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Content Overview

The Owner Operator Lease Agreement is a critical document that outlines the relationship between a carrier and an owner-operator in the trucking industry. This agreement sets forth the terms and conditions under which the owner-operator will transport goods on behalf of the carrier. It includes essential provisions such as the responsibilities of the owner-operator in securing necessary permits and licenses, compliance with applicable laws, and the obligation to deliver specified amounts of freight. The agreement also clarifies the independent contractor status of the owner-operator, ensuring that they are responsible for their employees and any subcontractors they may engage. Moreover, it addresses liability issues, requiring the owner-operator to indemnify the carrier against various claims and losses. Insurance requirements, including coverage for cargo and personal injury, are also specified to protect both parties. The document emphasizes the importance of confidentiality regarding the carrier's business information and outlines the procedures for notices and communications between the parties. By clearly defining these aspects, the Owner Operator Lease Agreement serves to establish a mutual understanding and framework for the transportation services provided.

Key takeaways

Here are some key takeaways regarding the Owner Operator Lease Agreement form:

  • Permits and Compliance: The Owner Operator must secure all necessary permits and comply with applicable laws. This includes providing proof of authority to transport specific goods.
  • Delivery Commitment: The Owner Operator agrees to deliver a minimum amount of freight during the specified period, subject to availability.
  • Independent Contractor Status: The Owner Operator is an independent contractor. This means they are responsible for hiring their own employees and managing their operations.
  • Liability and Indemnification: The Owner Operator assumes liability for any damages or losses during transportation and must indemnify the Carrier against claims related to their operations.
  • Insurance Requirements: The Owner Operator must maintain adequate insurance coverage and provide proof of this coverage to the Carrier.
  • Confidentiality Obligations: The terms of the agreement and any business information related to the Carrier must remain confidential unless consent is given to disclose it.
  • Notice Requirements: Any notices related to the agreement must be in writing and sent via certified or registered mail.

Guide to Writing Owner Operator Lease Agreement

Filling out the Owner Operator Lease Agreement form is a crucial step in formalizing the relationship between the Carrier and the Owner Operator. It requires careful attention to detail to ensure that all necessary information is accurately provided. Following the steps below will help streamline the process.

  1. Enter the date at the top of the form where indicated.
  2. Fill in the name of the Carrier in the designated space.
  3. Complete the name of the Owner Operator in the appropriate section.
  4. Specify the duration of the transportation period in the section that asks for the period of service.
  5. Provide evidence of all necessary permits and licenses as required by law.
  6. Detail the amount of freight to be transported and any relevant conditions.
  7. Include the terms regarding the handling of hazardous materials, if applicable.
  8. Outline the insurance coverage details, ensuring compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and state regulations.
  9. Indicate the compensation rates and payment terms as per the attached rate schedule.
  10. Sign and date the form where indicated for both the Owner Operator and the Carrier.
  11. Ensure that all notices and communications are directed as specified in the agreement.
  12. Retain a copy of the completed form for your records.

Form Preview Example

OWNER OPERATOR LEASE AGREEMENT

THIS agreement, entered into this ____day of ______________20___ between

______________________, (Hereinafter designated as “Carrier”), and

______________________, (Hereinafter designated as “Owner Operator”),

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Owner Operator is engaged in the transportation of general freights of all kinds (FAK) by motor vehicle as a contract Carrier and desires to transport goods for Carrier; and WHEREAS, to facilitate such transportation and for the convenience in handling such transaction, the parties have agreed to the terms and conditions under which transportation shall be made, as hereinafter set forth.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises and conditions herein contained it is hereby agreed as follows:

(1) GENERAL PROVISIONS:

(a)Owner Operator, in its operations hereunder, shall secure all permits, licenses and approvals necessary for the accomplishment of the work to be done hereunder and shall comply fully with all applicable laws, rules, orders and regulation of all governments and agencies thereof, whether federal, state or local, and shall furnish Carrier with satisfactory evidence thereof whenever requested to do so. Among other things, Owner Operator shall provide to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration certificate showing Owner Operator holds contract authority from such commission covering the commodities and transportation routes to which this agreement relates, and Owner Operator shall give immediate notice to Carrier of any cancellation or modification of such authority. When transporting hazardous wastes, substances to or materials pursuant this agreement, Owner Operator shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local hazardous wastes, substances or materials laws and regulations and shall furnish Carrier with satisfactory evidence thereof whenever requested to do so.

(b)The Owner Operator hereby agrees to deliver for the Carrier for transportation, not less than the following amount: one shipment of freight of all kinds (FAK) during a period of

____________________. The Owner Operator further agrees, subject to availability and loading tendered for transportation by Carrier.

(c)All such cargo shall be transported hereunder in accordance with this agreement and the provisions of Carrier’s tariff’s or service contracts applicable to such cargo. Cargo shall include any containers in which goods are packed when received by Owner Operator hereunder.

