Truckers' Logbooks - Logging Hours Of Service Electronically

Gone are the days when you had to depend on manual entries in truckers/ logbooks for the hours of service log. With the Hours of Service (HOS) software module, making the logbook entry, recording, and compilation of information has become a fully automated process. It is an easy and foolproof method that can be carried out from the cabin of the truck. It eliminates the earlier time consuming manual process that was prone to all sorts of errors. This software with the help of GPS eliminates the need for manual audits. The workload of the driver is simplified because of the easy to understand and easy to use content and sequence of the screen which also facilitates rapid data entry. Moreover, compliance with DOT and FMCSA regulations is also possible with ease.

Details of Data Recorded

With the help of electronic hours of service log, the following HOS total times in-cab data of each driver is recorded. They include the start time and date of being on duty, the total drive time since the last qualified rest, cumulative drive time and on-duty time since last qualified rest, cumulative on duty and drive time against weekly totals, current status that the driver is using, total distance in miles that the driver has covered in the last 24 hours, current on duty status time, current sleeper berth status time and current off duty status time.

Transmission of Data

The hours of service log data is recorded, transmitted and displayed through the in-cab Message Display Terminal (MDT) and the Net 960 CE-X. All relevant HOS information such as driver ID and current status is entered with the help of MDT. The information is transmitted with a simple push of the button through a wireless network for storage in a computer and retrieval when necessary. This data can also be sent to drivers as and when necessary. The in-cab display can accommodate up to eight days of driving data. Slip seat operations can also be accommodated in the HOS module.

The electronic recorder used for HOS compliance is connected to the Electronic Control Module (ECM) of the vehicle with the help of a standard J-bus connection in compliance with FMCSA regulations. For all dispatch-to-driver and driver-to-dispatch communications and all stored and free form text messages, NET 960CE-X MDT is used. The entire HOS data including all information about the vehicle, driver, shipper, trailer, date, time, driver status and even the "total time driving since last qualified rest" is captured, correlated and archived as a permanent electronic log. With this facility, there is no need for any paperwork.

In-cab communications have reached a high standard of operations with 960 CE-X MDT and HOS by improving dispatch and overall fleet efficiency. The hours of service log has been certified as being compliant with Federal 395 FMCSA HOS rules and other rules such as property carrying commercial vehicle rules, short haul exception rules, passenger carrying commercial motor vehicle rules, specific state based rules, adverse driving condition rule, oilfield operation 24hr reset rule, 16hr on duty exemption rule and industrial driver rules (24hr reset).

Reports on each driver's HOS metrics in various categories are also available. These include the DOT HOS report, Driver available Hours report, Driver available hours next day, Driver log summary, driver violations report and HOS violation exception report.

It is essential to contact an online agency that provides the above facilities for utilizing the hours of service log in order to facilitate fleet tracking and for optimum utilization of the drivers.