What is a Trucking Log Book?
It is important for every trucker to keep a log book for many reasons, including for compliance and bookkeeping purposes. It maintains a record of the hours a trucker has driven, as well as the hours spent in a sleeper berth between shifts. This helps determine how much money a trucker generates and how much of the money is spent on taxes. The cash flow is determined by logs of what date each journey takes place, number of miles/kilometers driven, number of odometers, and the start time and end time of each journey. Before starting out on a trucking journey, make sure you know whether the trucking company uses electronic logging or paper logging.
What is a Paper Trucking Log Book, and How To Maintain a Trucking Log Book?
A paper trucking log is the manual recording of all information related to a trucker’s work.
Be sure to include the main office address and the terminal address, and fill out the carrier name and date.
Also known as a driver’s log or a hours-of-service (HOS) log, the trucking log will determine if drivers are complying with federal regulations or not.
To properly update and preserve a trucking log, the truck driver must:
- Record their starting and ending time for each day of work.
- Take note of the number of hours spent driving, on duty, and off duty.
- Keep track of any breaks taken during the workday, as well as the time spent on layovers.
- State the location of the truck at the beginning and end of each workday.
- Add any further information that is required by federal regulations, such as vehicle mileage and the names of any other drivers who share the driving duties.
- Save the log up-to-date and accurate at all times.
- Review and certify the log at the end of each day.
- Keep the log for a minimum of 6 months.
Be aware that the regulations for trucking logs can vary depending on the state and type of cargo. It is crucial to check with the precise federal and state laws.
The purpose of the paper log is to ensure that truck drivers do not exceed the maximum number of hours they are legally allowed to drive in a given period, in order to prevent fatigue and improve safety on the road. Truckers cannot exceed a maximum limit of 60 hours a week within seven consecutive days on the road, or 70 hours a week within eight consecutive days. This is the equivalent of being legally allowed to drive 11 consecutive hours followed by 10 hours of break time in a single day.
How does an Electronic Logging Device work?
Also known as an ELD, it is a device that is connected to a truck’s engine and keeps automatic track of the vehicle’s movement and hours of service. The device notes important information, such as the vehicle’s speed, distance traveled, and engine hours. Additionally, ELDs record information about the driver such as their identification and duty status (e.g. driving, on-duty, off-duty). This is then used to ensure compliance with federal HOS regulations, which are in place to prevent fatigued driving and improve road safety. ELDs may also be equipped with additional features such as GPS tracking, which can be used for fleet management and logistics purposes.
How Can A Trucking Log Book Get A Trucker Even More Compensation?
All the information detailed in a trucking log book can be used to give a trucker further monetary compensation should the trucker get involved in an accident.
In a hypothetical scenario, a trucking employer may cross legal boundaries by forcing their truck drivers to exceed the maximum number of driving hours. Consequently, the truck drivers lack adequate rest and sleep which can lead to serious accidents such as collisions.
A trucking log also helps determine liability for a truck accident.
How Does Having A Comprehensive and Complete Log Book Help With Bookkeeping for Truckers?
There are several ways it helps:
- Billing and invoicing: Logbooks can be used to track the time spent on each job or delivery, which can be used to accurately bill customers for services rendered. Additionally, logbooks can be used to verify mileage, which can be used to calculate fuel surcharges or other costs.
- Expense tracking: Logbooks can be used to track expenses such as fuel and maintenance costs, which can be used to calculate the overall cost of operating a truck.
- Tax deductions: Logbooks can be used to track business-related expenses, such as the cost of repairs and maintenance, which can be used to claim deductions on taxes.
- Auditing: Logbooks can be used to provide evidence of compliance in case of an audit. This can help truckers to avoid penalties or fines.
The Bottom Line
A trucking log’s utility stretches far beyond just bookkeeping purposes. It is absolutely beneficial for making sure that drivers are adhering to local, state or federal laws. In other words, the information in a trucking log implies if its abiding to the standards and rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
We’re happy you found this article informative! Go back to our blog page to find more tips, tricks and guidance on bookkeeping, to ensure your business is financially sound and ready to grow to the next level.
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