As life is moving behind the wheels in speed, maintaining log books are neglected sometimes. These commercial truck drivers’ move around the country to deliver goods and thus,Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a branch of U.S. government owns the authority to regulate the industry and also administer federal laws.
Federal laws regulate the number of hours you can operate behind the wheels before taking a mandatory rest period and also, it is mandatory to maintain a record of daily routine in an official log book.
What Is The Information Required To Be Registered In Log Books?
- Working hours:
When you’re driving, it is essential to maintain an account of every hour carrying out trucking and non-trucking activities. As truckers, you’re not supposed to drive more than 11 hours each day without taking a rest period. In addition to this, you’re also not supposed to work more than 14 hours that includes driving and non-driving duties in 24 hours.
Also, it is also mandatory to add honesty while filing up the log book, mentioning about each hour spent or engaged in any type of work activity in their log book each day.
- Rest Period:
As truckers, it is not good to be behind the wheels all the while without resting. You’re serving the nation but also calling in problems for yourself. These Federal Laws mandates that you truckers should take up the rest period during every 24-hour time frame to ensure that you stay healthy and safe behind the wheels. It is compulsory to take up at least 10 consecutive off duty hours every day to avoid being drowsy, which are the key cause of accidents.
You can also indulge in sleeping, taking shower, sharing a meal at the truck stop or even checking up on your rig during the rest period. There are times when things go unnoticed. So here you can check on it and avoid problems further down the road. However, each you spent must be documented in the log book.
- Sleeper Berth:
Most of the trucks do have the provision for sleeper berth, where you can relax and sleep. However, according to Federal regulations, you have to spend a portion of your working days in these berths, i.e. 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth and an additional two consecutive hours either off-duty or in the sleeper berth. This is mandatory to be recorded in the log book.
- Log Book Presence in Vehicle:
According to Federal Laws, you as a trucker are responsible to keep your log book up-to-date, mentioning the accurate details. During inspection, officials may ask for your log book any time.
Details to be mentioned in the Log Book
Complete history of your driving hours, on-duty work periods, and rest breaks and time spent in the sleeping berth for last seven days. However, if log book violations are deducted during inspection, like incomplete entries or violation of hours of service can lead to charging fine or suspension of driving privileges.
We understand the passion you have for trucking and the love you share for the nation, but the meantime, taking care of yourself is also essential. So here, ThinkTradeinc.com wishes you a safe and happy journey behind the wheels.
Also, if you have bought your vehicle on road in the month of December, the Jan 31st your HVUT is due. So here comes the reminder for you to file your form 2290 online with Tax2290.com, product of ThinkTradeinc.com.
For more details and information, do ring us @ 1-866-245-3918 or send a mail tosupport@taxexcise.com