere else can I find where it says one must log SB, if in the SB. I think SB is simply legacy from before 4 was added.

-Steven

 

See number 2

 

Ive always been told that you can not log off duty at a shipper, unless you are parking overnight and then leaving the premises.

I always log on duty (loading) for 20 to 30 minutes, then put myself in the sleeper, regardless what I'm actually doing (for those of you who are sticklers on the rules) ain't no one able to say different. This gets me my 30 minute break in, seeing how most times I'm usually there for at least am hour. Once I'm finished loading I'll throw it on duty then go check out/ "throw my securement". Then leave. This procedure had yet to fail me and had worked for me since i started