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Truck Log Book: What the Law Actually Asks For

Most drivers still say log book. The Heavy Vehicle National Law says work diary, and knowing which record it means saves confusion at the depot, the scales and the roadside.
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Log Book and Work Diary Mean the Same Record

In the cab, "log book" is the everyday name for the record of a driver's work and rest. The legal name under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) is the work diary, and it comes in two forms: the written National Driver Work Diary, or an electronic work diary (EWD) approved by the NHVR.

The phrase "log book" gets used for other things too, such as a vehicle's service history or a record of business kilometres kept for tax. None of those satisfy fatigue law. Only a work diary does.

Logmaster is an NHVR approved EWD, so for drivers who use it, the app on the phone is the truck log book in the legal sense.
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What a Driver Actually Needs

Strip away the slang and a driver's obligations are fairly short.
Minute-by-minute logging icon

A diary when the work calls for it

A work diary is needed for 100km or more from base under Standard Hours, and at any distance under BFM, AFM, ACA-Fatigue or exemption hours.
Less paperwork icon

The right vehicle in scope

The rules cover fatigue-regulated vehicles: trucks and combinations over 12 tonnes GVM, and buses over 4.5 tonnes built for more than 12 adults including the driver.
Fatigue breach alert icon

A full day's record on a long day

On the odd day a local driver goes beyond 100km, Service NSW guidance says that whole day's work goes in the diary, including the local part.
Offline mode icon

Entries at every change

Each switch between work and rest is written down with the time and the place, plus the odometer reading where one is fitted.
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The diary within reach

The diary, written or electronic, travels with the driver while they're working so it can be produced when an officer asks.
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What Sits Around the Diary for the Business

Operators keep their own set of records, and some of them are often lumped in with the log book.

Local area records

Drivers who stay inside 100km under Standard Hours don't fill in a diary, but the operator still keeps records of their work and rest.

A record keeper and location

Each driver's daily sheet names where their records are kept, so the business knows who holds them.

Three years of records

The NHVR expects record keepers to hold work diary records for three years.

Paper and electronic together

Logmaster's paper workbook entry lets the office check written diary drivers for breaches next to EWD users.

Expiry dates

Licence, registration, medical, training and induction dates sit in the portal with alerts before they run out.

Checks and declarations

Pre-start checks and fitness declarations land with the record keeper as soon as drivers submit them.

Electronic Work Diary vs Paper Logbook

The two legal forms of the truck log book, compared.
Electronic Work Diary
Paper Logbook
One minute accuracy
Fifteen minute blocks
Automatic syncing
Manual entries
Easy to read and access
Handwriting varies
Real time operator visibility
No live oversight
Secure cloud storage
Can be lost or damaged
Faster audits and reporting
Time consuming
Pick either and you meet the law. The electronic version does the arithmetic and the filing as well.
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How It Works

Moving from a paper log book to Logmaster takes a handful of steps.
Step 1

Work out who needs a diary

Sort drivers into those who regularly go 100km or more from base, those on BFM, AFM or exemption hours and those who stay local.
Step 2

Open an account

Set up the business at logmaster.com.au, or ask the team for a walkthrough before you commit.
Step 3

Get devices ready

Drivers use their own Android 7+ or iOS 12.5.5+ phones, or Logmaster supplies tablets with truck mounts.
Step 4

Assign fatigue plans

Each driver picks the plan they work under, from Standard Hours to BFM, AFM, exemptions or WA plans.
Step 5

Start logging

From the next shift, drivers record work and rest in the app instead of the booklet.
Step 6

Let the sheets flow

Weekly log sheets reach the record keeper automatically, and the portal keeps the history.

Features at a Glance

1. Accurate one minute recording
2. Offline functionality for uninterrupted use
3. Live visibility for fleet managers
4. Fatigue reminders and breach alerts
5. Driver declarations and vehicle checks
6. Secure cloud storage
7. Multi company support for contractors
8. Fast export for audits and reporting
9. Fatigue rule sets including Standard Hours, BFM, AFM, WA plans and bus rules
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Logmaster app on a phone and tablet

Who It's Built For

Anyone who writes, reads or files a truck log book has a stake in getting the terms right.
User Type
Benefit
Truck drivers
Easier logging and clear alerts
Transport operators
Real time visibility and compliance
Compliance managers
Reliable logs for inspections
Owner drivers
No paperwork and simple routines
Subcontractors
Easy switching between employers
When everyone means the same record, fewer things go missing at audit time.

Why Drivers Swap the Booklet for Logmaster

More than 10,000 drivers already keep their legal log book in Logmaster. The app counts to the minute, works without coverage, captures location only when an entry is made and sends weekly sheets to the office without anyone posting carbon copies.
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Hear from Our Users

Ray A.

First day with Logmaster was to my surprise was user friendly. Josh was very thorough in taking me through all the steps in setting up the Logmaster app. I would recommend Logmaster to all drivers regardless of age. Never have to worry about making a mistake as it tells you if you are. Great customer service after hours support is second to none.

Mike H.

Have started using Logmaster after trying 3 other models. I actually enjoy using it. Very easy to use and follow and the help if you need it is top notch by the developer. Does everything by the minute and works when no service is available. My system is customised for me and fits well with my system (I’m WA). Cost is on par with two of the other ones looked at.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Put Your Log Book on Your Phone?

Book a demo and see Logmaster record a full shift as a legal work diary, with the weekly sheet ready for the office.

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