What goes into it?

I’m at home this weekend and I’m trying to get paperwork done that I’ve been putting off… It’s too bad though, since cooking, shopping, and just enjoying being home has been more entertaining!  Like I’ve said before there is more to trucking than just driving down the road. Drivers have to account for all of our drive time, where we have been, what we are hauling, and what kind of miles we drive each day.

This is my log book cover. I had a wonderful man make this for me and I have to say, I’m very proud of it!

Everyday I have to account for my drive time, on duty-not driving time, off-duty time, and sleeper-berth time. I have to have this in my possession at all times I’m in my truck. The log book is one of the first things a DOT or police officer is going to ask you for when getting inspected or getting a talking to on the side of the road… (Not that that ever happens to me)

The log book is your proof that you are driving safely with proper sleep and off time. We also have to do a safety check every day, noting any defects with the truck or trailer and if there are problems making a notation that the problem was fixed.

When doing a log book you have to know how many miles you are traveling and for fuel tax purposes how many miles and what route you travel within each state. This lets each of the states you travel in know how much money you owe them each quarter. My milage also tells me how many miles I drive each trip, each month and each year. This is also my record as to how much I’m making per mile, when I need to change Rosie’s oil, how many miles are on my tires, and pretty much everything in between on Rosie.

*** I am going to start featuring other drivers from all walks of life on One Girl Trucking. It will be a question/answer type of post. If anyone is interested in sharing experiences or if you have questions you would like to ask drivers, please feel free to send me a note @ bethany [at] onegirltrucking [dot] com  Thanks!