Paperless logs

I think it's just overcomplicated. My gps unit logs the time driving and stopped and it's accurate enough to log by. QualComm has everything set up to run from the server end, and their servers suck. Set up a system to run from the truck end and upload the data when you approve the log and it'd work much better. It would also cut out the fat greedy middlemen at QC.

 

Hell, did you even read my complaint above? Also, you have to pull over to check your hours (i write when i run out down somewhere, but it still has to be checked before then to make sure). I have no way of looking at my actual logbook and calculating myself. Looking at my log on a 4 line display is a total joke.

As for the hypothetical driver, hell, I threw away someone elses logbook to falsify mine once.

 

Take a look at Driver's Daily Log - a nice Windows (lord help us) application that does a very good job of being what you want. It certainly suits MY needs. And it's not insanely expensive. Last I looked,it was about $50

Ah.. just checked. $50 for the "lite" version, and $95 for the full version. You can check it out at http://www.driversdailylog.com

 

Paperless log is coming to Covenant as well... They have been testing the new system and we may start seeing it by the end of February. New QC will also have a GPS (they said it will help with routing....) I wonder how this thing will work. Nowadays I try to log as real as possible because if audit, they will check GPS records too. But that is already a pain in the neck. Sometimes during my 34 I bobtail to do my shopping, etc, (and log on line 1) but can't go very far and always concerned... With this new system, I will have no freedom at all. It will be like having a ball and chain... Anyway, will start researching other companies... that don't use paperless log and don't monitor drivers so much.

 

Man Oh Man all of this technology these days and all they can come up with is a way to replace my pencil. I know how to do a log how about they come up with better ideas to use technology for.

 

Most likely they will start using the same new Qualcomm system that companies like Schneider are switching to, the MCP-200. I think companies are able to maybe customize it to fit their needs a bit too...such as how much driving you need to do before it switches you to line three from line 4...etc. However, you CAN log out of the qualcomm and that time isn't counted against you. But I don't know if that new system will record the movement and cause it to raise a flag somewhere or not. I know Schneider says you can't use the truck for personal use...blah blah...like that has stopped me from bobtailing around, lol. But I havent experimented with the new system enough to figure out if it records the movement while the driver is logged off.

Either way...Im thinking that more and more companies over the next few years are going to be switching to the new qualcomms for various reasons.

 

My husband is an old trucker, and he went kicking and screaming about paperless logs, when he had to go to class on them. Now he says he loves the paperless logs. He says he thinks it will make the roads safer, and he still is making money. He says if he is in a accident ever, he is covered because he is where he is spose to be. Our son is a driver too, and he recently had his first real accident, he said he thanks the lord that he was on electronic log, he use to run 3 log books. Our son says it is much less stressful.

 

When I drove for Crete, I thought I was going to have problems logging, because they REQUIRE you to log LEGAL... I couldnt believe how much easier and less stress it is to just "log it as you drive it" and still make as much money else where, and not worry about if you messed up somewhere on your log book from cheating. Kinda like driving an automatic, I hated the idea of driving an auto, then I finally had the chance to and I absolutely loved it!! Especially in traffic or climbing hills. Technology will bring a million more options Im sure, lets just hope its for the better!

 

You know personally, I don't have a problem with logging it like I do it. My issue is pay. I get paid per mile, and as long as drivers are paid per mile, they are going to push it for that extra buck. If they want us to all slow down, log perfect, all this good stuff, not a problem. But for me thats a pay cut. I for one don't need 24+ hours on a 650 mile load, but you throw this paperless, gps stuff in, well might as well toss in a extra 10 hour break. Add those lost miles per day as lost productivity, something once lost, you can never get back, that is big money for all involved at the end of the year. Not only do I lose, the company loses too. So simply, hike my pay to make up the difference. The company may not gain, but I shouldn't lose. While I'm at it, put a APU on the truck since I'll be idling more too!

 

I'm worried that I'm going to get nailed for QC mess-up, not mine. I've had the office tell me that I started my day in X and at Y time, and both units were completely wrong, by 30 minutes and 100 miles.