Electronic log

Jjkeller has a Verizon tablet that has blogs built in, big roads had an app to download then you can order a Bluetooth plug in for true elogs compliance, keep trucking is another app that will allow you el op g compliance.

 

Lol just download an elog app to your phone or tablet and use it

 

I started using the KeepTruckin app. Works great! I have since got there ELD to plug into the truck. It also does my IFTA tracking which is very nice.

 

I used Big Road app on my smart phone for four years and never had a problem. You can download the app for free and use it for free. If you want to go full ELD, that is attaching the device to the data port, it will cost you $25 per month. That breaks down to $15 subscription fee and $10 dash link rental fee.
I am now leased to a carrier using JJ Keller, but I find that the Big Road is a better product and easier to use.

 

I did simulate a few times to run with Elogs, simply by using my GPS with embedded e-log capability. I have to say it worked fine. But as I understand, it has to be somehow connected to ECM, and I am not sure, but imagine, there has to be a provider/ a central server (e.g. Qualcomm) to log what you log, so that I won't have the ability to run on two different GPSs devices with different entries. The sad thing is that the subscription for the service is going to cost the same a my cable TV bill. I heard $160 -200 a month (but don't quote me on that), not to mention costs of mounting the ugly dish, wiring, console, and so on. Maybe they will phase in all these requirements, so it will suffice to use smart phone apps, GPSs and other stand alone apps at the beginning.

By the way, my simulation results are rather sad. Especially, what is difficult to overcome is the inability to find a desired parking place in late night hours. So forget about utilizing 11 hours to the last 5 minutes. You have to truncate your driving hours (ability to make a living) for 1 or even 2 hours in order not to wind up resting on a interstate exit. Also, forget about making too frequent stops, every time you exit, fuel,find yourself in construction traffic, urban traffic etc.it will eat up your 11 up to 25%. The parking problem during night hours will become a nightmare. The positive thing is that the rates will go up as this loads/trucks ratio may increase, especially at the beginning, as there are no more 1000 mile a day/or over 14 hour a day deals possible. Soon enough however the megas will fill the vacuum - and that's the overall scheme.
And teams will prosper good on a long haul operations.

 

big roads is free for driver. 15 bucks for fleet per truck if you are the only truck its free. plug in is extra per month. it will gps track your truck on a trip report from website showing you state mileage with out the plug in. just make sure to log out if its on your phone while you are in personal vehicle or leave the mobile device in truck at all times. i use it and i like it but i track ifta the old fashioned way.

 

That's encouraging. I mean,who wants to pay over 100$ a month for e-logs. I might have been misinformed after all.

 

Rand McNally has several products that are fully compliant. Omnitracs has one called XRS and it is an inexpensive monthly plan on works on any android device. The upfront cost on these are pretty low, the monthly fee is cheap, electronic DVIRs, fuel tax automation, and fully compliant with FMCSA guidelines.