(d)This agreement shall not be modified or altered unless in writing, signed by both parties to this agreement.

(e)This contract shall terminate all previous contracts between the parties hereto relating to the transportation Freight all kinds (FAK) and shall remain in full force and effect for the term of this agreement.

(f)It is to be clearly understood and it is the intention of the parties hereto that Owner Operator shall employ all persons operating trucks hereunder, that such persons shall be and remain the employees of the Owner Operator, that the Owner Operator shall be an independent contractor of the Carrier and that nothing herein contained shall be construed to be inconsistent with that relation or status.

(g)It is further to be clearly understood that where the Owner Operator engages any

subcontractor for any portion of the work hereunder, such engagement will not alter the relationship of the Owner Operator to the Carrier as an independent contractor and shall not establish any relationship or obligation between Carrier and any subcontractor. Owner Operator will continue to be solely responsible for compliance with or performance for any subcontractors actually doing such work and will otherwise defend, indemnify and save harmless the Carrier, its agents and servants from any such claims, liabilities, penalties and fines (whether criminal or civil), judgments outlays and expenses (including attorney’s fees).

(h)Owner Operator shall defend, indemnify and save harmless the Carrier, its agents and servants from any and all liabilities, penalties and fines (whether criminal or civil), judgments, outlays and expenses (including attorney’s fees) resulting from Owner Operator’s failure or the failure of Owner Operator’s agents, employees, subcontractors or representatives to comply with any applicable laws and regulations, whether federal, state or local, or property arising out of the performance of this agreement caused by the acts, failure to act or negligence of Owner Operator, subcontractors, its agent, employees, or representatives.

(i)Owner Operator will assume all liability for and will otherwise defend, indemnify and save harmless the Carrier, its agents or servants from any and all liabilities, penalties and fines (whether criminal or civil). Judgments, outlays and expenses (including attorney’s fees) resulting from any release or discharge of hazardous wastes, substances or materials that occurs during transportation and Owner Operator will assume all responsibility and liability for cleanup of any release or discharge of hazardous wastes, substances or materials that occurs during transportation and will otherwise defend indemnify and save harmless the Shipper, its agents and servants from any and all liabilities, penalties and fines (whether criminal or civil), judgments, outlays and expenses (including attorney fees) resulting from the cleanup of any such release or discharge.

(j)Owner Operator will defend, indemnify and save harmless the Carrier, its agents and servants from any and all liabilities, penalties and fines (whether criminal or civil in nature), judgments, outlays and expenses (including attorney’s fees) resulting from the Owner Operator’s failure or the failure of Carrier’s agents, employees, subcontractors or representatives to perform any of the terms, conditions, promises or covenants contained in this contract.

(k)Carrier shall have full responsibility for all payments, benefits, and rights of whatsoever nature to or on behalf of any of its employees and to ensure that its subcontractor shall have the same responsibility.

(l)It is further agreed by the parties hereto that Owner Operator is not to display the name of Carrier upon or about any of the Owner Operator’s vehicles, without Carrier’s written consent.

(m)Any limitation on or exemption from liability in any tariff, receipt, bill of lading, or other document issued by or on behalf of Owner Operator shall have no legal effect and shall not otherwise apply with respect to shipments tendered by or on behalf of Carrier unless specifically agreed in writing by the Owner Operator. Any limitations on or exemptions from liability contained in a Owner Operator’s tariff, receipt, bill of lading, or other document issued in conjunction with a specific shipment moving under this Contract shall have no legal effect and shall not otherwise be applicable to such shipments.

2.RECEIPTS OF GOODS:

(a)Owner Operator agrees, upon receipt from Carrier of such quantities of Carrier’s goods as may be tendered from time to time under this agreement by Carrier or by a third party on behalf of Carrier to give Carrier a written receipt thereof, which shall be prima facie evidence of receipt of such goods in good order and condition unless otherwise noted upon the face of such receipt; and, in the case of transportation of hazardous wastes, substances or materials such written receipt shall be prima facie evidence of receipt of such wastes, substances or materials in a condition and manner which complies with all applicable laws and regulations, whether federal, state or local. In the event that Owner Operator elects to use a tariff, bill of lading, manifest or other form of freight receipt or contract, any terms, conditions and provisions of such bill of lading, manifest or other form shall be subject and subordinate to the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, and in the event of a conflict between the terms, conditions and provisions of such tariff, bill of lading, manifest or other form and this Agreement, the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall govern.

(b)Owner Operator agrees to take signed receipts upon forms satisfactory to Carrier from all persons to whom deliveries shall be made, which receipts shall be retained by Owner Operator for at least two (2) years and shall be available for inspection and use of Shipper.

3. CARE AND CUSTODY OF MERCHANDISE:

(a)Owner Operator hereby assume the liability of an insurer of the prompt and safe transportation of all goods entrusted to its care, and shall be responsible to Carrier for all loss or damage of whatever kind and nature and howsoever, caused to any and all goods entrusted to Owner Operator hereunder occurring, while same remains in the care, custody or control of Owner Operator or to any other persons to whom the Owner Operator may have entrusted said goods and before said goods are delivered as herein provided or returned to Carrier.

