Looking For a Truck Work Diary?

Truck Work Diary

If you’re a truckie looking for an NHVR work diary, you’ve come to the right place.

Although paper logbooks are compliant with the HVNL (heavy vehicle national law), they have some drawbacks:

  • They can be lost or damaged very easily
  • They can be complicated to fill-out
  • You need to memorise work and rest time rules
  • They only count time in 15-minute blocks
  • Everything is manual

But with an electronic work diary, you can stay on top of NHVR fatigue management requirements with minimal effort.

Here are some reasons to consider switching to an EWD:

  • EWDs are apps for your phone or tablet, so you’ll always have your truck work diary with you
  • They’re cloud based, so data won’t be lost even if you lose your device
  • They’re simple to use, even if you aren’t tech savvy
  • They do all the thinking for you, and will send automatic notifications when it’s time to take a rest break
  • They can count time to the nearest minute
  • You could reduce your reporting time by 50% just by making the switch
  • Compliance mode stops officers from snooping through your device
  • You can get support when you need it
  • It takes care of all your fatigue reports to the business
  • You won’t have to keep losing pens!

How Do You Use a Truck Work Diary?

If you’re using an electronic work diary, it couldn’t be simpler. Open the app on your mobile device, choose which business you are driving for (if your chosen EWD allows for this option), and tap the Start Work button. The truck work diary will then start counting your work time and will begin to send you notifications as you get closer towards your required rest break.

If you’re using a truck work diary like Smart eDriver, these rest break notifications will be sent at the following intervals:

  • 1 hour before rest break
  • 30 minutes before rest break
  • 15 minutes before rest break
  • 5 minutes before rest break

These reminders make staying compliant a piece of cake.

Once you’re ready to take your rest break, simply tap the Start Rest button, and the app will record your rest time. After your break, you can tap the Start Work button again, and get back to doing what you do best – driving. At the end of your shift, tap the End of Day button, and you’re good to go.

It’s that easy.

If you need to send your records to the business you drive for, you can export a report with the click of a button and email it through to your compliance manager. Done.

How to Choose an Electronic Truck Work Diary

Ready to take the plunge? The next step is to decide which EWD, or electronic truck diary, you are going to use. Making the choice all boils down to what’s important to you.

Step One

Whatever you do, make sure your choice is on the NHVR approved list of EWDs, otherwise your data won’t be compliant. This is important! There are some shifty options out there that aren’t certified, and you could end up with a fine. Protect yourself by cross-checking with the NHVR’s list.

Step Two

What kind of device do you have? Is it Android or Apple? Make sure your choice of EWD is available on the device you want to use. You’ve got to be comfortable with what you’re using.

Step Three

If you drive for multiple businesses, you’ll want to make sure your EWD has an option for business profiles. This allows you to choose which company you are driving for before you start your shift. It’s a really handy feature available in select EWDs only.

Step Four

Ask yourself what else is important. Do you want to access Australian support? Do you drive rurally, and need your app to function while offline or out of reception? Do you want to stick with a layout similar to the written work diary? Do you want a month-to-month billing plan that you can cancel at any time? Would you prefer a free 2-week trial before signing up?

Introducing the Smart eDriver EWD

EWD for Trucks - Smart eDriver

If your answer to any of the above questions is yes, it sounds like you’re after a solution with flexibility. Smart eDriver might be a great fit for you.

Smart eDriver is a cloud-based, standalone app that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. It’s easy to use, secure and offers a free 2-week trial.

In fact, it’s the original electronic work diary, having been the very first to be NHVR certified back in 2020. It’s Australian developed, owned and operated, with support when you need it.

Still not sure? No problems. You can contact the team at Smart eDriver to organise a demo, no strings attached.

And as mentioned above, no matter what you do, make sure the work diary you choose is approved by the NHVR. As a truck driver, you provide essential services that keep the world turning, and staying compliant has never been more important.