my logbook violation...question

My SNI logbooks have a box you check if it's a multi day log. And a spot for the end date, ie, the last day of the multiple days.
We were trained to put 24 hrs off duty and fill in the multi day section. The only caveat is that all days must fall in the same calander month. If your time off runs through multiple months, you need seperate log sheet for each month. No need to add up all the hours.

 

That would sound correct because there is only 24 hours in a day!
FMCSA allows you to use one log for several days however there can only be 24 hour total on the logs. Now DOT usually doesn't fuss over a driver totaling the hours up on the bottom part but the computers will not read the log correctly if you put 100 hours and you will "usually" get a violation for total hours incorrect.

But I don't use those logs, I want to and might in the future

 

Most companies do not realize if they are using the scannable log. The drivers can actually use one log sheet for all days off. The company must make sure the "picture" of the one log is applied for all the dates so they don't delete the log image though.

It's not a DOT regulation that only one a month can be used. It was trained one a month because thats how they was "filed" by month and if a driver combined months (like Dec & Jan) when they throw December logs out it would throw the January out.

But it's best to stick with the one per month rule, but it isn't a DOT regulation which many auditors believe it is.

A mouth full and just a little knowledge, by all means make sure you follow your company rules but you might suggest it to the auditors you talk to . It saves the auditor from violating the driver for using one log for several months. Especially a driver on leave . Less filing/data entry etc.

 

Thanks Logs. I don't recall if it was mentioned in the training or not, but I've always assumed the rule about not logging multiple months on one log sheet to be a company rather than DOT rule.
For myself, it's become a moot point. I just fill out a log sheet for each day. It seems like every time I try using one sheet for multiple days I wind up getting a qualcomm query about missing logs, and it's always the additional days on a log sheet they can't find.
I have enough stress already, don't need to stress over worrying about whether or not I screwed up and somehow missed sending in some log sheets!

 

I have to wonder if your log auditors go through the missing log report "before" sending out messages to see if maybe the computer did not pick up the # of days off or something. Or possibly you are doing something wrong. I do get frustrated with those who give up instead of keep trying until you get it right . Why because that would make your life easier and it definately makes our job easier as an auditor. But you are free to do it as you like . But it could be you was doing it right and again they are being stricter or not validating they really are missing before sending out messages. If you work for me call me and I will be glad to state where the mis communication is coming from

 

I'm lucky, my company prints their name and address on the logs for us!

 

You sure can....I had a DOT officer tell me that was the way to do it. Don't ask why I was talking with a DOT officer!!!