my thoughts on mandatory e logs

Situations like that happen all the time. Too bad the gooberment can't realize that scenario. And allow some type of leeway in the regs. It wouldn't be hard to see in the log graph.

I would really like to know how you eloggers deal with congested cities like LA or Chicago or the 95. Although some of you had said you have specific roads and know how to get out in a timely manner. Most of our departure times are dinner time. And when you're way down by the long beach ports. Where it can take anywhere from 5 to 7 hours to make the 70 mile trek out of civilization, up to the top of cajon pass. It's tough on paper with a flat. I can't even imagine pulling a van with elogs. Trying to get in, unload, crawl to reload, and back out. in 14 hours. Throw in the lengthy unload/reload times in that state.

 

I run in and around Chicago, Indy, Detroit, etc weekly... with a dry box and not dedicated. I haven't had any issues using E-logs for the last 4 years. Planning, Planning, Planning is the key. Sure, hiccups happen, but nothing I couldn't deal with. And, of course, it does change how far one might get than what they have done in the past. And it is going to make the long load/unload times have to be compensated to some degree. I made about $1100 combined in November off of two delays a week apart at Kellogg's in Battle Creek, MI. Both times, got a full break in at their location, got unloaded, and had fresh 11 to go on to the next run. Same thing at Conagra in Lakeville, MN. Quite often, I even get compensation for the little 3-4 hr delay stuff that occurs from time to time. And no, the carrier is not the one compensating. It is billed to the customer and the customer pays up. Carrier only directly compensates their company drivers, not the O/O. O/O delay compensation is billed to the customer and when customer pays the freight bill, the O/O sees the money in their settlement. If I have to sit anywhere that is going to take 5-7 hrs, after the initial 10 min or so On Duty when I get there, I switch the E-log to the sleeper. I then just pull off another hour or two to fulfill a 8 hr sleeper, and take off. Clock gets stopped on a 8 hr sleeper, so I have time to drive on out at the end of it before having to pull off the other 2 hrs, of which part of that can fulfill the 30 min break mandate. Just like with paper, one has to use some "creativity" when using an E-log.

Those that want to will learn how to make it work. Sure, at first a lot of folks will be like pigs on roller skates, but they will learn ways to make it work. Not advocating for E-logs, just stating that it is not the end of the world. Now is the time to start developing ways to make it work before the actual mandate takes full effect. Those that wait till the last minute to learn how to do things will be in for a big surprise. It takes time to develop and get up to speed. Even the FMCSA knows that. That is why they have given everyone two years to get ready.