CDL A School, Work Class B, and Driver Logs

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Coco1994, Sep 4, 2024.

  1. Coco1994

    Coco1994 Bobtail Member

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    I have just recently started school, working to upgrade my class B to a class A. My employer does not know I am taking night classes, but I was just informed last night that I have to keep log books for my class. Since I use an ELD for my job do I have to log in for class as well, or are paper logs fine? This may cause problems if so. Does anyone have any experience with this?
     
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  3. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    Yes, all class time must be logged on duty or driving as appropriate and the time does count against your 70. It is no different than if you got a second job.
     
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  4. Coco1994

    Coco1994 Bobtail Member

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    Does this mean that I do have to notify my employer that I’m taking classes? I believe that’s what I’m understanding since I have to keep all logs together and not seperate?
     
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    No, don't notify your current employer. Use paper logs. Yeah, I know I'm not supposed to tell you that.
    Using paper logs for cdl school, you'll go to your new job clean and with plenty of hours to get started. Notify your current employer and you might be fired and that will do some serious damage when you apply for your next job. Trucking companies don't want to hire someone that's just been fired and many won't.
     
  6. buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

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    If you are being PAID to attend the classes, you have to report your hours in class and driving. If you receive no compensation, you do not need to on your work ELD and just use paper to satisfy your class. Compensation is the keyword.
     
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Excellent point and factual!
     
  8. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    This is what I was thinking. I am guessing the class wants him to use a logbook just for instructional purposes.
     
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  9. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    Technically, yes. If you read your employee handbook there should be a section about logging outside work. Read and follow it.

    90% chance you could keep separate logs and no one would ever be the wiser. The risk is what happens if you're in an 'incident' - either at work or school? If the opposing lawyers can prove you were outside the HOS at the time of the incident you automatically become at least partially liable, and in some states you can go from being 0% liable to 100% liable.

    Your employer shouldn't have an issue with you taking classes to upgrade your license/yourself. If they do, forget them right in the ear. In 4 weeks you'll have a class A and you'll have a lot of options.
     
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2024
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  10. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    If it were a class on underwater basket weaving, I'd agree. All that matters in that sceranrio is the driver has 'adequete rest' before starting his shift.

    In this case he is using a CMV, which must be logged 'on duty' or 'driving'. A person might be able to argue that the classroom portion could be logged off duty, but not the pre-trips, the range time, or the driving.
     
  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Only if he's being paid/compensated for all that.
     
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