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The Owner Operator Lease Agreement form is a crucial document that outlines the relationship between a carrier and an owner operator in the transportation industry. This agreement serves as a framework for the transportation of goods, ensuring that both parties understand their rights and responsibilities. Key aspects of the form include the general provisions that require the owner operator to secure necessary permits and comply with all applicable laws. The agreement specifies the obligations of the owner operator to deliver a minimum amount of freight and to transport cargo in accordance with the carrier's tariffs. Additionally, it details the owner operator's liability for the goods in their care, emphasizing the importance of maintaining insurance coverage that meets federal and state requirements. The form also highlights the confidentiality of the agreement's terms and the necessity for written consent for any assignments or modifications. By establishing clear guidelines and expectations, this lease agreement helps facilitate smooth operations in the transportation sector, ultimately benefiting both the carrier and the owner operator.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Owner Operator Lease Agreement form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below is a list of things to do and avoid:

  • Do read the entire agreement carefully before filling it out.
  • Do provide accurate and complete information in all sections of the form.
  • Do ensure that all necessary permits and licenses are current and available for verification.
  • Do keep a copy of the completed agreement for your records.
  • Do consult with a professional if you have any questions about the terms.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank; this may delay processing.
  • Don't make any alterations to the agreement without written consent from both parties.
  • Don't provide false or misleading information, as this can lead to legal issues.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the agreement before submitting it.

Document Attributes

Fact Name Fact Description
Parties Involved This agreement is made between a Carrier and an Owner Operator, defining their roles in the transportation of goods.
General Provisions The Owner Operator must secure all necessary permits and comply with applicable laws, ensuring safe and legal transportation.
Liability for Cargo The Owner Operator assumes liability for all goods in their care, ensuring prompt and safe delivery.
Insurance Requirements Owner Operators must maintain insurance coverage that meets federal and state regulations, including cargo and personal injury insurance.
Independent Contractor Status Owner Operators are independent contractors, meaning they are responsible for their employees and subcontractors.
Compensation Terms Carrier agrees to pay Owner Operator within sixty days of receiving an invoice, based on the agreed-upon rate schedule.
Confidentiality Clause Owner Operators must keep the terms of the agreement and Carrier's business information confidential.
Modification of Agreement Any changes to the agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties.
Governing Law This agreement is governed by the laws of the state specified in the contract, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Key takeaways

Key Takeaways for Using the Owner Operator Lease Agreement Form:

  • Ensure that all necessary permits and licenses are secured by the Owner Operator. Compliance with federal, state, and local regulations is mandatory.
  • Clearly document the receipt of goods. The Owner Operator must provide written receipts for all goods received, which serve as evidence of their condition.
  • Maintain liability insurance that meets the minimum requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Uniform Intermodal Interchange Agreement.
  • Confidentiality is crucial. The Owner Operator must not disclose any terms of the agreement or Carrier’s business information without prior written consent.

Example - Owner Operator Lease Agreement Form

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

Detailed Instructions for Writing Owner Operator Lease Agreement

Filling out the Owner Operator Lease Agreement form is an important step in establishing a professional relationship between the Carrier and the Owner Operator. This document outlines the responsibilities and expectations of both parties in the transportation of goods. Completing the form accurately ensures that all necessary information is captured, which can help prevent misunderstandings in the future.

  1. Begin by entering the date at the top of the form where it states "this ____ day of ______________ 20___".
  2. In the first blank space, write the name of the Carrier.
  3. In the second blank space, write the name of the Owner Operator.
  4. Fill in the period for which the Owner Operator agrees to deliver freight in the specified section.
  5. Provide evidence of necessary permits, licenses, and approvals as required in the General Provisions section.
  6. Ensure that all cargo transportation details comply with the Carrier’s tariffs or service contracts.
  7. Review and agree to the indemnification clauses, ensuring understanding of liability responsibilities.
  8. In the Receipts of Goods section, be prepared to provide written receipts upon the delivery of goods.
  9. Confirm that you can take signed receipts and retain them for at least two years.
  10. In the Care and Custody of Merchandise section, acknowledge the responsibility for the safe transportation of goods.
  11. Complete the Insurance section by confirming compliance with insurance requirements and providing necessary documentation.
  12. In the Assignments section, note that the contract cannot be assigned without written consent from the Carrier.
  13. Fill in the Compensation, Commodities, Territory section with acceptable rates and charges, as well as the effective date of the agreement.
  14. In the Confidentiality section, agree to keep the terms of the agreement confidential.
  15. Complete the Notices section by ensuring that all communication is directed as specified.
  16. Finally, sign the form where indicated for both the Owner Operator and the Carrier.

Documents used along the form

When entering into an Owner Operator Lease Agreement, several other forms and documents may also be required to ensure a smooth operation. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose and helps clarify the responsibilities and expectations of both parties involved in the transportation agreement. Below is a list of commonly used documents that accompany the Owner Operator Lease Agreement.

  • Bill of Lading: This document serves as a receipt for goods and a contract between the shipper and the carrier. It outlines the details of the shipment, including the type of cargo, its destination, and the responsibilities of each party involved.
  • New York Dtf 84 Form: This form is crucial for businesses operating within New York State, allowing them to update their address information with the state's tax department. For more information, visit https://newyorkform.com/free-new-york-dtf-84-template.
  • Insurance Certificates: These certificates provide proof of insurance coverage for the Owner Operator. They ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and protect both the Carrier and the Owner Operator from potential liabilities.
  • Freight Receipt: Similar to a bill of lading, this document confirms the receipt of goods by the Owner Operator. It provides evidence that the goods were received in good condition and serves as a record for both parties.
  • Rate Confirmation: This document outlines the agreed-upon rates and charges for transportation services. It serves as a binding agreement on the compensation the Owner Operator will receive for their services.
  • Permits and Licenses: Various permits and licenses may be required for the Owner Operator to legally transport goods. This documentation ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding transportation.
  • Subcontractor Agreement: If the Owner Operator hires subcontractors to assist with transportation, this document outlines the terms of their engagement. It clarifies the responsibilities and liabilities of each party involved.
  • Inspection Reports: These reports document the condition of the vehicle and cargo before and after transportation. They are essential for identifying any damages or issues that may arise during transit.
  • Confidentiality Agreement: This agreement ensures that sensitive information regarding the Carrier’s business operations remains confidential. It protects proprietary information and trade secrets from being disclosed to third parties.
  • Termination Notice: Should either party wish to terminate the agreement, this document provides the formal notice required to end the contract. It outlines the terms and conditions under which the agreement may be dissolved.

Each of these documents plays a crucial role in the transportation process, helping to establish clear communication and expectations between the Owner Operator and the Carrier. By ensuring that all necessary paperwork is in order, both parties can work together more effectively and minimize potential disputes.