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ELECTRONIC lOG BOOKS
Ok, so I've started looking and reading about this DDL logging system for my laptop. It seems to be legit as most things are considered. I've read good and bad's about it and I'm wondering if there are any O/O's out there using this system solo instead of loose leaf, or JJ Keller books. Their website states that the system is totally legal with a few "minor" flaws that I suppose some DOT guys might fight, but as far the website states its all legal and the only big question for it would be the hand written signature. They do say you can scan and import a copy of your signature and it puts it on your DDL system, but I'm just unsure and would like some info and input from actual users. Thanks for reading!
Please give me your personal thoughts and experiences with this program and I'm considering the switch as 90% of my loads/paperwork and mapping are done on my laptop, this would make things easier for me. Sorry, if this has been addressed somewhere else in the board, but I figured its a good topic and could always use new reviews and ideas! Thanks! Chop |
I know just the guy/gal( don't know which--and since i've been getting it trouble-best to play it safe.
kc0iv.........KC0IV!!!!! where are you? we got a convert knelling at the alter of DDL! Just kidding. hey Kc0iv---this guy wants info. I was gonna start a thread asking for more input on the subject, but PorkChop beat me too it. until he finds this thread, I'll try to keep you entertained--if not enlightened. yes, one limitation is you have to print the logs up each day & sign them. which means you need a printer set up ready 24-7. |
Originally Posted by headborg
I know just the guy/gal( don't know which--and since i've been getting it trouble-best to play it safe.
kc0iv.........KC0IV!!!!! where are you? we got a convert knelling at the alter of DDL! Just kidding. hey Kc0iv---this guy wants info. I was gonna start a thread asking for more input on the subject, but PorkChop beat me too it. until he finds this thread, I'll try to keep you entertained--if not enlightened. yes, one limitation is you have to print the logs up each day & sign them. which means you need a printer set up ready 24-7. I started using DDL shortly after it was released. I was a company driver back then so I still had to fill out a logbook ( company wouldn't accept a print out) so I used it to make sure the math was correct. Plus many of the other portions of the program. When I changed companies and later became a O/O I installed a printer and starting printing out a copy. Never filled out a logbook again. I didn't like the idea of having the computer turned on while the truck was in motion so I'd make my entries each time I changed duty status. However, I talked to many drivers that used it full time and never had a problem. When I had a printer die I stopped at the next town and bought another printer. I also made a floppy copy everyday as backup. I also had a copy of DDL on a floppy so I could reinstall it if something happened. Now about D.O.T. and DDL. Every time I was checked as soon as they saw the printout they never went pass the first page. In fact many of the inspectors wanted to know more about the program and where they could get a copy. I started making a copy and would give them a copy when they ask. I'll tell you what happened when I was in Memphis one time. I got one of the calls into the office for a paper check. So I took in the printouts and other paperwork. Well they wanted the paperwork on the trailer (never had them ask for that before) so I went back out to the truck to get the trailer's paperwork. Well the the box was empty. So I walked back in and told them and figured that would be good for a fine. Well instead of them giving me a fine all they wanted to do was talk about DDL. Since I had some time I went out to the truck and got the laptop and showed them how the program worked. They got so involved they never completed the inspection. Needless to say that saved me some bucks. Now as to using a signature. As DDL says it is NOT legal. However, I used it and never had a problem. I alway had a paper logbook just in case the laptop died but never had to use them. One thing you do have to remember is printer ink will freeze. So either remove the ink or have a printer that doesn't use a cartridge. How much you use DDL is up to you. I never used all the functions that DDL had. One of the features I loved was being able to know how many days I was out each month. No more counting. One press of the keys and I had the results. Great feature when it came time to do the IRS thing. In respect the IRS deductions you can deduct the cost of DDL off your taxes. One other side story. When I had my stroke and OOIDA retrieved my tractor from MS one of the first things my wife did was fire up the laptop and retrieve the data from DDL. I had been sending the data back to the house but I hadn't done it for a few days so her records were not up to date. Which BTW is a real good way to have the data backed up from the laptop. Since the data is a plain text file it is easy to transfer over any internet connection. If they haven't change DDL you can have a second copy on another computer at no charge. You need to verify this since it has been over two years since I used DDL. As far as using DDL for logging it can't be beat. If you follow DDL you can not make an illegal logbook. It will warn you that you have violated some log entry. As many of you know I wasn't above pushing the logbook a little bit. And while I don't endorse fudging a logbook DDL did make it easy to adjust a logbook. Which BTW is why DDL is not approved by D.O.T. They have approved DDL as far as accepting the printout. As I have said many times -- If I was still driving I wouldn't leave home without DDL. If they haven't changed you can download DDL and can use it for 30 days and see if you like it. If you do then send them the money and they will turn on your system. You won't lose any data. If you don't want it uninstall it. Why anyone wouldn't want it is beyond me. I might add they have several print modules that will print the data in a form that can be scanned directly into your company scanner. As far as support they are one of the best companies I have dealt with. If you have a problem they will determine where the problem is and tell you how to fix it. Anyway unless they have changed I fully recommend DDL. kc0iv |
If they haven't changed you can download DDL and can use it for 30 days and see if you like it. If you do then send them the money and they will turn on your system. You won't lose any data. If you don't want it uninstall it. Why anyone wouldn't want it is beyond me.
