A new, free phone app has been launched designed to help truckers easily log their driving hours.

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,” said Log Ninja founder Bodhi Vette.

Vette said there can be 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,” he said.

“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 said 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.”

Vette said 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,” he said.

“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, saidVette.

“The app can be used by anyone who is required by law to record their driving hours. As well as knowing when to take a break, the main purpose of keeping logs is to be able to show your employer, companies you contract to, or police, evidence of how many hours of driving you’ve done.

“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.,” he said

“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 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and can be downloaded free on the App Store and Google Play.