(b)On occasion, Owner Operator will be requested to transport reefer cargo refrigerated containers. On all occasions, refrigerated containers must be transported with an attached generator set (nose mounted or under-slung) unless specifically advised by Carrier in writing that a generator set is not required. It is the Carrier’s responsibility to ensure a generator set is attached and running properly at the assigned temperature at the time of interchange.

4. INSURANCE:

(a)Owner Operator agrees to be a motor Carrier member in good standing in the Uniform Intermodal Interchange Agreement (UIIA). Owner Operator further agrees to comply with the insurance requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the states through which the Owner Operator operates. Owner Operator’s insurance coverage shall, at a minimum, comply with the minimum requirements as stated in the UIIA.

(b)The Owner Operator agrees to carry cargo, personal injury, death, equipment and general insurance and will promptly reimburse Carrier for the value of any goods (including containers) lost or destroyed during the period of Owner Operator’s responsibility under clause (3) (a). All such insurance shall be as additional insured.

(c)The Owner Operator agrees to provide the UIIA with appropriate certification and a copy of each policy of insurance and renewals thereof or other satisfactory evidence that Owner Operator has obtained insurance in compliance with the requirements and terms of this agreement.

(d)The Owner Operator will arrange with its broker and/or insurance Carrier(s) that notice of coverage and limits will be sent directly to the UIIA, as well and cancellation notices and

amendments to coverage(s).

5. ASSIGNMENTS:

This contract cannot be assigned by Owner Operator without the written consent of Carrier.

6. COMPENSATION, COMMODITIES, TERRITORY:

(a)Acceptable rates and charges, rules and regulations, the commodities to be transported, and the points from and to which they shall be transported, are to be furnished the Carrier, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and other regulatory bodies as may be required, as set forth in the rate schedule attached hereto and made a part hereof. Carrier agrees to pay Owner Operator as full compensation for services to be performed by Carrier under said rules and regulations the rates and charges set forth in the rate schedule, within sixty (60) days of invoice date.

(b)This agreement is to become effective upon signature by Carrier and Owner Operator.

7. CONFIDENTIALITY:

Owner Operator shall treat as confidential, and not to disclose to third parties, the terms of this agreement or any information concerning the Carrier’s business including information regarding suppliers, products and customers without in each instance obtaining Carrier’s written consent in advance.

8. NOTICES:

All notices given pursuant to this agreement shall be given in writing by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and addressed as directed by the parties from time to time.

CARRIER: ______________________________________________________________

9. APPLICABLE LAW:

To the extent state law applies, this agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state of ____________________.

SIGNATURES

OWNER OPERATOR

_______________________________

NAME

CARRIER

_______________________________

NAME

Documents used along the form

When entering into an Owner Operator Lease Agreement, several additional documents and forms are often utilized to ensure clarity and compliance throughout the transportation process. Each of these documents plays a vital role in facilitating the relationship between the carrier and the owner-operator. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that complement the lease agreement.

  • Bill of Lading: This document serves as a receipt for the goods being transported. It outlines the details of the shipment, including the type of cargo, destination, and terms of transportation. The bill of lading acts as a contract between the shipper and the carrier.
  • Freight Receipt: Similar to a bill of lading, a freight receipt acknowledges the receipt of goods. It is essential for confirming that the owner-operator has taken possession of the cargo in good condition.
  • Insurance Certificate: This document proves that the owner-operator has the necessary insurance coverage as required by law and the terms of the lease agreement. It protects both parties in case of accidents or damages during transportation.
  • Tariff Schedule: A tariff schedule outlines the rates, charges, and rules applicable to the transportation services provided by the carrier. It is crucial for determining compensation and ensuring transparency in pricing.
  • Equipment Lease Agreement: If the owner-operator leases equipment from the carrier or another party, this document details the terms of the lease, including duration, maintenance responsibilities, and payment terms.
  • Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale: For those involved in the sale or purchase of a vehicle, completing the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale form is essential for documenting the transfer of ownership and ensuring a smooth transaction.
  • Subcontractor Agreement: If the owner-operator engages subcontractors for any part of the transportation process, this agreement outlines the terms of their engagement, responsibilities, and liabilities, ensuring compliance with the main lease agreement.
  • Indemnity Agreement: This document protects the carrier from any legal claims or liabilities that may arise due to the actions of the owner-operator. It ensures that the owner-operator assumes responsibility for any damages or legal issues that may occur during the transportation process.

Understanding these additional forms and documents is essential for anyone involved in the transportation industry. They help clarify responsibilities, protect against liabilities, and ensure smooth operations between the carrier and the owner-operator. By being well-informed about these documents, all parties can work together more effectively and avoid potential disputes.