Computer Logbook programs

[Kevin0915]

Wow......That looks so much faster than paper and pen.

in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing, it is faster. I left the program running behind my Streets and Trips, and whenever i stopped, i went to my laptop, and changed duty. Was actually faster than having to pull out the logbook, monkey with the ruler and the pages, setting the clipboard on your steering wheel, drawing a nice neat line, and putting it back.

That being said, forget if it is faster or not.....$95 program that will (if used correctly) will keep you from getting any log errors or violations, not to mention get you in and out of a scale if pulled around, faster. Well worth it for me.

[Double R]

not to mention get you in and out of a scale if pulled around, faster.

One can also get in and out of the scales faster when one works for a company that has a DOT rating of 29

[Orangetxguy]

30 years and never had a logging violation using paper and pen. Have been in a lot of scales...two ticketa in 30 years. Over-weight on drive axles both times.

[Fredog]

I have a great idea!! why doesnt everybody just do it the way they prefer and dont worry about how anyone else does it?

[Left Lane]

Yeah, i got it all figured out about 10 minutes after i posted that. My version seems a bit different. I have two seperate boxes...the one saying pre-post trip....then another box for things i need to 'flag'. I was using that 'flag' PTI, which is why it looked all messed up. I've since then have got all 6 days printed off, and waiting for today to 'end' so i can print that, and then have those 7 days as my legal log book on the truck.

i will still print off two copies...one which will get scanned with my trip envelope and i'll save those for a month before sending them home, and then rotate my most current 7 days, and put my 'old' log pages in an envelope with a stamp on it.

Where’s the common courtesy? A, “Thank you very much for your help”, would’ve been nice. Rev.Vassago helped you through all that and no "thank you", not cool.

[Left Lane]

I’ve done my own research of several computerized log programs and have found that DDL is the better one. My company, Landstar, will only accept DDL or Eclipse. With that being said, it’s either one or the other. Being an owner operator, DDL offers more options that Eclipse so, DDL wins my vote.

[tracer]

I’ve done my own research of several computerized log programs and have found that DDL is the better one. My company, Landstar, will only accept DDL or Eclipse. With that being said, it’s either one or the other. Being an owner operator, DDL offers more options that Eclipse so, DDL wins my vote.

I drive for Landstar too and am thinking of switching to computer logs. What printer do you guys use in the truck to print out logs? I tried using a regular HP jet printer but it took too much power and wouldn't even turn on when I hooked it up to my 450W inverter. Which model is reliable and takes little power? I hear cops use Canon in patrol cars but they need special thermal paper which is expensive....

[supertruckerporkchop]

I have a great idea!! why doesnt everybody just do it the way they prefer and dont worry about how anyone else does it?

I agree! I love how everyone else is more worried about SOMEONE ELSE spending their time and money the way they find fit!!!!! I personally can't stand the computer programs, but maybe thats because I have come NOT to trust any electronics, ie- my high priced laptop that loves to work when it feels its up for it! LOL. Just like my gps, I freakin love it, but I don't trust it 100%.
I myself love my loose leaf books for a couple good reasons and wouldn't never use my laptop to log, BUT I'm not going to rag on people that find logging on a laptop their thing!!!!
To each their own......... Keep on truckin!

[Malaki86]

I have a multi-function Lexmark Inkjet. It does copy-scan-fax-print. What makes it nice is that we can use Transflo Now in the truck to scan our logs in. It really helps since it has the auto-document feeder in it. It's not as fast at scanning as the ones in the truckstops, but who cares - load it and let it do it's thing. Really helps out when you're in the middle of nowhere. The one I have is a few years old and not made anymore, however. The printer itself runs on a 75w inverter, as should just about any inkjet. But, I think my old HP did pull more power than this one. I think this printer was about $100 then.

I only print my logs, so black ink is all I ever use. I get 2-3 months worth of logs out of each cartridge @ $28 each from Wal Mart.

Too bad I can't hook up the fax side of it, though.

[supertruckerporkchop]

Too bad I can't hook up the fax side of it, though.

Not sure if you "need" fax service, but for $5 or $10 a month you can have an email fax system. I used it before when I dispatched myself in auto transport. As long as you can send an email it works.

[Freedhardwoods]

I drive for Landstar too and am thinking of switching to computer logs. What printer do you guys use in the truck to print out logs? I tried using a regular HP jet printer but it took too much power and wouldn't even turn on when I hooked it up to my 450W inverter. Which model is reliable and takes little power? I hear cops use Canon in patrol cars but they need special thermal paper which is expensive....

I know this is an old thread, but it may help someone now.

I have one of these at home and in my truck. It uses 22 watts. It is big, but it does a great job. I'll try to get a picture of the one in the truck in a day or two.

Canon PIXMA MX870 Color Ink-jet - Fax / copier / printer / scanner

[Fredog]

fyi.. if your company uses a specific log, you can fax or email a copy to eclipse and they will make the specific template for you, there is no charge as long as you have a paid version... if you change carriers, you just email them and they will change it back.. they have great tech support.

[firebird_1252]

fredog, you still like the eclipse program? another guy i work with running the rail swears by it.

[VPIDarkAngel]

I've found that many DOT inspectors, upon hearing that you are using DDL, wont even bother checking your logs. It happened to me twice in the past 2 weeks.

Werner's paperless log system isn't much different. They barely look at the log, ask you how to translate it into plain English, and after about 3 explained duty statuses, their eyes glass over and they don't ask for more.

[Fredog]

fredog, you still like the eclipse program? another guy i work with running the rail swears by it.

yep, I like it,all I want it do is keep my logs which it does very well, 39 bucks a year gets you every upgrade, or just 39 bucks one time if you dont want the upgrades, I tried ddl and found it far too much trouble..

[Fredog]

I had a roadside inspection in S C a few weeks ago, the officer asked for my log and I showed him the computer and he said... quote" I aint never seen nothing like that before" he didnt even bother to look at it..

[firebird_1252]

I had a roadside inspection in S C a few weeks ago, the officer asked for my log and I showed him the computer and he said... quote" I aint never seen nothing like that before" he didnt even bother to look at it..

that just sold me. i too want nothing more then just the logs and inspection.

[Fredog]

that just sold me. i too want nothing more then just the logs and inspection.

you can download a free trial

[golfhobo]

I use whatever paper logbooks the company gives me. I keep them current and precise with clean lines made by RULERS! Everytime I've been inspected, the officer just flips thru them and "assumes" they are correct because they are so NEAT. Wow... just saved myself $39!!

I barely have room for a fridge in my truck. I can't even fathom having a PRINTER somewhere in there! But then, I get home every weekend to turn in my logs and such.

[Fredog]

here is what the dot sent us
DOT rules for keeping your logs in a computer
1. you must have a printer in your truck and be capable of printing the current days log if asked to do so
2. you must have the previous 7 days logs printed, signed and available for inspection by the officer
As long as you meet these requirement, it is now permissible to use a computer to maintain your record of duty status