Encouraging Responsibility with Your Trucking Log

Driving a big truck requires you to practice vigilance as your job description includes the need to drive long hours, sometimes-treacherous terrain and in a vehicle that can be temperamental at times. Additionally, depending on who you work for, the loads you transport could pose unique risks of their own. Protecting yourself and other motorists in Virginia requires you to drive responsibly and stay aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards so you can safely handle them before they become dangerous.

One way that you can have accountability and motivation to drive responsibly is by using a truck driver log. Logging metrics were designed to help you document your travels and any safety issues or concerns you encounter, as well as whether or not you are involved in any accidents or receive any traffic citations. When properly filled out and filed, you and your employer can use the data for reference. The information can also be used to provide visuals during training for new drivers at your company.

According to The Balance Careers, the trucking industry is moving toward making trucking logs entirely electronic by the end of the year 2019. Even if paper logs are no longer used by your company, there are some general portions of any trucking log that are probably included in the one you are required to fill out. These include the following:

• A thorough inventory of the freight that you are transporting.

• All of the places you stopped at including the full name of both the city and state that you stop in.

• Any accidents that you are involved in or any mechanical breakdowns you experienced.

Realizing the value of turning in a thorough report in a timely manner can help you to feel an extra measure of accountability in your efforts to practice responsible driving habits. For more information, if you have been hurt in a truck accident, visit our web page.