THIS THERE A SOFTWARE PACKAGE AVAILABLE FOR DRIVER LOGS?
Hi-tech truckers and paperless logs
· By: Drivers.com staff
· Date: 2003-04-03
Comments (10) Join conversation
Some drivers don't have to pull out a pen and painstakingly log their driving times on paper. They hit a button on their keyboard and their log is automatically updated back at company headquarters. Werner Enterprises is a truckload motor carrier of general commodities in both interstate and intrastate commerce. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, it is the only carrier in the United States to receive authorization from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to initiate paperless logs using satellite-based technology.
Each of the company's trucks has a Qualcomm satellite-linked keypad and screen that connects the driver and the truck to the company's operations center in Omaha. Werner began installing Qualcomm satellite connections in its trucks in 1992. In 1995, the company began testing the Paperless Log System, while continuing use of the traditional paper logbooks. In 1998, The Federal Highway Administration officially authorized the company's adoption of the Paperless Log System and the paper logs were phased out.
"The logs are stored on the mainframe at the company's Omaha headquarters, says Mike Franzen, Werner's logging supervisor. When a driver gets back into the cab to drive he simply pushes the "Start Drive Time" button. When he's finished driving he hits the "Stop Drive Time" button. The information is transmitted to the qualcomm in San Diego and then to Werner's computer for recording and storage.
The system has many advantages, for Werner Enterprises, its clients and the drivers. It includes GPS capability so that the truck's location is recorded as the driver information is transmitted. The information helps the company project drivers' estimated arrival times. It also helps drivers plan their trips more efficiently and improve customer service. Because of better planning, Werners maintains, the system enables managers to preplan and assign loads based on accurate, future, and available driving hours. This, they say, allows drivers to maximize their time on the road and increase their miles rather than decreasing them.
Werner has two "million dollar technology trucks" which it has equipped
as instructional vehicles and sends around to truck driving schools across North
America.
Comments
DAVE, on Wednesday, 18. October 2006 at 02:25 AM
Paul, on Monday, 30. October 2006 at 04:01 PM
Hi Dave,
In fact there are several options available for paperless logs. If you have a laptop and a portable printer, you can use Drivers Daily Log software, DieselBoss, TruckersHelper and others.
The second option is an electronic onboard recorder which is used, among other things, to produce paperless logs.
Finally, paperless log software is available for some personal digital assistants (PDAs)or handhelds.
bill, on Saturday, 27. January 2007 at 09:51 AM
I am a transportation manager for a small company that operaterates 7 trucks delivering our own product.I am interested in the paperless logs and the cost accociated with setting this system up.Where can I go to get this information?
Dan - Drivers.com, on Wednesday, 31. January 2007 at 02:51 AM
Bill
You might try talking to the people at Werner Enterprises. http://www.werner.com
They use them and seem to like them
http://www.werner.com/content/drv/paperless/testimonial/
Tom E., on Monday, 26. February 2007 at 10:30 AM
Like Dan, I work for a small company, also. Besides Werner, are there others offering this type of software?
Marc, on Sunday, 25. March 2007 at 12:31 PM
What other trucking companies are offering or soon will offer paperless logging for their company drivers and/or owner-operators?
Marcus, on Monday, 30. April 2007 at 08:30 PM
I drove for Werner Enterprises, and there paperless logs are a great tool for drivers that are solo or team that want to get out there and get the miles. Its great because instead of taking the full 34 hours off duty, the computer calculates how many hours you got left and gives you a minimum of hours you can run while your 7-8 day recap catches up! I hope the (FHWA)helps these other big companies to get on board!
Robert, on Thursday, 06. September 2007 at 09:00 AM
I am a former driver for Werner and all is great with the paperless logs till you get into a hard wind with your truck PARKED and the satellite system puts you on duty all by itself because it senses the truck moving. I know I had that happen to me and I was not even in the truck. It has been 3 yrs since I have worked for the company maybe they have that issue fixed but I know it was a headache for me several times and trying to get the logs corrected with the log department was like pulling teeth. I found myself delivering loads late while I sat and tried to get myself legal by having the log dept get the logs corrected. Which took anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours before they would do anything about it.
Alycia, on Monday, 17. March 2008 at 08:38 PM
Hello i need someone who worked for werner and knows the ins and outs to email me please...
the_one_the_only_alycia@yahoo.com
Shane, on Saturday, 22. November 2008 at 11:23 PM
Don't expect Werner to give up or sell their technology that gives them a market advantage. I once worked with Knight Transportation and we contacted Werner on collaboration to utilize the system, they declined promptly.
