Using The Phone For Qualcomm Messages

So the other day my trainer and I were reviewing our bills. I grabbed my phone to review the Qualcomm message with the address fir the 90, do that I can make sure it is accurate. (Prime has an app that allows us to view the messages sent to the Qualcomm. Plus I was already writing the message to the FM about departing so I was trying to not have to move over to the inbox.)

Anyways my trainer mentioned that I need to stop using my phone and only use the Qualcomm. I mentioned that the messages are the exact same why does it matter what tool I use to get the info. He said the DOT will ticket me if I show him the messages in my phone and not on the Qualcomm.

So here are my questions.

1. If the DOT asks the address I'm delivering to, is there a law that addresses this process?

2. Will I really get a ticket if I just show the officer my bills, or my phone or anything other than the Qualcomm?

I think that's all fir right now.

Sigh...

Without trying to get into an understanding of how Primes Phone/QC App works - I'd suspect, since QC's have to log ALL COMMUNICATIONS (which is why we advise folks to always use a QC instead of a phone call - for CYA/Paper Trail purposes) - that any messages sent via your phone app - will also show up on your QC logs.

1 - DOT will typically want to see your BILL OF LADING (PAPER work), which is going to describe whats in the box, and where it's going. By "LAW" - the Paper BOL is the "official record" for the load.

2 - See #1.

DOT officers may get freaked over new technology. LEGALLY the paper BOL is the "legal document". It answers any question a DOT officer may have with regards to THE LOAD ITSELF.

Frequently - the BOL may have the address for the shipping office building (and not necessarily the DOCK), which is why it's always good to verify en route. But as far as THE LAW GOES - the BOL is the legal "address of record" for the load itself.

If you hand a DOT guy your phone - he may ask for the Paper BOL, or the QC - but he's not going to cite you - unless you cannot produce the ACTUAL PAPERWORK for the load. If the load is "paperless" - he might ask to see the QC - just because it's likely easier to read (and he is more familiar with it, then he might be with a phone app).

Rick

The problem I have with the phone app is ..service area. I noticed that it could take much longer from the phone cause it will send the messages when I get back into my area. Which means I could send a message while parked, but it doesn't get sent for an hour. Then it would look like I was driving. When I types it.

A warning on the app though is that from time to time, I stop receiving my messages. It frequently sends me from an "all message" setting to a "priority only" setting...meaning I can't get my Mac 27 or other messages.

As far as the phone thing...my friend was parked, truck off, sitting in a traffic jam and took a picture. The speedometer was in the pic set to 0. She got a $1000 ticket. Two texting while driving (or holding a phone while driving or in the drivers seat of a CMV) is a loss of license. She was able to fight the ticket. But who needs that.

There would be NO reason for you to have the phone in your hand while talking to a cop. If the cop wants the address, hand him the bills.

As long as you are "on duty" while talking to him, you are essentially in control of a CMV. If the guy wanted to be a jerk and split hairs...yeah he could probably make your life miserable, even if only til you fight the ticket. Why risk it?

The laws never catch up with the changing technology. Its easier to not put yourself in jeopardy.

My first reaction was, "Does the trainer not like when you use your phone for messages on the company app, because then he can't see then?"

IDK but that's what crossed my mind first lol. There's no law saying you have to use the QC for all messages, but you certainly don't want to ever be using or holding your phone while driving.

Rainy is right, I see a lot of those tickets. 392.8 using a mobile devise while operating a CMV. from what I have heard those are pretty expensive. save yourself the headache.

I don't know about Prime's app, but Interstate's app won't even open if our HOS status is driving.

Now, if you have an LEO asking for your destination, it's always best to just hand him/her your BOL. It's easier than having to help them navigate the QC any more than necessary, and personally I don't hand my phone to ANYONE unless I know them well.

That all said, when it comes to sending freeform messages, I much prefer the app. I can type out and send a message three or four times faster on my phone than the QC. I stick with the QC for all other macros though.

I think the question was more geared towards whether the driver can get cited for handing the DOT Guy his mobile phone.

Not for using a mobile device while driving - which you can, will and SHOULD get cited for - not for using a BT or voice activated function, but for fiddling around with a device while you're in motion.

So - you can use the app if you want for communications - and use the Legal/Official BOL paperwork for all interactions with DOT regarding the load itself (content, destination, etc.).

If he wants to see your logs - the DOT guys are familiar enough with most QC systems, and you can have your log emailed or faxed to the station.

Rick

All, Thanks fir the replies. As a follow up, we were parked st the shippers reviewing the bills before I sent off my departing shippers message on the Qualcomm. I was just using my phone to see the message that was sent to us with the recievers address on it. It is the only price of info not covered in our depart shippers message. I would not use my phone again while operating this machine.