Billing & ELogs

My experience as a 1 truck independent working with random brokers is that I'm only able to collect detention maybe 1 out of every 10 times.

If it is an agent you use a lot, or even a company you use a lot, you'll maybe have more luck, but if they'll never encounter you again it is too easy for a random commissioned salesperson to promise 1 thing and fail to deliver once the product if off your trailer.

More to your original question, I don't rely on my elog for detention records, but instead send emails with attached geo & time-coded photographs (from cell phone) when I arrive & am empty.

 

You will be fortunate to collect detention once in a while. I make it a habit to note my arrival time and if the loading/unloading hasn't begun by 1 1/2 hours, the broker gets a phone call. Some brokers will specify you must call at one hour or two hours to report if you aren't being loaded or unloaded. Most large brokerages, like C H Robinson, TQL and UTi don't often pay for detention, but you still need to let them know the clock is ticking.

Back to your ELD question. I use Big Road logging app on my smart phone. There is currently no subscription or fee for drivers, and the app is the best of both worlds. I have never had a problem when being inspected, you can email the logs daily, and if you desire print them out and keep them in a binder for the DOT to read easily. If you want to go the ELD route, that is tied to the engine, Big Road does offer that with a system that will logon to your device via Bluetooth. The cost is $15 per month per truck for a subscription and $10 per month per truck for the ELD attachment.