It’s important to know how to handle the logbook when Team Driving becomes necessary.
On a daily basis, you don’t think about it because you usually drive solo. But then a situation comes up — a coworker’s truck breaks down and he needs to get home before the weekend. You don’t have enough available time to make the trip in one stretch. So what do you do?
Team Driving.
But what about the logbook?
Drivers operating in a team are subject to the same regulations as solo drivers, with one key exception — the 10-hour daily off-duty break.
You can read more about Hours of Service here: HOS
A solo driver, by definition, takes the 10-hour break while parked. In Team Driving, however, a driver may rest while the other driver is operating the vehicle.
To complete a 10-hour off-duty break, the driver must spend at least 7 consecutive hours in the Sleeper Berth (SB).
The remaining time may be spent OFF DUTY, including time in the passenger seat, but for no more than 3 hours.
Those 3 hours of OFF DUTY time may be taken either before or after the 7 consecutive hours in the Sleeper Berth.
Here is a link to the original regulation: 49 CFR 395.1(g)(1)(i)(D)
Compare the logs below. Also remember that you must be the one fueling the truck while you are logged in as the active driver, especially if you are using a personal fuel card or any other driver identification method.
The Bill of Lading (BOL) must also be signed by the active driver.
If this is not the case, the driver who is fueling the vehicle or performing check-in / check-out procedures must be logged as ON DUTY.
Regulations are one thing, but when it comes to Team Driving, it is not always obvious from the rules how to apply them in the logbook in practice.
First of all, both drivers must be logged into the same vehicle, so that location updates are recorded for both drivers, including the one who is resting.
The driver who is operating the vehicle must be set as the active driver. This means the driver has access to the Driving status.
Next to the active driver’s name, a steering wheel icon is often displayed.
If you log into the ELD and see a symbol next to your name…
This means that you are active and authorized to drive the vehicle.
The second driver must be logged in as a Co-Driver, and the Driving option is inactive for that driver.
As the active driver, you perform all duties exactly the same way as when driving solo.
When it is time to switch drivers, and to minimize downtime, the second driver may begin work by switching to ON DUTY and performing a Pre-Trip Inspection at the same time you are completing your Post-Trip Inspection.
Once you finish your post-trip inspection, switch to OFF DUTY if you plan to ride in the passenger seat, or to SLEEPER BERTH (SB) if you are heading to the sleeper.
Before the second driver begins driving, remember to switch the active driver in the logbook.
If you fail to do this, all driving time will be assigned to you.
See below how to log two or more drivers into Geotab Drive and Samsara.