Implementing an Electronic Driver Logbook? 5 Things to Know

There’s a lot to think about when implementing an electronic driver logbook. Here are five factors to take into consideration:

1. An electronic driver logbook makes dispatchers and load planners partially responsible for moving violations, since the devices involve them in planning driver schedules.
2. Like all electronic gadgets, electronic driver logbooks may malfunction at times. When this happens, you should provide your drivers with paper logbooks and instructions for whom they need to contact for repair. Drivers should also have web-based access to their last seven days of duty records.
3. Using an electronic driver logbook can inadvertently cause hours-of-service violations. This can occur when a driver reaches his or her drive time limit while on a customer’s property. If the shipper makes the driver leave the premises, then doing so can push them over the “legal limit” in terms of hours. Unfortunately, should an accident occur because of the violation, the customer cannot be held liable under current laws.
4. Electronic driver logbooks do not remove the need to create and enforce a consistent policy when it comes to using company vehicles for personal transportation. For example, suppose a driver drops a trailer off at a terminal and bobtails 50 miles to get home. Is this within or outside of your set guidelines? Whichever is the case, have a standard in place and make sure your people understand it, since the law is fuzzy on this issue.
5. Play it safe when you’re in a regulatory gray zone. For example, current rules give drivers a two-hour duty time extension for factors like severe weather. This does not mean, however, that it’s okay to use these exceptions all the time. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

By keeping these things in mind, you can avoid pitfalls and ensure that your switch to an electronic driver logbook goes smoothly. And remember: TruckingOffice offers advantages that other transportation software products just can’t beat. Sign up today for your free 30-day test drive.