Paperless logs

Yes I think it is a really good idea to keep both, that way if the stupid Qualcomm does quit, you can keep rolling. I agree with becomming to relient on technology. I still write everything down, still add my log book up on paper at the end of the day... I still look at the Atlas before I take off on a route I'm not sure about. Alot of guys now just take off and depend on the GPS and the Optistop routing. Technology is a great tool, but you still need to know how to function with out it.

 

I preach this every week. Technology is great, however your cannot depend on it fully. You still need to be able to think. We hire "experienced" drivers and expect that someone else has taught them the basics. Sadly this is not true, I cannot believe the things I see some of the drivers here do. And don't even get me started on our customer serivce and dispatch. This weekend I saw a load that was relayed and repowered adding 550 miles to the load. Oh and we failed on that load. go figure.

 

Why would you add 550 mile to a load with the cost structure the way it is today. Is there someone there with a brain in their head? Oh well, I guess if they loose the work then maybe Roehl can pick it up... lol Isn't is great to be back to work...

 

Be careful keeping a paper and electronic log. It is a DOT violation to be keeping both logs.

 

Why would it be a violation to have a paper backup of what your electronic log says? Unless something has changed I thought that was the regulation. Unless you can print out the last seven days, you must have a written log you can show the officer. I realize things may have changed, but that is how it used to be.

 

As long as they both have the same information, why would it be a DOT violation?

 

How is your paper log that goes by 15 minute increments going to equal your e-log that goes by the minute?

By keeping both logs, you open yourself up for a DOT Audit. For each interpretation by the DOT officer where they feel you have falsified, they could write you a ticket.

My advice, call the log and safety department and ask them. When I asked them, they told me to only fill out the paper log when the e-log doesn't work. Otherwise it could be construed by DOT as an attempt to falsify.

 

We ask all of our drivers to fill out paper logs and eLogs for the first 10 days or until i say stop

 

I was still keeping paper logs while I was training, mainly because the students were not always in the system, and therefore could not log onto the Qualcomm. I used the e-logs as much I could, but it more for teaching than anything else. I understand the time difference, but it would take a real prick of a DOT officer to cite you for keeping a back up on an unproven technology.

 

here's an idea, don't show the DOT officer your log book.