E-Log solutions

What e-log are you using? Would you recommend it? Does it update with the ever changing rules (if so, for how much)? Can it be upgraded to a EOBR should that become mandated?

I'm leaning towards a dash-mounted tablet with built-in GPS, something that'll be like the Qualcomm in displaying how much time I have left etc and that I can just swing toward an inspecting officer...

 

Farm2Fleet uses BigRoad IIRC.

 

I just started using the keeptruckin app on my iPhone and iPad... Now granted I don't have a lot of experience with other elogs but I'm telling you dy this is a handy app.

 

I ran an XRS eobr as an independent for about 4 months last year. It displays your 70,11,14,8 hr break time remaining. I didn't ever have an inspection while using it. I ditched it after they wanted me sign a 1 year contract for $49 a month. They sell you the cable connection to the ecm for approximately $150, then they give you the box that communicates with your tablet. They only charge you for the box if you fail to return it after discontinuing their service. They give you a laminated instruction card to give officer friendly when you get inspected.

 

I was thinking of mounting an ipad in dash and running one of those loggins aps, which is pretty much like doing paper. I wonder if an officer would fall for it though

 

Check out the keeptruckin website or appsite or whatever. They do a pretty good job of explaining the legality of it, give you a number to call if the Leo gives you grief, etc etc. the relevant excerpt from the fmcsa code does make sense...I'm not the most technically advanced but I tried to screenshot the info hope it sorta helps.

 

Omnitracs has some monthly solutions (http://www.omnitracs.com/solution-finder) for $20+/month. I haven't explored them fully to see how they manage DOT inspection reports or if the solution (the back-end application) can be run from your home office (if that's your thing), etc, etc.

 

Keep in mind DY that any of these app's will NOT be accepted once E-logs become mandatory because they will not have truck ECM data. They are an EOBRD rather than a AOBRD

Not saying they would not be bad to get started as the price is right, I just didn't want you to spend big money on something that will most likely not be approved.

We run XRS, it is OK, I think there are things that could be improved, but for the most part they keep us legal and above board. I wish they would expand service into GPS mapping and real time weather traffic, that way you could have everything in one accessory.

We run 7" tablets as they are much easier to read and use than a cell phone.

Just what we do, good luck with it, but you should do well, anyone that documents and breaks down operating costs the way you do will have a very short learning curve.


Stan

 

I am not interested in an EOBR or a subscription service at this time, but if I am going to buy hardware, I'd like it to be able to upgrade to an EOBR in the future -- should regulations require it.

That $20/month omnitracs package is misleading -- that's just for the eobr application. It requires a 5-year contract and the purchase of a MCP 50 ($799) or better.

 

One I glanced @ that you may want to consider

http://www.vdoroadlog.com/about-roadlog/for-owner-operators/