Drivers Daily Log Software

So I have a question for you guys that use the program but your company won't let you turn those logs in. Do you use the program and then fill out your real book at the end of the day or do you do both as the day goes?

If I was to be using the DDL program and a paper log and I got pulled in for inspection and my paper book is up to date except current day but I am current on the program would I get busted for running 2 books or as long as they match would I be ok?

 

I have known people to do this, one of my friends uses DDL but turns in his companies log. However, there are FEW companies that DON'T accept DDL generated logs.

If you are using DDL, but transcribing the log into a Company paper logbook at the end of the day, I don't see where it would be a problem. When I "show" my logs, seldom am I asked if I "can print" the logs and only once was I required to prove it. But THAT Officer was being a total ####head anyway. But it wouldn't hurt to have a printer in your truck anyway. No telling what you might like to (or NEED to) print out.

 

Ok listen! I am a log manager and a driver came to me talking about this log program and blah blah blah. I said we can't accept it. So he went higher up (I guess I was being dumb and no free time to research) and that manager researched it and found the company would take our exact log so when the driver using the program would print it out it would look like our log sheet. Now for Drivers daily log to do this, the company needs to have I believe 25 registered drivers with that company using drivers daily log. If the log prints just like your log sheet you are filling out then the system (scannable) will read the logs. If they are not using a scannable log system it should not matter. Now the key thing to this program (for now) is you MUST print it and sign it!

To the original question:

Yes it is considered to be keeping 2 log books if you are using both a log sheet and a computer. One of my drivers was given a warning. Even though the logs was exactly the same so I suggest not mentioning both or possibly act like you didn't know and you was trying the program out but didn't want to 100% rely on the program.

Oh and to print a company log you must purchase the full version


There is also a new log program much more friendly user but not as good I don't think but it's called Rapid log (I can get link sometime this week) it seems cheaper and if your company uses rapid log the company can pay $1.50 a month and download the log image from your computer. I would say once the DOT allows drivers to digitally sign their logs (which is not in affect yet however we are hoping it will be soon).

Again maybe you drivers that the company says they won't accept it they should contact me because it's much easier on the auditor and the dot loves it (usually) so it saves fines/bad dot profile

Using the computer program you MUST be able to print the logs! It's part of the allowing a driver to use the program. Read the Q & A from the federal DOT book


Question 28: May a driver use a computer to generate his or her record of duty status (log book) and then manually sign the computer printouts in lieu of handwritten logs?

Guidance: A driver may use a computer to generate the graph grid and entries for the record of duty status or log books, provided the computer-generated output includes the minimum information required by §395.8 and is formatted in accordance with the rules. In addition, the driver must:
1. Be capable of printing the record of duty status for the current 24-hour period at the request of an enforcement officer.
2. Print the record of duty status at the end of each 24-hour period, and sign it in his or her handwriting to certify that all entries required by this section are true and correct.
3. Maintain a copy of printed and signed records of duty status for the previous 7 consecutive days and make it available for inspection at the request of an enforcement officer.

So you need to print the log daily incase your computer crashes and always have a back up log book incase your computer crashes. Even the brand new computers can crash so always be prepared.


*Editor's Note: This interpretation was issued after the interpretations

 

Well right now I am just using it to check myself. I have to turn in my paper logs to i do them. I guess I will just keep the computer on the DL for now.

 

I have used the computer to check my logs for many years. I have worked at companies that do not accept the DDL. As far as the DOT, I really doubt any would ever make a charge that it is a duplicate logbook.

I believe that when presented to the judge, the officer would be laughed out of court.

I will continue to use them this way and believe it will not be a problem.

 

How do I setup this software so it will match my paper logs? I can't seem to get it to have the correct recap... ?

 

I've been using DDL since he first brought it out. It was a novelty for me as I never had a problem with the 8/10 old rules but when we went to 11/14 I got lost. I think it's the old "can't teach an old dog" saying!

I paid $75 for it when he started to charge for it and it's been the best money I've EVER spent for a program!

I use my companies logs as they "give" them away and I use DDL to check my log and to also preplan my routes so I know where I stand every day on hours and it's also saved me from taking a load that I didn't have the hours to run. I see no sence in wasting the printer paper or the ink just to print something that is easier to hand to a DOT in a notebook but that's IMHO! I'm also cheap as heck!

I don't have all the lines filled in as I was told years ago by a DOT officer some jerk "could" use it to give a second logbook ticket but this guy was all for the program. Just the date and miles is all that shows even thou I do have a BMP of my signature for other stuff.

When asked for my log book I can hand them mine that's up to the minute in MY handwriting and when I tell them I use DDL to check my book they usually just flip a few pages and hand it back!

IMO DDL is the cats meowl in logging programs even if it doesn't play well with Vista! My laptop during the day has 2 programs running all day. DDL in "current" time and my maping program just for the heck of it!

As for a printer I just scan everything I need and print when I get home and for a scanner the CanoScan LiDE200 Flatbed Color Scanner for $89.99 at Best Buy is a nice small scanner that will fit in the bag with the laptop. They (Cannon) do have a printer/scanner mobile for about $180 that is smaller than an all in one and all in ones do take up a lot of room!

 

I just bought this DDL software and installed it into a small net book. I haven't had a chance to use this program yet but after messing with it awhile I find it to be a useful item. As far as printers go I found a printer that will print on full size legal paper, will run on batteries and is only the size of a pencil case!. The printer uses no toner or ink. Its expensive but looks to be a useful item that takes up NO room in a truck. http://cgi.ebay.com/Pentax-PocketJet-3-Printer-B-W-direct-thermal-Leg-/360259343427 Description: With the Pentax PocketJet you'll enjoy more efficiency, freedom and mobility than you ever imagined: Low cost-per-page Long-life NiMH battery Windows & PDA compatible No ink cartridges to replace Nearly unlimited OS compatibility Ultra-lightweight only 1.12 lbs including the battery Fast full-page portable printing up to 3 pages-per-minute Virtually maintenance-free mechanism with very few moving parts, I also found this HP model that can be used with only a 12v lighter plug or also has a optional battery pack (NO INVERTER) the price on this model is less too!. HP Officejet H470 Mobile Printer http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10250404#ProductDetail its larger in size then the first model (but still small enough for a truck), and has a low current need 40w and produces color prints. (OPINIONS?). P.S. I decided to buy the pocket jet thermal printer, although the quality of thermal printing leaves much to be desired and the image tends to fade over time I believe the prints delivered by this model will be sufficient for printing the required 7 days worth of logs on demand as well as sign them for inspection viewing. Lets face it! log books are not a graphic intensive item!. I think that I will be able to print company quality log book copies at other locations (home/truck stop etc,). The fact that this model will fit in and print from your briefcase is the size of a pencil case weighs less then 2 pounds (1.12 pounds to be exact), prints full letter size needs no inverter or external power source and uses no toner or inks sold me on this item. I also found this unit at another site for less then the link I gave here it pays to shop around! LOL here is a video showing this printer working, http://alatest.com/popup/pic_gallery/1823/#videos

 

This sounds like a great program I am a newbie that loves technology. I am going to contact the company I am starting with to see if they have this available.

 

Well, I have calculated the total cost I paid for the net book computer, DDL software and printer. The total came to $432.63 not bad I think, and it all fits inside my briefcase. All I now have to do is open my briefcase turn the computer on and I will be able to provide the DOT all the copies of my up to date log at a moments notice!. I will also be able to web serf and do my e mail, and watch videos. All and all it seems to be a nice tool kit for drivers!