Eclipse computer logs?

The FMCSA reg states that the inspector CAN require that you produce a signed, paper copy of your last 8 days. In reality, many inspectors are very familiar with DDL and Eclipse and other E-Log programs and will simply accept what is on the screen.

HOWEVER - My advice is that it is never good to leave yourself vulnerable to an inspector who is "having a bad day" so either have printouts of your week in a binder, or copy your E-Log onto a paper log if you don't want to spend the 70 bucks on a printer.

FMCSA regs link you are looking for: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/hos/index.htm

 

I got a HP portable printer for $39 at wally world even has a travel bag with it. I get it out and print my logs twice a week, no problems so far.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

 

Here you go.

View attachment 36213

 

I use Eclipse. I only have a dc post that was meant to hook up the CB. I have a plug off that with a three way splitter. I run my laptop, a garmin 465t, and a clock off that. Sometimes, I recharge my phone. I have a HP 1051 scanner printer in my truck. I use a plug in inverter if I need to print off my logs. I sign them with my Eclipse. I have a GPS receiver hooked to my laptop so it makes it very easy. I am always up to date or can be with a click of the mouse. All this and I still run around a particular scale.

 

Allan M: That was from 2002 and the regs have changed. Here is the latest:
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:
[TABLE="class: nrlist"]
[TR]
[TD="class: nr"]1.[/TD]
[TD="class: nr"]Be capable of printing the record of duty status for the current 24-hour period at the request of an enforcement officer.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: nr"]2.[/TD]
[TD="class: nr"]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.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: nr"]3.[/TD]
[TD="class: nr"]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.[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

Yours is the same as the letter from 2002 and that means the regs did not change.

 

I print mine out at the end of everyday, punch them with a three hole punch and put them in a 3 ring binder. When I get home from my trip I hand the whole stack over to dispatch. When I leave again I just re-print the last seven days, usually on just a few sheets because of the multiple days off duty. Saves me paper and ink.

Also when I am in California I keep the printer on and my USB cable running up to it. If I get the dreaded red light I hit print at that moment. Its hot off the press before I even get into the inspection bay. Anywhere else I don't worry about it. Gives the inspector one less thing to "try" and gripe about.

 

I got pulled in for inspection at the Banning, CA scale once and the inspector didn't say a word when I told him it would just take a moment to print out today's log. I once read a post somewhere that a guy had been put out of service in either KS or NE but if that was true I'd bet he didn't have a copy of this letter to show the inspector. I always make sure that I have a supply of loose leaf logs available in case my printer caves also.

 

I keep loose leaf in the truck also just in case. The only scale in Cali that has ever given me guff was the Truckee scale but I guess thats where they do all the training so you get lots of newbies on a power trip.

 

i sign mine using a digital signature, which is a copy of my actual signature that i sent in. and since i only have to produce a COPY of my last 7 days logs that what they get.

i know some will say you have to actually have to sign it, but i say its as good as a carbon copy .


since several court rullings have deemed digital signatures to be legal and binding and equivalent.