The free trial is currently 60 days. Thanks for that review, I have been toying with DDL a bit and your input is valued. Creek |
It's hard to teach an old dog, new tricks.
I got the trial and tried it...and have been waiting for the program to 'evolve' more- I was hoping you guys would tell me that it has. I know many of my limitations. Once I bought this fancy log book cover-with the zipper-real nice and neat. Problem was, once zipped up I had the darned time remembering to unzip it and fill it out-at every change of duty. I also know- and reluctant to buy a laptop stand/mount and have it open in the cab going down the road. TOO much distraction. I'm just afraid I'd be watching DVD's, surfing message boards, chatting with instant messanger. What I mean by 'evolve' more would be like this: Is the DDL linked/sync with the computer's clock and/or Internet time? So, you could be running along, pull into a rest area, set the brakes, -- and reach over and hit 1 keystroke---and it draw that line right up to the last 15minute mark? I would also like the ability to link it to Delorme GPS-- and in the above example it would draw a flag there- and enter the current GPS location right there for you. See the trial I tried out--you had to use the touch pad, put on your glasses, find where you wanted to draw the line to- then click to draw the line over there. All that, plus unpack the laptop from it's case, fire it up, draw the lines. And then hook up a printer that evening and print one out. It just seems so much easier to reach up on the dash, pull you log book down( on a clipboard) draw the line- be done with it- still. I've heard they've improved DDL and it now will Sync with Delorme---but to what extent? And as to the Digital Signature yes- that's still a gray area in the law--the FMCSA guidance reads---the log shall be signed in the drivers own handwriting. But you can buy a Wacom pen & digitizer pad at best buy---and do all the handwriting you want. Including digital signatures. (you might even get this to work on the DDL graph page-although I don't know why you'd want to ruin all those perfect lines) |
The only thing I have to say about using any kind of computer logging program is to make sure your company will accept them. Even if your company is listed on the page that says they will, be sure to call your safety/logging department and ask, otherwise all the program is going to be good for is checking for potential violations.
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Originally Posted by Uturn2001
The only thing I have to say about using any kind of computer logging program is to make sure your company will accept them. Even if your company is listed on the page that says they will, be sure to call your safety/logging department and ask, otherwise all the program is going to be good for is checking for potential violations.
templates----these templates are formated to meet the scanning needs of various companies. In respect to layout, scale, even the Name & address of the carrier is pre-formatted on the page- That way, when you print it out- and transflow it---you company gets a log page with everything were it needs to be for their log scanning program to read it. |
Originally Posted by headborg
I know just the guy/gal( don't know which--and since i've been getting it trouble-best to play it safe.
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Originally Posted by kahlana
Originally Posted by headborg
I know just the guy/gal( don't know which--and since i've been getting it trouble-best to play it safe.
So.....where you and bro gonna be driving out of (excuse me- where will you brother be driving- you riding out of) :wink: P.S. more pics of J.W.'s mullet are on the way...stick around and don't be a stranger....... |
I have been running DDL, computer based logging system for almost a year now and LOVE it! Like someone else said, DOT usually has me explain how it works and where to get it when they see it. One thing to remember though, (the subject of this thread is Electronic Logging) this is NOT Electronic Logging as recognized by FMCSA or DOT. This is just another form of the standard Drivers daily Log book. If your company has a bad safety record and is required by FMCSA to go EOBL's a computer log does not do the job.
