Keep trucking log book

Skip to content HomeServicesRequest A QuoteJoin Our TeamCompany DriversOwner OperatorsApply with Len Dubois Trucking TodayContact UsAbout UsLen Dubois Trucking Accessibility PlanMyDuboisLDT DriversBlog Keep Your Log Book Violation Free Most log book violations are caused by not paying attention to details. No matter how busy your day is you’re expected to keep your log book in good order. Every violation or warning counts against your driving record and the company’s safety rating. More violations, even seemingly harmless ones, against a driver and company result in increased inspections for the entire fleet, can lead to fines, poor driver’s abstracts and even loss of work.Len Dubois Trucking drivers are expected to have zero violations every step along the way. Keeping and maintaining our safety record is a team effort. Each driver must be responsible for following and adhering to all safety and compliance rules and regulations.Keeping your log book up to date with all the required information is part of your daily job. Please ensure that you:Keep your log book current – Make sure to update your log book with every change of duty. It’s the law.Keep your log book accurate – Inspectors can see when you crossed the border and company fuel cards transactions are time stamped. An audit will catch discrepancies. Fines for falsifying your log book can be steep and you can be put Out of Service. Being put OOS is a significant hit to your company’s safety rating.Do your recaps – Do the math and complete your 7 or

How Long Do Truckers Have to Keep Log Books?The trucking industry’s backbone is perhaps its adherence to stringent regulations and the meticulous documentation that supports it. One of the cornerstone records that truck drivers must maintain is their log book. In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of how long truckers are legally obligated to keep their log books, and why this is so important for compliance, safety, and the successful operation of trucking businesses.Understanding the Importance of Log BooksLog books are paramount to a trucker’s daily routine. They are detailed records containing hours of service (HOS), miles driven, rest periods, fuel purchases, and other essential details that document a trucker’s work and rest schedule. Per federal regulations, these logs are crucial for ensuring drivers are not overworking – a critical factor in preventing accidents due to fatigue.Federal Regulations on Record KeepingThe Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) outlines the record-keeping requirements, and truckers must comply to avoid penalties. The current requirement is that drivers must retain their Record of Duty Status (RODS) and supporting documents for a period of no less than six months. This mandate originated from the desire to standardize the trucking industry and to create a safer environment for all road users.Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)Notably, with the implementation of Electronic Logging Devices, or ELDs, storing logbooks has become significantly easier and more reliable. Since December 2017, ELDs have been mandatory for most commercial truck drivers, which automatically record driver activity. These devices not only ensure greater compliance with HOS rules but also simplify the retrieval and storage of data for the required six-month timeframe.Record Retention Best PracticesIt’s not enough to keep log books only for compliance; proper storage, and organization are just as critical. Truckers, or their employing carriers, should have a system in place to store logs, whether through a digital platform that comes with the ELDs or through physical, chronological filing systems. In the case of an audit or inspection, easy access to these logs can save a trucking company from hefty fines or operational shutdowns.Audit Readiness and ComplianceTrucking companies are subject to

When a truck accident occurs, the result can be fatal. Collisions involving trucks are dangerous for many reasons, but the size and weight of the vehicles can make any crash a fatal one. Commercial trucks weigh tens of thousands of pounds and the impact of these vehicles can cause some serious damage to other vehicles on the road. When we want to prove liability in a truck accident, one of the first things we do is ask to see the log of the truck driver’s hours. All truck drivers keep one, and it is a valuable tool in a personal injury claim. The trucking log allows drivers to keep track of the hours spent on the road. These hours can be recorded on paper, but more and more often, they are recorded electronically. There are strict rules regarding hours of service (HOS) that must be followed by truckers. Rather than driving continuously for extended periods in order to deliver their goods as soon as possible, drivers are required to take breaks. Truck drivers carrying goods can remain on the road for an 11-hour period, but they must have at least a 10-hour break between their next shift. There is a reason for these limits: driver fatigue is a leading cause of crashes. Requiring truckers to take rests is the best way to prevent them from falling asleep while driving, and putting themselves and others at risk of injuries. Why is a trucking log important? The trucking log is important because it allows employers to keep track of employees while making sure that they are following the rules. There are times when truckers may exceed the speed limit in order to get a delivery done at a faster pace. Log books record hours of driving as well as miles which allows employers and attorneys to examine whether or not a truck driver is obeying the speed limit. Another reason the trucking log is so important is that it is used as evidence when trucking accidents occur. The data from the log let investigators know if the truck driver was following the specific requirements when the accident occurred. If the tracking log shows that the truck driver was out on the road for longer than 11 hours at a time, or without taking a break for at least 10 hours, that driver may be held responsible for the accident. The decision to keep driving could be considered negligence in a case against the truck driver and, potentially, the company that employs the driver, as well. When involved in an accident with a truck driver, the chances of experiencing severe injuries and major damage to your vehicle are quite high. If you have

