Profile For Chris A.

Legal or not? Trainer editing electronic log while student is driving truck. Can the trainer edit the log to extend the students 14 hour clock by changing the time the student went on duty? Please keep in mind, the "on duty" time was edited with 8 minutes to go until the student would be in violation.

All new to me as well. Just completed 18 days of being with a trainer, of the required 21 before getting my own truck, with a major flatbed carrier out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Myself and the trainer couldn't get together on a clear understanding of the HOS rules. At one point, I was driving the truck and nearing the end of my 14 hours. (Within 8 minutes, I believe). Please understand, the trainer had the QUALCOMM in his hands. I was not near the end of my 11 hours drive time, just close to the 14 hour clock expiring. When informed of my remaining time before I would be in violation and asked what I would do, I stated, "I will exit here, turn right towards that McDonald's and park the truck, say good night and start again tomorrow." Trainer informed me to proceed through the intersection when the traffic light changed and get back on the on ramp. I did so, pulled over safely and set the parking brake. When I did, he went bezerk, asked me why I set the brake? He said, "why did you do that? Whenever you set the brake, it pings the truck and they can see where we are at." At this point and still not understanding, I continued to drive as he said, "I've got this and we're driving to Hagerstown, Maryland to get some fried chicken. I did and we did. Good student right? Apparently what he did was to go back in the log, change/edit my start time (on-duty) from approx. 7:46 a.m. to approx. 9:30 (something) a.m. Later on duty time, later stop driving time, correct? Mind you, he did this nearly 14 hours later ... correct, legal, ethical? Confused is all. Cost me my job as I told him I couldn't continue to do things like that ... this was the second time seeing the electronic log edited. When I questioned the trainer if this was legal, he said "it wasn't really illegal." When I asked, if I hit and killed someone on the highway, would the DOT think it was illegal? He stated, and I quote, "Probably not, they are people too." He kept insisting that if we do not mess with the driving line on the electronic log, we've done nothing illegal. I said, okay, but for what other reason, other than to extend my driving time today, would I edit the log some 14 hours (close) later? I got no answer. He stated and again I quote. "If you run legal, you will not make any money and Melton will not keep you for lack of production." Then stated. "Melton wants you to run legal. I am completely confused and wonder did I screw up royally? Blow a completely good career? Would appreciate some good information.

Thanks,

Chris