How to Use a Log Book

A log book is used for many different occupations as well as for personal use. Log books come pre-printed for different occupations, blank ones for you to fill in or electronic logs. Truckers use log books to note their working times, cargo types and amounts, as well as gas purchases. You can make your own log book from small notebooks or binders.

Instructions

1. Compare electronic log books to hard copy log books. An electronic log book is usually posted online, and you must wait until you have internet access to enter the information. If you want to use a log book for a cross country drive, a hard copy is more handy to use.

2. Look for pre-printed log books or notebooks. Pre-printed log books are available for automotive information, purchases and supplies, office supplies and rentals. A trip log book includes a place to enter the date and time, mileage, gas gallons purchased, cost of gas, incidental expenses like toll roads and parking, maintenance and repairs on the road.

3. Make your own log book for your own purpose. Use a small notebook or binder that has a hard cover; it's easier to use the hard cover for writing than trying to write on a soft surface. Title and date the front page of the notebook. Decide what categories you want to include and the length of the entry. For example, you need more space to write the name of a city and state than you do gallons of gas.

4. Draw a horizontal line at the top of the page to use as a header. Use a ruler to draw straight lines. List the categories you've decided on just above the horizontal line from left to right. Categories could include beginning time, beginning mileage, location, gallons bought, cost of gas, extra costs and ending time.

5. Place the date vertically, on the extreme left side of the notebook. Think of it as numbering the paper from one to ten, but in place of the numbers, enter the date. Draw another line after the first date, horizontally all the way to the end of the paper. You now have the information of every day at a glance. Make a five day log so your entries aren't too crowded.

6. Enter the information in your log book daily so it is kept up to date and remains accurate.

7. Use the log book to keep track of flea market sales, craft sales, vacation expenses, writing submissions, garden and planting information, information about pets or for guests at a bed and breakfast. Using a log book is easy and will help uncomplicate your life.