Logs for Truck Drivers
Each trucker who drives in interstate commerce, is required to keep accurate records as to his/her duty status. Most over the road truckers must do so by keeping a accurate and detailed log or an automatic on-board recording device. For those keeping a log, it must be done by implementing all of the required information on an approved grid. The information which must be recorded, include the following:
- Date;
- Total miles driving today;
- Truck or tractor and trailer number;
- Name of carrier;
- Driver’s signature/certification;
- 24-hour period starting time (e.g., midnight, 9:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m.);
- Main office address;
- Remarks;
- Name of co-driver;
- Total hours (far right edge of grid);
- Shipping document number(s), or name of shipper and commodity.
Failure to complete the record of duty activities, failure to preserve a record of such duty activities, or making of false reports in connection with such duty activities shall make the driver and/or the carrier liable to prosecution.
It is a detailed analysis of these “logs”, and an audit of these logs against other records which may be obtained by a careful and conscientious attorney, which may provide the key to establishing liability in a catastrophic wreck.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that pertain to driver logs.
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