The standard log

- Regardless of whether a driver uses an ELD, paper log, or digital log, the regulations specify certain information that must be recorded in the log.
- When manually recording hours of service, the form used must include specific information, including a vertical or horizontal graph grid.
Whenever a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver is required to use a standard log (record of duty status), it must contain specific information. The required information varies somewhat based on the type of log being used, whether an electronic logging device (ELD) or paper or digital (non-ELD) logs.
Among the information that must be included:
- The date;
- A “graph grid” showing a visual representation of the driver’s duty status throughout each 24-hour period, along with accompanying remarks or annotations;
- Information identifying the driver, the motor carrier, any co-drivers, and all vehicles (including trailers) operated that day;
- The total miles spent driving;
- The driver’s signature and/or certification;
- The 24-hour period starting time, whether it be midnight, noon, or any other time selected by the carrier for a given terminal;
- The total hours spent in each of the four duty statuses; and
- The shipping document number(s) or (for paper logs) the name of the shipper and commodity.
Log entries not required
Additional information may be required by the motor carrier that is not required by the regulations. There are no rules prohibiting carriers from requesting additional information on their logs. Note that the following items were required at one time but are no longer needed:
- Home terminal address (“main office address” is still required),
- Total mileage today (“total miles driving today” is still required), and
- Origin and destination (“From” and “To”).
Also not required is a “recap” of the past week’s hours, typically found on the side of a paper log page. With electronic logs, recaps are automated.
Sample
The following is a sample paper log containing all required elements, in addition to an optional recap: