Downloadable Driver Log Book Template

Evaluate and improve logistics and operations by inspecting compliance to transport regulations using free driver log book checklists.

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Driver Daily Log Book

Download this free driver daily log template to streamline your compliance with legal regulations for transport operations. This comprehensive checklist covers all key areas to provide the necessary information to accurately audit or inspect drivers, the vehicles they drive, and maintenance activities. Using this template also allows you to:

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driver log book sample template

Published 12 June 2024 Article by Gabrielle Cayabyab | 4 min read

What is a Driver Log Book?

A driver log book, sometimes referred to as a daily log or driver’s log, is a record of a commercial driver’s work hours and rest periods. It is essentially a detailed breakdown of a driver’s activities to ensure they follow legal regulations, such as Hours of Service (HOS) rules that are implemented to promote fleet safety and avoid vehicular hazards.

By maintaining accurate and up-to-date driver logs, drivers and fleet managers can improve operational efficiency, properly support road safety initiatives, and be able to provide proper documentation for audits or inspections.

Importance

Generally, keeping a driver log book is important because it is a concrete document that helps monitor compliance with regulations, promotes road safety by recording inspections, and enhances operational efficiency. Accurately recording driving hours, rest periods, and vehicle maintenance also helps prevent driver fatigue, a major cause of road accidents.

Moreover, a well-maintained driver log book provides valuable data for fleet management and makes it easier to schedule transportation, plan maintenance, and allocate resources. Having a clear record of driver activity is also essential for claiming tax deductions on business-related expenses and optimizing financial performance for an organization.

Benefits of Using a Driver Log Book

Using a driver log book template makes it easier to comply with road safety regulations and identify potential hazards. In addition to this, here are other benefits to using a driver log book template that you can take advantage of:

Enhanced Safety

A driver log book template provides a structural framework for documenting important information such as the start and end times of driving shifts, total hours of drive, and rest breaks. Additionally, it can be used to conduct vehicle maintenance and help identify and address potential mechanical issues based on data from inspections.

This promotes a culture of safety by encouraging responsible driving practices and maintaining vehicle reliability, as there is a concrete record of information drivers and managers can track.

Legal Compliance and Protection

Besides regional traffic rules and regulations, drivers also need to keep up to date with different driver logs and hours of service (HOS) rules depending on the area.

For example, using Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) is mandatory in the United States and Canada to record driving information. Canada has less restrictive HOS rules compared to the United States, and drivers can drive for longer periods of time. However, Canada requires special permits for longer on-duty times for certain circumstances, such as delivering perishable goods.

Additionally, the European Union (EU) requires that vehicles have approach tachographs to record driving time, speed, and distance for commercial drivers. Depending on the region, it can get difficult to keep track of regulations, especially when a trip requires crossing borders.

Using a template can streamline the documentation of necessary information to properly comply with regulations. It can also be used as concrete evidence for protection if they encounter legal disputes.

Improved Operations

In terms of fleet management and operations, a driver log book template is beneficial because it provides detailed records of information. Updated log books are used by fleet managers to optimize scheduling and ensure that drivers are allocated in compliance with legal hours.

Log book data also helps identify patterns or issues, such as recurring delays or noncompliance with regulations, allowing for better problem resolution to improve operations. A streamlined record management also makes it easier to complete administrative tasks and supports overall strategic decision-making.

Cost Efficiency

Using a driver log book template improves cost efficiency by providing precise records that optimize resource allocation and reduce unnecessary expenses. By tracking driving hours and rest periods, fleet managers can ensure that drivers are scheduled more efficiently to maximize productivity. Other factors a driver log book can improve include fuel logging, reduced maintenance costs, and avoiding penalties for noncompliance.

Furthermore, some regions like the United States and Canada require the use of ELDs, and using digital templates eliminates the need for manual paperwork and reduces the costs associated with paper logs.

Key Components of a Driver Log Book

Driver log books may contain details that vary from one industry to another and where the audit will be conducted. However, the key components that should be included in a report to ensure proper documentation and evaluation include the following:

Sample Driver Log Book

Here is a completed driver log report for reference: