Drivers Log App, Anyone Use These?

Read Page 54 for the requirement to use paper logs when the e-log machine malfunctions

I didn't see anything about being required to have paper logs, only that drivers said they would need them if their e log went down anyways.

Now when I did a search I came up with this from overdrive: http://www.overdriveonline.com/e-log-mandate-set-to-take-effect-dec-2017-rule-to-be-published-by-fmcsa-friday/

Drivers, while not required to keep paper logs, still must keep a maximum of eight supporting documents, either electronic or paper, for every 24-hour period that includes on-duty time. They must submit these supporting documents to their carrier within 13 days of receiving them, and carriers must retain the documents — along with records of duty status — for six months.

Supporting documents include: (1) bills of lading, itineraries, schedules or other documents that show trip origin and destination, (2) dispatch records, trip records or similar documents (3) expense receipts, (4) electronic mobile communication records sent through fleet management systems or (5) payroll records, settlement sheets or similar documents that show what and how a driver was paid.

If a driver submits to a carrier more than eight documents for a 24-hour period, the carrier must keep the first and last document for the day and six others. If fewer than eight are submitted, carriers must retain all of them.

That pretty much says that if your primary e log goes down, you need to have logs and other supporting data in some other form, weather it be paper or electronic, thus any of these dot compliant apps should work just fine.

after searching around on dot website I finally found this:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/what-must-driver-do-if-there-eld-malfunction

I question though if that applies if you have a backup electronic option. It does also say on the list of faqs that a mobile app can be used as an eld so long as it meet requirements. so I would think as long as you have a back up option then you could use it too... but really I would contact them first and get clarification. I sent them an email asking so we'll see what kind of answer I get.

Phox wrote:

Read Page 54 for the requirement to use paper logs when the e-log machine malfunctions

I didn't see anything about being required to have paper logs, only that drivers said they would need them if their e log went down anyways.

Now when I did a search I came up with this from overdrive: http://www.overdriveonline.com/e-log-mandate-set-to-take-effect-dec-2017-rule-to-be-published-by-fmcsa-friday/

Drivers, while not required to keep paper logs, still must keep a maximum of eight supporting documents, either electronic or paper, for every 24-hour period that includes on-duty time. They must submit these supporting documents to their carrier within 13 days of receiving them, and carriers must retain the documents — along with records of duty status — for six months.

Supporting documents include: (1) bills of lading, itineraries, schedules or other documents that show trip origin and destination, (2) dispatch records, trip records or similar documents (3) expense receipts, (4) electronic mobile communication records sent through fleet management systems or (5) payroll records, settlement sheets or similar documents that show what and how a driver was paid.

If a driver submits to a carrier more than eight documents for a 24-hour period, the carrier must keep the first and last document for the day and six others. If fewer than eight are submitted, carriers must retain all of them.

That pretty much says that if your primary e log goes down, you need to have logs and other supporting data in some other form, weather it be paper or electronic, thus any of these dot compliant apps should work just fine.

after searching around on dot website I finally found this:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/what-must-driver-do-if-there-eld-malfunction

I question though if that applies if you have a backup electronic option. It does also say on the list of faqs that a mobile app can be used as an eld so long as it meet requirements. so I would think as long as you have a back up option then you could use it too... but really I would contact them first and get clarification. I sent them an email asking so we'll see what kind of answer I get.

In the four years I have been driving, my e-logs have tanked three times, twice for less than 10 minutes. This is all about providing a simple backup to a very reliable electronic system; a standardized backup that everyone has access to, understands and is widely accepted by every carrier using an e-log system (that I am aware of). The FMCSA has yet to adopt a standardized electronic backup appliance/software interface, so there is no guidance or governance for trucking companies or drivers to follow or adhere to. Applying the "KISS" principal for a situation (mind you in a company truck) that occurs less than 1/10th of 1% of the time is applicable.

Proceed as you desire Phox, but IMO this is not worth fussing over. When you are a trainee or rookie driver, pick and choose your battles wisely and if so motivated, approach your employer with humility and professionalism. There will be many others that require far greater attention and focus than this.