A new, free phone app for truckers to easily log their driving hours will remove the need for old paper logbooks. Log Ninja founder Bodhi Vette says that 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.

Log Ninja automatically reminds drivers when they’re approaching a mandated rest break, reducing driver stress about compliance with the rules.

“Log Ninja records time on the move, and a notification will tell the driver when they are due for a break. Truck drivers can focus on driving safely and not have to worry about paperwork.”

Mr Vette says there is a real cost and burden to staying compliant, which is worn by the trucking industry.

“If all drivers were using the existing digital logbooks, it would cost the industry approximately $24 million dollars every year. Even the approved paper-based version still costs 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.”

Mr Vette says they 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.

“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.”

Log Ninja aims to have 30,000 commercial drivers using the logbook in its first month, says Mr Vette. Log Ninja is approved by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and can be downloaded free on the App Store and Google Play.