An Owner Operator Lease Agreement is a formal contract between a carrier company and an independent owner operator. This document outlines the terms and conditions under which transportation services will be provided, encompassing aspects such as general provisions, cargo obligations, insurance requirements, and compensation. It serves not only as a legally binding commitment between both parties but also as a detailed guide for the operational and legal responsibilities that the owner operator agrees to fulfill in the transportation of goods.
In a transportation landscape replete with logistical nuances and intricate legal frameworks, the Owner Operator Lease Agreement form stands as a crucial contract delineating the responsibilities and expectations between carriers and independent truck drivers or owner operators. At its core, this agreement facilitates the transportation of general freights of all kinds (FAK) under specified terms, aiming to streamline operations while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws. It meticulously outlines the operational guidelines, from securing necessary permits and furnishing evidence of compliance, to detailing cargo handling and specifying insurance coverage requirements. Furthermore, it addresses the critical aspect of liability, emphasizing the owner operator’s duty to indemnify the carrier against potential legal entanglements, thereby enshrining a protective legal scaffold for both parties. Additionally, it touches upon the administrative sides of the partnership, such as compensation rates, confidentiality obligations, and the jurisdiction governing the agreement, underscoring the holistic approach taken to govern the complex relationship between a carrier and an owner operator. This comprehensive contract thus not only delineates the operational roadmap for transporting goods but also intricately weaves in layers of legal protection and procedural clarity, making it an indispensable tool in the logistics and transportation industry.
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
An Owner Operator Lease Agreement is a legal contract between a carrier and an owner-operator, where the owner-operator agrees to transport freight for the carrier under specified terms and conditions. This agreement outlines the responsibilities, operations standards, compensation details, and various other terms critical to the relationship between the two parties.
The agreement must be signed by both the carrier and the owner-operator to be valid. These signatures represent each party's consent to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in the contract.
The key components of the agreement include:
The Owner Operator is required to have insurance that meets the minimum requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and states through which the Owner Operator operates. This typically includes cargo, personal injury, and general insurance, among others.
Yes, the Owner Operator can engage subcontractors for parts of the work; however, this does not change the Owner Operator's status as an independent contractor nor establish any legal relationship between the carrier and the subcontractor. The Owner Operator remains solely responsible for ensuring compliance and performance by any subcontractors.
The agreement does not specify a particular process for resolving disputes. Typically, disputes may be resolved through direct negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, according to what both parties decide upon facing a conflict. In some instances, matters may proceed to litigation if not resolved through these means.
If the Owner Operator fails to comply with applicable laws and regulations, they are required to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the carrier from all liabilities, penalties, fines, judgments, and expenses arising from such failure. This includes any acts of negligence by the Owner Operator or their representatives.
The agreement cannot be modified or altered unless such changes are made in writing and signed by both the carrier and the Owner Operator. This ensures that any changes are mutually agreed upon and documented.
The term of the agreement is not explicitly stated within the provided text and may be subject to negotiation between the carrier and the Owner Operator. Typically, the duration will be outlined in a specific section of the contract or determined by the nature of the projects and tasks assigned.
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