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I've been running DDL for about a year and a half now. I can't imagine doing it manually again. As far as the DOT, I've had similar experiences to the others on here - they mainly just look at it and you're good to go or they want more information on it.
The asking of information about it got me out of an overweight on I-70 just west of Baltimore. When I went in with all my paperwork (they already had my previous 7-day log) I was greeted by about 15 DOT trainees and was asked numerous questions about it. I even brought my laptop in to show them what all it was capable of. So, ya, it's well worth it. Just make sure that you have a printer/paper/ink in the truck to be able to print a log sheet immediately if requested. |
As I said it has been over 2 going on three years since I used DDL so something may have changed.
DDL is sync to the computer clock. However, you can enter time you want for each entry. I don't think you can do a 1 stroke entry. I think you could do it in maybe 2. You would have to select what the status change was ( what line you want to be on.) Again I didn't use DDL in real time so I don't know just what it took. When I used it I had the laptop setting on the bunk stand always hooked up so all I had to do what turn it on. Click on DDL and make my entries. At the end of the day I'd make a printout and make a backup. If D.O.T. wanted to see today's date I print him/her a copy. BTW In all the years I used DDL I never had a D.O.T. officer ask me for today's copy. When I handed them my log and they saw it was a DDL printout they never looked any farther than than the first page. I don't know if DDL will connect to a GPS system or not. The last copy I had didn't have such a inter-connection. I would agree if all you want to do is print log sheets there isn't really a big advantaged to have DDL. Other than knowing your log will be legal. You didn't make a careless mistake in doing the math. I used DDL for several other functions aimed more to O/O than company drivers. Legally your log has to be signed. Like I said I scanned my handwritten signature into DDL and no one ever questioned it. Again no one ever looked at more than the first page. Maybe if they had they might have question the signature. The biggest comment I had from inspectors was how neat the printout was. They didn't have to guess what was on the page. I had one inspector make the comment he could tell what engine was in the truck by how the logbook looked. You would be surprised how many drivers don't even use a straight edge when they do their logs. Uturn I agree 100% before some one sends in a DDL log they should make sure the log department will accept them. One other function was checking number of days out for taxes. If I recall for DDL to create a detailed print modular one of the requirements was the company had to request the print modular. A driver couldn't make such a request him/herself. There was other requirements but I don't know what they are. If DDL is for you is a choice only you can make. kc0iv |
I've been using DDL for over 2 years now. No way I'll go back to paper. I don't know if it will do the gps thing, I don't think so. Like KC01V, I've never had DOT look past the first page (which would be yesterday's log). Many have wanted to look at the program and I always oblige, time willing. I've never had an officer question the validity of the log, ever.
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They do have a gps addon available for download. When you click to enter the location there is a button for the GPS entry, which is completely automatic. However, it ONLY supports the USA.
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Originally Posted by Malaki86
They do have a gps addon available for download. When you click to enter the location there is a button for the GPS entry, which is completely automatic. However, it ONLY supports the USA.
location from the GPS? how about automatic line drawing on line 3-drive line. If all the program still does is--add up hours & check against Rules--then I could still do this myself. So it is inSync with some kind of clock- and will roll along real-time? I mean what I have in mind is--like this once it detects the longitude/latitude changing with the GPS- it begins drawing a line on line 3? when it detects no change of position for like 5 minutes- auto flag a gps location( like while the truck is setting at rest area and you run in to whiz)?--then ask you to account for this "still" time- line 1,2,4? Then start another line automatically when the truck starts rolling again( at that time)?? |
in defense of DDL- I've seen different sets of "print" templates----these templates are formated to meet the scanning needs of various companies. In respect to layout, scale, even the Name & address of the carrier is pre-formatted on the page- That way, when you print it out- and transflow it---you company gets a log page with everything were it needs to be for their log scanning program to read it. 1: Companies do change logbooks, scanners, etc so the templates may not be current. 2: The company for what ever reason may decide it only wants to accept logs in a driver's own handwriting, even though it may have accepted a computer generated log in the past. |
It doesn't automatically track your location as you drive. When you do a change of status for whatever reason, you have to put in the location. It will automatically use the current system time (rounded to the nearest 15 minute) or you can change the time manually. You also have to tell it to use the GPS location or enter the city/state manually.
