A logbook is the official record of a commercial truck driver's daily activities. Drivers use it to track their duty status, ensuring they comply with federal hours-of-service safety rules. The log splits the 24-hour day into four categories: off duty, sleeper berth, driving, and on duty but not driving. Inspectors review these logs to verify the driver has not exceeded legal limits.
While paper logbooks were standard for decades, almost all commercial carriers now use electronic logging devices (ELDs). The ELD links to the engine to record drive times automatically, reducing paperwork errors and hours-of-service cheating. Drivers must still input non-driving activities manually, like pre-trip inspections, fuel stops, and loading times.