Homepage >> Owner Operator Lease Agreement PDF Form

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Information: One common mistake is failing to fill in all required fields. This includes the date, names of both parties, and specific details regarding the transportation services. Leaving any section blank can lead to confusion or disputes later on.

  2. Incorrect Dates: Entering the wrong dates can cause significant issues. Ensure that the start and end dates of the agreement are accurate. Misstated dates may affect the terms of service and payment schedules.

  3. Missing Signatures: Both parties must sign the agreement for it to be valid. Forgetting to obtain the necessary signatures can render the agreement unenforceable. Always double-check that both the Owner Operator and Carrier have signed the document.

  4. Neglecting to Attach Required Documents: The agreement may require additional documentation, such as proof of insurance or permits. Failing to include these documents can delay the start of the agreement and lead to compliance issues.

  5. Not Reviewing Terms Thoroughly: It is essential to read through all terms and conditions carefully. Overlooking specific clauses regarding liability, insurance, or responsibilities can lead to misunderstandings. Take the time to ensure that all parties are clear on their obligations.

Similar forms

  • Independent Contractor Agreement: Like the Owner Operator Lease Agreement, this document outlines the relationship between a contractor and a client, specifying the terms of service and responsibilities without creating an employer-employee relationship.
  • Room Rental Agreement: To ensure clear communication between landlords and tenants, refer to the comprehensive Room Rental Agreement guidelines for effective room rental arrangements.
  • Freight Bill of Lading: This document serves as a contract for the transportation of goods. Similar to the Owner Operator Lease Agreement, it includes terms and conditions regarding the handling and delivery of freight.
  • Service Agreement: This agreement details the services to be provided by one party to another. Both documents emphasize the obligations and rights of each party involved in the service delivery.
  • Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Both documents protect sensitive information. The Owner Operator Lease Agreement includes confidentiality clauses similar to those found in NDAs, safeguarding business information shared between parties.
  • Equipment Lease Agreement: This document outlines the terms under which equipment is leased. Similar to the Owner Operator Lease Agreement, it specifies responsibilities and liabilities regarding the use of the leased items.
  • Subcontractor Agreement: This document governs the relationship between a contractor and subcontractor. It shares similarities with the Owner Operator Lease Agreement in defining roles, responsibilities, and liabilities.
  • Transportation Agreement: This document sets the terms for transporting goods, much like the Owner Operator Lease Agreement. It includes details on compensation, liability, and compliance with regulations.
  • Joint Venture Agreement: This document outlines the terms of collaboration between two or more parties. Similar to the Owner Operator Lease Agreement, it defines each party's contributions and responsibilities.
  • Partnership Agreement: This agreement details the terms of a partnership, including the rights and obligations of each partner. Like the Owner Operator Lease Agreement, it emphasizes mutual responsibilities and expectations.
  • Consulting Agreement: This document outlines the terms under which a consultant provides services. It shares similarities with the Owner Operator Lease Agreement in detailing the scope of work and compensation structure.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Owner Operator Lease Agreement form, keep these important tips in mind:

  • Do read the entire agreement carefully before signing.
  • Do ensure all names and dates are filled out correctly.
  • Do provide accurate information regarding permits and licenses.
  • Do keep copies of all documents submitted for your records.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; fill in all required fields.
  • Don't sign the agreement without understanding the terms.
  • Don't forget to provide the necessary insurance documentation.
  • Don't alter any part of the agreement without written consent from both parties.

Preview - 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

Misconceptions

1. Owner Operators Are Employees of the Carrier

Many people mistakenly believe that an Owner Operator is an employee of the Carrier. In reality, the Owner Operator is classified as an independent contractor. This distinction is crucial because it affects liability, tax obligations, and the relationship between the two parties. The Owner Operator is responsible for their own employees and operations, which means they maintain control over their business decisions.

2. The Lease Agreement Can Be Changed Verbally

Another common misconception is that the terms of the Owner Operator Lease Agreement can be modified through verbal agreements. However, any changes to the contract must be documented in writing and signed by both parties. This requirement ensures that all modifications are clear and enforceable, protecting both the Carrier and the Owner Operator from misunderstandings.

3. All Liability Lies with the Carrier

Some believe that the Carrier is solely responsible for any liabilities that arise during transportation. This is not the case. The Owner Operator assumes significant liability, particularly concerning the safe transport of goods. They must also comply with all applicable laws and regulations, which means they share responsibility for any legal issues that may arise during their operations.

4. Insurance Coverage Is Optional

It is a misconception that insurance coverage is optional for Owner Operators. In fact, the lease agreement stipulates that Owner Operators must carry specific types of insurance, including cargo and liability insurance. This requirement not only protects the Carrier but also safeguards the Owner Operator’s business interests, ensuring they are covered in case of accidents or damages.

How to Use Owner Operator Lease Agreement

Filling out the Owner Operator Lease Agreement form is an important step in establishing a working relationship between the Carrier and the Owner Operator. This form outlines the terms and conditions for transportation services. Follow these steps carefully to complete the form accurately.

  1. Write the date at the top of the form in the format ____ day of ______________ 20___.
  2. Fill in the name of the Carrier in the designated space.
  3. Enter the name of the Owner Operator in the appropriate spot.
  4. Specify the time period for the transportation services in the section that asks for the duration.
  5. Provide the necessary details regarding permits, licenses, and compliance with laws as mentioned in the general provisions section.
  6. Indicate the amount of freight to be transported, ensuring it aligns with the agreement.
  7. Complete the insurance section by confirming coverage and attaching any required documentation.
  8. Fill in the territory and commodities details as specified in the compensation section.
  9. Include the applicable state law in the designated area.
  10. Both the Owner Operator and Carrier must sign and print their names at the bottom of the form.

Once you have completed the form, review it for accuracy. Ensure that all necessary signatures are in place before submitting it. This will help avoid any misunderstandings or issues down the line.