Does an owner operator have to do duplicate logs?

No, I don't do it. Never had a problem in 11 years as independent, but I can always say I make copies later if needed or asked about.
Also, I created log page from others as template, and copy/print em out. Way cheaper than buying them. I use 8x11" paper per log, I still have the post-trip insp. on mine, but I guess that's no longer required. You could do two logs per page really. Its cheap.

 

Ya. Unless you have a driver in your truck who would need to get the logs into terminal, what is it, by 13 days. I go home every 10-20 days usually, and just file them then. And paper is like .04-.05 cents a page. Paper has really gone up the last couple years, but I'm a penny miser. Take care.

 

Use a laptop with logging software such as Driver Daily Logs or Eclipse or Trucklogger. And a printer.

They're already programmed with different formats that standard carriers already use. No templates needed.

Or, if your savy, there are free apps for cell phones and tablets. Along with a wireless printer. You can print your logs for your phone or tablet. But, you do need mobile hotspot, as that acts as the wireless router.

 

Yes, because you a driver need to keep a copy going 7days out and the carrier needs to keep a copy I think for a couple years.

What if you get audited while you are on the road?

Where are those carrier copies?

 

But why can't those be one in the same? Keep the "driver copy" in the truck for those 7 days, then that driver copy becomes the "carrier copy" to archive once you are back home?

 

Lol exactly. The "7 day" log turns into the log that is filed once it's placed into the file.

 

"Technically", you do need duplicate copies; and if anyone asks, that's what you do. In practise, one copy is good. For FMCSA purposes:

• Driver must keep logs for seven days
• Carrier must keep logs for six months

Your tax accountant may recommend keeping logs for a longer period, but they are not required longer than stated above for an FMCSA/DOT audit/inspection.

No hotspot required for phone/tablet/laptop to wireless printer connection on current devices. Direct device-to-device works on every wireless printer I have ever used.

I printed my own paper logs... one copy. I then emailed the logs to the company.