[homeless andy]

Hi Frank, hope you're doing well after your recent surgery.
Does keeping a log book entitle you to a tax break? I have been told you can write off something like $36 a day for every day logged. Is this just for meals, and could I accomplish the same thing by saving the actual meal receipts? If I use the log, will I then be bound by the Hours of Service rules? I'll be driving for an owner. Thanks.

[Fkatz]

Hi, Homeless Andy,
Yes I am doing quite well according to the doctors, and really miss driving myself and thanks

in answer to your question

You do not have to keep a log book in a "B" unit per say, Not yet anyway, the DOT does not enforce log books on Cargo Vans yet. but truthfully any vehicle that has commerical plates is subject to DOT regs. only in certain states they would want to see it if you are stopped, but you must go thru the scales in Al, KY, CA, OR, WY or where ever it says All Commerical Vehicles, Only Alabama will ask for a log book So any trip that takes you thru ALabama you better have a log book and it better be up to date to last duty change.
You do need receipts for Tolls, and any expense over $75.00 for the truck or for personal use on truck.
You do not need receipts for Meals, but I would keep a small notebook or pad with each day of what you spent. the actual Deim is $38.00 in US and $42.00 in Canada, which is subject to 35% that not deductible, the other 65% is yours as a deduction. If you keep a record of your expenses & trips that is your proof instead of a log book.
If you give me your name, and address I will be glad to send you an information package.

Frank

[marmon01]

I was under the impression that you had to keep a DOT log if you hauled any amount of Hazmat in a "B" unit. Just curious.

[Fkatz]

Hi Marmon,

The Placard and log book requirement is the same for any haz-mat load over 1000 lbs. Under 1000 lbs no placards are required, and then it depends on your company for you to run a log book in a "B" unit. I don't know if Tri-State, Express-1, CTX, Landstar, Panther, Fedex, or any of the companies require that you keep a log book with any amount of Haz-mat I know I didnt when I carried Haz-mat with CTX, it was paint and under 1000 lbs and only had 1 load of that in all the time I did drive. Check with your Company and see if it is required.

Frank Katz