Truck drivers can now ditch their paper logbooks thanks to a new free app that helps tackle the task.
Log Ninja was founded in 2023 and allows truck drivers to focus on driving safely and not have to worry about paperwork.
It records time on the move and automatically reminds drivers when they’re approaching a mandated rest break, reducing driver stress about compliance with the rules.
Founder Bodhi Vette says automating logbooks is an essential step towards safer roads.
“When I drove buses, I found all that paperwork created a massive administrative burden, on top of driving long hours.
“There’s the stress of recording your hours properly so you’ll be paid what you’re owed, and then as drivers you also need to ensure you’re taking regular breaks as required by law, because you can face big penalties for noncompliance.
“If you’re checking the paper logs to calculate when you’re next due for a break, your focus isn’t solely on the road,” Vette says.
In New Zealand, there are approximately 200,000 commercial drivers. Truckers are mandated by law to take a break every five and a half hours, for a maximum of eleven hours driving each day.
Vette says there is a real cost and burden to staying compliant, which is worn by the trucking industry.
“Our market research found that the cost to buy these digital tools is a barrier for drivers, and there’s still cost and a significant management burden with paper logs.
“If all drivers were using the existing digital logbooks, it would cost the industry approximately $24 million dollars every year.
“Even those using the approved paper-based version still pay between $10 and $18 for the 50-page triplicate logs, which require physical transfer and storage for a minimum of two years.
“We’re removing that barrier by making Log Ninja free to every driver in New Zealand. More drivers using digital logs will save money and make the roads safer,” Vette says.
He says drivers still favour paper logs because of the autonomy and simplicity it affords.
“We want drivers to be able to make the switch to digital easily, so Log Ninja is usable by any driver with a smartphone and keeps logging data under their control.”
Dan Burt has been driving trucks and buses for 12 years and has just started using Log Ninja. He says the biggest barriers to going digital have been the cost, and unfamiliarity with the new systems.
“I’ve tried other digital logbooks and quickly gone off them. I found them difficult to use, and making edits was very time consuming. It wasn’t worth paying more over the paper version.
“So, to have a free option which is modelled on the paper logs is a lifesaver.
“Everything is familiar, and Log Ninja works even without cell reception. Now if I get a late call-up to work, I just grab my wallet and phone and I’m good to go,” Burt says.
Vette says he took inspiration from the aviation industry, which requires pilots to record their hours in different kinds of aircraft to build up a portfolio of experience.
Log Ninja is the first NZTA-approved logbook that allows drivers to record hours for different kinds of driving disciplines.
When a driver starts logging, they’ll be able to choose from 92 different types of driving across five license classes – from B-train truck and trailers to tractors and taxis.
The app can be used by anyone who is required by law to record their driving hours.
“Log Ninja makes it easy to select the driving period you want, in the type of vehicles you’ve driven, and easily export logs with the press of a button,” Vette says.
“Every sign-up will make a driver’s life easier, their record keeping more meaningful, and New Zealand roads safer.”
Log Ninja is approved by the NZ Transport Agency and can be downloaded free on the App Store and Google Play.
