Truck Driver Contract Template
We have created Truck Driver contract template with simplicity in mind. It is an easy to use and ready made Truck Driver contract template that enables you to know exactly what the client’s responsibilities are and saves your time and money.
Free Truck Driver Contract Template Samples
What is a truck driver contract?
A truck driver independent contractor agreement is a document that legally binds a contractor and their client to a working arrangement.
Generally speaking, truck drivers are hired to transport goods from one facility to another or from a seller to a buyer. A clear description of the tasks that the contractor is required to fulfill must be provided in the work agreement.
Furthermore, the amount and method of payment must also be described, as well as any expenses that the client will cover. The contract can be designed to enable the contractor to hire additional subcontracting truck drivers or to require that they perform the truck driving duties themselves. As a part of the agreement, all vehicles and equipment must be provided by the contractor. Some agreements may also require the contractor to have automotive and liability insurance before accepting the job.
Why would I use a Hauling Contract?
Regardless of the type of work you will do as a commercial trucker, a Trucking Contract is always recommended. You may choose to make a Trucking Contract due to the fact that it yields the following list of benefits:
- The length of the engagement is agreed upon
- Both the truck driver and the client understand their responsibilities
- Both parties know when billing will happen
Ultimately, if you and/or the client decide against signing a Trucking Agreement, you might not receive any of the protections connected to having one in place.
Important Terms
What information should I cover in a contract for trucking?
You might want to prepare the following details for the Trucking Contract:
Name and address of your client. What work you will be performing once hired. How much it will cost and when payment is due. How long the engagement will last
As you might hope with an agreement like this, your Trucking Contract will also include the typical language with regard to the non-employer relationship between the carrier and cargo owner, confidentiality, indemnification, and finally, dispute resolution. While making your agreement, you also can pick which state’s jurisdiction it will be subject to. With the document tool, you are able to add more custom alterations, if needed.
What to include in a truck driver contract?
Introduction: –Truck driving is big business in this country with numerous major trucking companies and also much smaller ones. It is how we as a nation transport cargo, cars, milk, eggs… most everything basically. Therefore, it is imperative that your employees are qualified to handle such a responsibility with the safety and knowledge that is required.
This contract, while somewhat broad in nature (allowing you the ability to tweak requirements within the company as opposed to changing all contracts), will help you secure a responsible trucker employee by being confident all aspects of employment are covered.
Key points:-
- As the business owner operator, you shall be required to know ALL governmental laws, regulations, and/or guidelines for the trucking industry. You are liable for training your truck driver/employee on what the laws are. The truck driver should have training in this regard; however, it is imperative that your company have an employee handbook or some other method of outlining the specific rules, regulations, guidelines, etc. that are to be followed.
- Keep track of timelines for when a medical physical shall be due for each truck driving employee. It is imperative that these are successfully passed in addition to not being done delinquently as this could cause legal issues should an incident arise.
- As you are aware, transportation of hazardous and/or oversized materials have special rules to be followed. Make sure your truck driving employees are aware of those so as not to cause the company to be responsible for hefty fines.
- Be specific if the type of work will be long-haul or shorter distances as it may be a strong consideration for truckers as to what type of work they’re open to, and if they can handle both options it may make them a stronger candidate if that offers your business more flexibility.
Helpful Information: – It is imperative that you seek the advice of an insurance professional with commercial vehicle, and possibly trucking industry, experience to make sure you and your employees have proper and sufficient coverage. Even one small incident could be very costly – in terms of materials and lives. An incident involving hazardous materials could be twice as bad. Be properly insured.
You’ll also want to ensure you have adequate workers’ compensation coverage as well. You may end up bringing in full time hires or independent contractors depending on the type of business you operate and the availability of full time truckers and independent contractors in your region. In some cases, they may have their own truck, or it may be something provided by you in the trucking contract.
Truck maintenance should be of highest importance. Again, due to the nature of the business, one small issue could turn into a life-altering circumstance.
Be sure that any truck driver has the appropriate licenses, whether a full time, part-time, or independent contractor trucker. Class A CDLs, Class B, etc., depending on requirements for your business operation.
Signatures: – A secure method to get an agreement signed is online. Online signatures of the parties are legally binding. This is a convenient way to expedite the process and eliminate stress for both you and the client.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ about our Truck Driver Contract Templates
Independent contractor truck drivers are freelance owner-operators of their own commercial truck. In this role, you can choose which assignments to accept, set your own hours, and negotiate payment and contract conditions.
We recognize that your contract layout conditions may need to be changed to be in line together with your client’s needs. That’s why we have made Contrat in Word format as well so that you’ll be able make adjustments as you like. If you want to make important changes to the template, we propose you to get help of a lawyer or conveyancer to make sure you still have protection.
To become a truck driver, an individual must fulfill the following criteria:
- Be at least twenty-one (21) years old;
- Have a clean driving record;
- Attend truck driving school;
- Pass a physical and a drug examination;
- Pass the licensing exam; and
- Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
When training full time, a CDL can be obtained in as little as 7 weeks. However, most people are unable to make this time commitment and therefore may need to study part-time. In which case, it can take up to 6 months to complete a truck driving school program and obtain a CDL.
