New E-log Rules

With e-logs becoming a federal requirement, I'm sure once it goes into effect you will not be able to legally drive without your e-log system operational. If it is "on the fritz" or "broken down" you will be forced to stay put until you get it repaired or else face a ticket from the DOT , just like it is for any other piece of required safety equipment on the truck.

I doubt you'll be put out of service, but you might have to PROVE that it doesn't work. Also, they might consider it a failure of a Level I, II, or III inspection even if your paper logs are straight. You have to turn in ALL failures of any DOT inspections.

Now, if they think your paper logs are NOT legit, then yes, they'll probably shut you down.

Dave

When I first got into the industry it was paper logs with **** Simon trucking. I then worked for East West out of Black Hawk S.D and they had paper logs but also had (cant remember what it was called) what looked like a bag phone as well as would give you your loads and etc. My first experience with e-logs was with May Trucking. Let me tell ya me and electronics dont get along to well however this was very easy to operate. I know longer had the stress of wondering if my log book was in order, no mistakes, believe me you mistakes are made very easily and with out intention with paper logs. Anyways after that I could direct my attention to other things and for me alot less stress.

That's fine and dandy I'll work for a company that has older equipment in their very law it states except trucks model year 2000 and older so either way works for me I'll get in an older truck and keep on trucking the way I want regardless.

That's fine and dandy I'll work for a company that has older equipment in their very law it states except trucks model year 2000 and older so either way works for me I'll get in an older truck and keep on trucking the way I want regardless.

Good luck with that. Unless you find one in pristine condition with low miles you'll be finding your self with a ton of break downs which will cost you more time and money. The rest of us will deal with the Elogs and roll on by you as we wave and watch the tow truck hooking up to you. Good luck

I'm curious to know when the Elogs will be fully required in trucks. As it stands now, I roll with paper and have gotten use to it but I started on Elogs and prefer them.

On page1 of this thread, per Ernie S:

I was just reading about this, the requirement goes into effect on Dec 11, 2017. So that means everyone has 2 years to get into compliance with the electronic logs requirements.

Ernie

Good site about ELDs and the mandate ELD Facts.com

I worked at a small trucking company from the south suburbs of Chicago (150 + units) . After being a mechanic there for a couple years, I transferred to OTR Tankers, I ran paper logs.

All the trucks had dash mounted Telatrac units for communications with the DM. One of my jobs while working on the trucks was to install and repair those units. It being a small outfit, I was friends with the DM's and would see their computer screens, they verified they could see every truck, It's speed and Location in their system.

When I was driving OTR with paper logs, I asked more questions, Yes the company (and DOT) could go back it time if needed, to main frame computer replay your trip to see if it matched your paper logs. It shows your route, speed, when and where you stop and how long for everything.

So if your company is using any kind of Satelite Commuications, then yes your company has an ELOG trail of your Paper LOG.

Good site about ELDs and the mandate ELD Facts.com

Thanks for the link. The ELD site is chock full of useful information. My problem with the mandate, though, is that it is 516 pages long. Who has time to read something that long?

When I was driving OTR with paper logs, I asked more questions, Yes the company (and DOT) could go back it time if needed, to main frame computer replay your trip to see if it matched your paper logs. It shows your route, speed, when and where you stop and how long for everything.

Once upon a time, I drove for a living in a world without e-logs. There was talk back then about the need for enhancing communication with OTR drivers, but there was nothing in the works. Fast forward 30 years, and I find myself in a position where I want to return to OTR driving. The biggest hurdle I will need to overcome, however, involves the e-log: I simply don't understand it. But, I hope that changes, soon.

I find it completely fascinating and wonderful that any company and DOT is able to go back in time to see if paper logs match the route, speed, and place where trucks stop. After all, in this litigious world we live in, I look at the e-log as a tool that vindicates a driver in cases of false (or mistaken) allegations.

Change is good...