The BigRoad Driver app takes the headache out of complicated HOS rules and messy paper logs. With it you can automatically create fully editable logs, ready for roadside inspection as well perform complete DVIRs in just a few taps. Best of all, it‘s free to use!
The intuitive interface makes using BigRoad a cinch but a guiding hand never goes amiss. To get you going, we’ve created this handy guide to show you how to get the most out of your BigRoad experience.
Looking for a quick start? Watch this!
This short video shows you the bascis of creating your electronic logs with BigRoad.
Creating Electronic Logs with the BigRoad Trucking App: Step-by-Step Guide
1) Sign-in – To get the most out of BigRoad, we recommend you sign up for an account. When you sign up, you gain access to the admin panel which stores 6 months worth of your logs and inspection reports.
2) Pick a Truck – Simply type the name of you truck and click the “Add” button or pick an existing truck from the list. Every time you add a truck, it is added to the list for quick selection, and if your list gets too long, typing a few characters filters the list so you can find your truck quicker. When adding a new truck you will be prompted to add the license plate number and select the odometer units.
If this is your first time using BigRoad, you will also have to read the End User License Agreement and agree to it before you can continue.
3) Main Screen – Below is the main screen of the BigRoad Driver app. Here’s the break down of each section down by section.
- Displays your name, name of your truck and fleet name.
- Quickly see your GPS location
- Settings button
- Hours of service clock
- Daily logs button
- Messaging buttons
- App launcher
4) Settings – Before getting started check out your settings. Click the three dots in the top right corner and select ‘Settings’. The first option you’ll see is ‘Automatic Duty Status’. This is checked by default, as it will automatically change your status to ‘Driving’ when it detects your vehicle is moving.
Now let’s set up your details under ‘My Profile’. Fill in your personal details. Click ‘Rules’ to set your default cycle rules and exemptions. Then make sure to set your default home time zone. This is the time zone you are based in and should never be changed even when you cross over into a new time zone.
5) HOS Clock – Here’s where you set your status. When you start your day, click it to change your status to ‘On Duty’. This will automatically change to driving when your device detects your vehicle has started moving. As the time runs down during your day, the green circle will also count down and will eventually turn to red. This gives you a quick visual clue that you are reaching the end of your hours of service.
6) Vehicle Inspection Report – Now we are set to ‘On Duty’, lets complete a vehicle inspection. Go to ‘Daily Logs’, then select ‘Edit Logs’ and click ‘New Inspection’ under the ‘Vehicle Inspection Report’ heading.
Select your truck and double-check all the information on the page is correct. If you find any problems, check the box next to ‘Found Defects’. Below this enter the nature of the defect. If you are a Canadian driver be sure to put ‘As per schedule 1’ before noting your defect. If you are also required to complete a post inspection you can follow the same steps at the end of your shift.
Click ‘Save’ when you are done and return to the home screen. You are all set to begin driving. The hours of service clock will now automatically change to ‘Driving’ when your device detects your vehicle is moving.
7) Going Off Duty – Now let’s go therough the final few steps to finish of your day. On the home screen change your status to ‘Off Duty’ from the hours of service clock.
8) Signing your Logs – Let’s get ready to sign our logs for the day. Click on ‘Daily Logs’, then ‘Edit Logs’. Check for any form and manner issues. You can quickly spot them as they are marked with a warning symbol. Click the warnings to fix the errors.
9) Sign Out – Finally select the three dots at the top right of the home screen and select ‘Sign Out’. Signing out of the BigRoad Driver app ensures that it doesn’t track any mileage while you are off duty.
Once you have all validation errors fixed scroll down and select ‘Sign Log’. Read the declaration and then click ‘Sign’.
You are now ready to hit the BigRoad!
But Wait — That’s Not All …
Sign up for a free 30-day trial of the full version of BigRoad. At the end of this trial, you are under no obligation to pay. You will still have basic access to your logs online and the BigRoad app is always free.
