Question:
Okay folks, here we go...
What is the opinion of a company who insist that a driver log all their off-duty time as sleeper berth? Now of course this company don't have a written policy to that effect, it is a word-of-mouth policy passed down by the safety department and driver-trainers with their newbies.
Obviously meant to maximize time available for driving, but also contributes to drivers driving tired. Seems to me the company with said policy will quickly back away from the driver after an accident... company line will then be "we expect all our drivers to log legally... including placing off-duty hours in the off-duty logbook section..."
Any thoughts on this?
Zigzag? You always have a lot to say about this kind of stuff... any comments?

Answer:
was over the road for 5 years and never logged any time in the sleeper. always logged time off - off duty.
if you log it sleeper berth that is where you have to be, log it off duty you can be anywhere whether it be in the sleeper, eating, shopping, etc. why limit yourself.

Answer:
Word to the wise. Log it as you are doing it. If you are in your sleeper log it sleeper. If you are not, note it as off duty. Does your company issue you an off duty authorization card? Just make sure you get your break and don't hesitate to refer to your Safety Regulations handbook.

Answer:
Paul,you answered the question and have the right opinion on the topic. The sad fact is that no matter what happens it's ALWAYS the drivers fault.
The most important thing to remember is be prepared to CYA on everything,logging,break downs,
late deliveries,missed pick ups,according to management it's ALWAYS the drivers fault.
Mike
Answer:
Paul, here's a scenario for you:
Suppose you were in an accident. A DOT person then asked to audit (look at) your logs and notices that you are logging everything on line 2, with nothing on line 1. He'll question it. You'll say "my company tells me to log all my off duty time on line 2". DOT then checks with your company and they say "We don't have such a policy". Then he comes back to you to inform you of what YOUR company told him.
Are you then going to stand there and "discuss" with the DOT person that it's your word against theirs?
I surely wouldn't. If it's "company policy", ask your dispatcher or his supervisor for the WRITTEN policy on logging off duty time. You know what though? They probably can't, because there is nothing that says you HAVE to log all off duty time on line 2.
Besides which, if you were in a truck stop restaurant, and Mr. DOT comes up to you and says "let me see your logbook, driver", and sees that you are on line 2 (instead of line 1), I bet he'll write a citation for having a false log.
Now - do you REALLY want to tempt fate and risk it? Just "log it as you do it". There's nothing your company can do to you, since if you log all your off duty, non sleeper berth time on line 1, you ARE legal!
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I'm not a truck driver, I'm a professional tourist!

Answer:
I have seen this topic several times and I read the same responses. It is a federal law!!
The code of federal regulations is federal law. Most people would not kidnap a child, rob a bank, commit perjury, or violate any other federal laws. So why is legal logging so difficult to understand? Do it as required and stand on the high ground. If the company or its agent (dispatcher, driver manager, etc) does not like it, remind him that conspiracy to commit a felony is itself a felony. If he does not understand this issue, find another company to work for.
Reminds me of the words of a song something like: you got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.
Just my little personal opinion.

Answer:
"Obviously meant to maximize time available for driving," I'm not sure why a company would care if it was line one or two. Neither take away from driving hours. Using one line and not the other doesn't maximize driving time. Their both off duty time. It just depends on where you take it, in or out of the truck. Just log it the way you do it.
Good Stuff
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"

Answer:
Remember one thing it is your licence log it as you feel it should be logged.
aman