As far as the line drawing, that is automatic. As time passes, the line will automatically extend. You can press one key to see exactly how many hours you have left for the day up to the minute. Best bet - download the demo. It's good for 60 days. That will let you decide whether or not you'll like it. |
Originally Posted by Malaki86
It doesn't automatically track your location as you drive. When you do a change of status for whatever reason, you have to put in the location. It will automatically use the current system time (rounded to the nearest 15 minute) or you can change the time manually. You also have to tell it to use the GPS location or enter the city/state manually.
As far as the line drawing, that is automatic. As time passes, the line will automatically extend. You can press one key to see exactly how many hours you have left for the day up to the minute. Best bet - download the demo. It's good for 60 days. That will let you decide whether or not you'll like it. So, let me see I understand your last statement: as long as the program is running- whatever your last "change of duty" status is----it will continue to draw a line horizontally up to the last 15minutes ( sync with computer clock)<<<<see I didn't even play with it long enough to see that. I'm swaying here.... |
Ok, 1 more pretty simple questions that I couldn't find.
If I only drive 6 -9 hrs in a day....do I still have to log 10 off, or am I legally able to log 8 off??? How does that work i fyou dont use all 11 hours in a day?? Chop |
Check out Truckers Helper too. I use it and works great
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Thanks,
I'm checking it out right now. Any other log programs that can help me calculate any errors and my time gained and all that good junk??? Chop |
Originally Posted by headborg
Originally Posted by kahlana
Originally Posted by headborg
I know just the guy/gal( don't know which--and since i've been getting it trouble-best to play it safe.
So.....where you and bro gonna be driving out of (excuse me- where will you brother be driving- you riding out of) :wink: P.S. more pics of J.W.'s mullet are on the way...stick around and don't be a stranger....... i dont think im stranger than anyone else here :twisted: :shock: |
i talked to a guy who was the safety officer for another company and he reccommended that when i start driving that i get it if for nothing else than to keep a more "foolproof" tab on my logbook... sort of back up i suppose
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Originally Posted by kahlana
i talked to a guy who was the safety officer for another company and he reccommended that when i start driving that i get it if for nothing else than to keep a more "foolproof" tab on my logbook... sort of back up i suppose
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Just started using DDL because my company will now use the print outs, it is very nice and agree with most of you, will never go back to paper logs!
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Originally Posted by thebobguy
Just started using DDL because my company will now use the print outs, it is very nice and agree with most of you, will never go back to paper logs!
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Always have a paper log for backup no doubt, nothing in life is guarnateed. Just trying to help, you can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink. Wlecome to the 21st century!
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Originally Posted by thebobguy
Always have a paper log for backup no doubt, nothing in life is guarnateed. Just trying to help, you can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink. Wlecome to the 21st century!
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My son Emails me the data files every week from DDL. He has two laptops with him, one for his wife, and copies the files to that one almost everyday
I have the data files on my backup drive also, from the last 2 1/2 years. It's called CYA.......... :wink: |
As I said in an earlier post each day I would printout that day's log. I also make a backup copy on my disk drive ( later used a thumb drive ) and every few days I would send the backup to my home e-mail address. The wife would update her copy of DDL data files.
If my computer system failed the most I would lose is what I had entered that day. I never did lose the laptop but I did have a printer fail. In that case I stopped at the next town and bought a new printer and I was back in business. Had I lost the laptop itself I would have just used loose-leaf log till I got home and bought or had the laptop repaired. Backing up data, be it DDL or any other programs data, should be a normal habit. As I used to tell my customers when they ask how often they should make a backup. I would ask them how much data are they will to lose. It normally only took one time after they lost all their data for them to get the idea. As a side note. I talked to a driver once that left his logbook at a truckstop and lost everything. That was before I was using DDL. After hearing that I started removing each page of my logbook as I filled them out and kept them separate from the logbook. kc0iv |
Cpx trucking used e logs on their gps dispatch system and most drivers tell the same story as soon as dot hears e logs they do not even ask for prints outs etc ... as in their system the dot officer has to provide an email address and the dispatch send electronic delivery of logs via email...so they are good to go on i-5 from bc to califorina
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