Can I use an electronic work diary for a short job?
Short answer
Short-term and occasional users can consider monthly or pay-per-shift EWD plans. Compare the minimum amount payable, cancellation terms and access to records after the job, as well as the advertised rate.
Plain English
A few days of driving may not justify an annual subscription. However, a pay-per-shift product can require a block purchase, while a monthly plan may renew unless cancelled. “Free download” or a free fatigue planner does not necessarily include the approved EWD service.
Logmaster Australia, Hubfleet, Q by Quallogi and OneRoad EWD appear on the NHVR EWD register checked for this article. Approval applies to the specified system and its certificate conditions. Check the device, ruleset and product you will actually use.
Provider comparison
Public information checked 24 October 2026. Amounts are Australian dollars. GST-inclusive amounts below are calculated using 10% GST. This is a published-terms comparison, not hands-on testing or a complete market ranking.
| Provider | Published offer relevant to short use | Main qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Logmaster | Current short-term price not verified; its pricing link leads to a request form. Published terms say subscriptions renew unless cancelled before the period ends. Existing recorded work history remains accessible after cancellation, but new work-time logging stops. | Obtain the solo-driver or business quote, minimum term, setup costs and cancellation instructions. Reseller orders can have their own agreed pricing and licence term. No verified pause/reactivation price. |
| Hubfleet | Single-driver EWD: $14 + GST/month ($15.40). Advertises month-to-month billing, cancellation at any time and a 14-day trial. Its EWD page advertises no setup fee. | Trial normally requires a credit card. Confirm the cancellation cut-off, any refund treatment, and record access/export after ending the account. Fleet plan is separately priced. |
| Q by Quallogi | Owner-driver pay-per-shift panel: $0.80 + GST/shift, with 50-shift minimum: $40 + GST ($44). Advertises no monthly fee for this option. | Confirm credit expiry, what counts as a chargeable shift, refunds and record access between jobs. Other fleet/bulk options differ. The free Q-Start planner is distinct from the paid EWD package. |
| OneRoad | Solo EWD advertised from $15.46 + GST/month (about $17.01), with a 14-day trial. Pricing page advertises no lock-in and offers monthly or annual billing. | Confirm the exact checkout price, setup charges, cancellation procedure and continuing record access. Its connected hardware plans have different upfront terms and are not this solo EWD offer. |
What this means operationally
For one job within a single paid billing month, the advertised Hubfleet or OneRoad subscription costs less upfront than Quallogi’s minimum block. For occasional shifts spread across several months, a shift block may suit better if credits remain valid and ongoing access meets your needs. That is a cost comparison, not a finding that one app is operationally better.
Before signing up, check compatible devices, offline operation, the applicable work-and-rest option, roadside record access and how your record keeper receives the records. Establish access to required previous history when switching from paper or another EWD. Before cancelling, export and verify the records needed by both driver and record keeper. A short subscription does not shorten statutory retention duties.
Who it applies to
Casual and seasonal drivers, relief drivers, owner-drivers and businesses engaging drivers for short jobs.
Example
A driver needs an EWD for a two-week relief job. They compare the whole minimum bill, trial conversion date and cancellation process, then test the record export before the final shift.
Exceptions and traps
The lowest advertised unit rate may not produce the lowest bill for the job.
HVNL in ACT, NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, subject to local application, modifications and exemptions. WA and NT have separate regimes. General information, not individual legal advice.
Legal foundation
NHVR EWD approval and certificate conditions; HVNL work-diary access and retention requirements, including ss 291–293 and 341. Commercial plan terms are separate from legal obligations.
Sources & primary documents
- www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/fatigue-management/electronic-work-diary-ewd/ewd-register
- logmaster.com.au/ewd-pricing-request/
- logmaster.com.au/terms-conditions/
- logmaster.com.au/logmaster-eula/
- www.hubfleet.com.au/pricing
- www.hubfleet.com.au/solutions/electronic-work-diary-ewd
- www.quallogi.com/pages/q-pricing
- oneroad.io/pricing
- www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/current/act-2012-hvnlq
WWTG verification: Queensland Legislation (published law), NHVR (published guidance), Provider websites (published commercial terms)
Frequently asked questions
Is Logmaster suitable for a short stint?
It is worth obtaining a quote, but the current short-term price and minimum commitment were not verified in this review.
Is pay-per-shift always cheaper?
No. A minimum credit purchase can cost more upfront than one paid month.
Can I delete the records when the job ends?
No. Preserve the records required by the applicable diary and record-keeper rules.