Line 4 for time spent on repairs

I always log the time I spend doing repairs / maintence on my truck on line 4. I also log the time spent doing office work for the business on line 4. I note on the log what I did, Something like "Replaced brakes and right side drum on 3rd axle of tractor"

Is this overkill? Do I really need to do it? It's not like doing it causes me to run out of hours or anything. But it would be much easier to just fill out an off duty log that would cover my days off.

 

Ok to answer line 4 and how to log it. If you are waitings (sitting in lounge, truck etc) for them to load, work on truck, waiting for load etc. Legally you are on line 4. "IF" you can go to the sleeper while they load, work on truck, wait for load etc. Then go to the SLEEPER! If you must wait it is technically on line 4, most drivers log 15-30 minutes for most things. If they can prove you are on line 4 the whole time then you better log it. I have heard (know for a fact of one situation) that DOT has sat and watched drivers and then pull them over to see how they are logging it.
So to answer your quesitons you have to read what I wrote and read between the lines. Remember almost every thing you do will take @ least 15 minutes to deal with. Oh time in tow truck is line 4 and there is usually proof how long it took them to tow you (time due to billing)

my humble honest opinion. DOT is cracking down on the line 4 and looking very closely on internal and road inspections. They know drivers are saving on their 70 hour by not logging line 4 time

 

Well I am doing my own repairs so I guess that is a yes on logging it on line 4.

I also do the Pennsylvania State Safety Inspections on all the trucks at our terminal and I log that on line 4.

How about the office work? Stuff like filling out Apportioned Registration mileage reports, Registration renewals, IFTA reports, I also do some of my own billing so that can get a bit time consuming. So far I have been logging the time on line 4.

By the way I have never in my life logged any time in a sleeper. I have only driven day cabs, and all my time waiting is paid hourly truck rental at the same rate as when the truck is running down the highway. Needless to say I love waiting. The clock starts when I pull out of the yard and doesn't stop until I return.

 

OOOOOH! I see you are a little different than the OTR driver then. Yeah you should log it all on line 4. Basically DOT says any work is on line 4. Time a driver is repairing his/her own truck in their garage is to be logged on line 4 (They have to prove you was working on it though). So I guess you are not over logging and if you get paid for it then you should be all good to log line 4 with no complaints huh? Sounds like you are a jack of all trades kind of guy

Ok so you are doing the right thing and the only thing maybe might help is go have lunch if you are waiting for something (the company has to relieve you of duty status though) Our local guys show 1 hour off duty (which most eat down the road). They rarely work over 12 hours though.

 

Thanks for the info LogsRus. I was wondering if I was logging too much. Really I don't worry about it because I never run out of hours anyway. I just wondered if I was creating too much confusing paperwork.

You have to do a bit of everything if you want to make money as an owner operator. Doing the state inspections and doing the occasional engine or trans rebuild in the shop is just my way of taking care of the owner, in return I get the best of the local runs with low miles and hourly pay, with lots of loading and unloading time involved. One hand washes the other.

 

I wish you all of the luck! You have the good old stories here to remind you why you took the local job as to OTR GOOD LUCK and now you will have more time to spend here

 

My mentor was an owner-operator that I rode with in the early 1960s. He always made an entry on line four before beginning repairs on his truck at his home in Holland, Michigan. His reasoning involved being on-duty for workman's compensation insurance if he should happen to be injured. One day, he had a near miss while steam-cleaning a front hub area after removing the steer tire. Water washed around the hydraulic jack, and the axle fell to the ground near his foot. Perhaps, that was the day he started logging on line four. I am sure he never logged more than a half hour once he closed the shop after a morning of playing mechanic.

I regarded him as a smart operator. He owned a tandem dump that pulled a four-axle pup during construction season. In winter, he removed the dump box, installed a fifth wheel and box sleeper, and pulled flatbed for different carrier.

 

Good point there Heyns. I never thought of that being related to Workmenscomp, but very true. You might be denied workmens comp if you do not show being on-duty (which means you was working).
Very good thinking
I told everyone I am game for learning new things