Truckers have a lot to consider when choosing an electronic logbook for their business. They need to be mindful of compliance, price, the user-friendliness of each log book app for truck drivers, and more. Considering the high turnover rate among drivers, it is vital to make their jobs easier; the right choice of elogs can go a long way. Reading ELD trucking app reviews from real drivers is a great way to ensure the system is efficient and the provider is trustworthy. Reviews from HOS247 users show that they appreciate the logbook’s ease of use, seamless integration and installation, dependability, and overall system performance. Our customer support reps are knowledgeable, available Monday through Sunday, and speak four languages (English, Russian, Polish, and Spanish). At HOS247, we serve as our customers’ strategic partner in developing their business. Their feedback helps us maintain an excellent logbook service for commercial drivers. Reviews from HOS247 users show that they appreciate the logbook’s ease of use, seamless integration and installation, dependability, and overall system performance. Our customer support reps are knowledgeable, available Monday through Sunday, and speak four languages (English, Russian, Polish, and Spanish). At HOS247, we serve as our customers’ strategic partner in developing their business. Their feedback helps us maintain an excellent logbook service for commercial drivers. Flexible plans whether you have 1 or 500 vehicles HOS247 Offers More Than a Log Book App for TruckersIn addition to a user-friendly ELD trucking app, HOS247 offers an all-in-one fleet management software to improve operations and safety, including:GPS fleet tracking. Use real-time GPS tracking to monitor your fleet with easy-to-install 4G/LTE tracking devices. Confirm driver HOS availability, vehicle details, and trailer type with a quick look of the map. Use GPS data to ensure drivers are on schedule and share estimated arrival times with clients for optimal customer service.IFTA mileage calculations. IFTA fuel tax reporting is simplified with this feature. HOS247’s ELD trucking app for truckers automatically calculates each driver’s distance traveled by jurisdiction. Eliminate the administrative burden of calculating mileage and the risk of human error.Vehicle maintenance. The app helps keep an efficient maintenance schedule, reminding you when it’s time for oil changes, warranty expiration dates, tire rotations, and more, to prevent breakdowns and reparation costs.Automated idle monitoring. The logbook automatically records idling to cut down on unnecessary fuel consumption. Use the dashboard to identify which drivers need additional training on the importance of

Tasks. For example, drivers can be on duty 14 hours a day, of which 11 hours are driving time. The remaining three hours can include other related tasks besides 30-minute breaks.Off-duty time refers to the part of the day when drivers are not working, such as resting and sleeping time.Who Needs to Comply with Log Book Rules in the US?Drivers with a commercial driving license or CMV in interstate commerce must abide by the FMCSA regulations. Interstate drivers must follow the Federal HOS rules, whereas local commercial drivers should comply with their state rules. Log Book ExemptionsHere are the log book exemptions that are applicable under normal conditions.Adverse Conditions ExceptionThis exemption provides truckers with an extra two hours of driving time without extending the 14-hour limit. However, it applies only to adverse and unpredictable conditions.16-Hour Short-Haul ExceptionThe 16-Hour Short Haul Exception, log book rule, allows for an extension of the 14-hour period to 16-hour once every seven consecutive days. It requires a return to home each day.Non-CDL Short-Haul ExceptionDrivers working short distances without needing a CDL can extend their 14-hour period to 16 hours twice, seven consecutive days after a 34-hour reset. It also requires a return to the reporting location daily after working within a 150-mile radius.At the same time, drivers must:Not drive past 14 hours for the remaining five daysNot drive for more than 11 hours after ten consecutive off-duty hoursStop within 16 hours on two allowed daysTake the 34-hour resetSumming Up: Is it Time to Hit The Road?Now that you know all the ins and outs of the FMCSA logbook rules, it’s much easier to understand and follow the hours-of-service regulations and logbook exemptions. Contacting trucking operations managers or checking in with the local state laws is also a good practice.For those new to the trucking industry or in need of a refresher, don’t hesitate to get in touch.