The FMCSA has appointed a new task force to investigate how truck leasing arrangements could potentially influence driver safety and finances. Nine individuals were chosen from leading industry representatives, tasked with weighing the impact of these contracts on owner-operators across America.
This task force will provide resources to drivers interested in leasing agreements, aiming to ensure that these contracts are as fair and equitable as possible for all parties involved before signing off on them. FMCSA is hopeful TLTF’s work will result in more secure business relationships between truckers, motor carriers, and other stakeholder entities across America’s highways.
The nine members of the Truck Leasing Task Force include:
- Tamara Brock, Brock Logistics, LLC and Lewis & Lewis Logistics, LLC (Independent Owner-Operator)
- Paul Cullen, The Cullen Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney)
- Troy Hawkins, TTOH Consulting & Logistics, LLC (Independent Owner-Operator)
- Jim Jefferson, Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association (Consumer Protection)
- Joshua Krause, OTR Leasing, LLC (Business)
- Kaitlyn Long, International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Labor Organization)
- Steve Rush, Carbon Express Inc. (Carrier)
- Lesley Tse, Animal Defense Partnership, Inc. (Attorney)
- Steve Viscelli, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania (Economic Sociologist)
“At a time when our country needs truck drivers more than ever, we must do everything we can to support the men and women who work in this vital industry,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Truck Leasing Task Force is taking a hard look at leasing agreements as part of our effort to ensure every truck driver in this country has good working conditions and can make a good living.”
Truck leasing is a major factor that affects the career decisions of many driver-operators in the trucking business. Unfavorable contractual terms can often lead to hazardous scenarios on roadways, as safe drivers may feel forced away from pursuing careers in this industry.
“The Truck Leasing Task Force addresses one of trucking’s great challenges. Leasing can have a major impact on people choosing trucking as their career, and protecting drivers is of the utmost importance,” said FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson. “FMCSA is committed to addressing issues that may impact the recruitment and retention of drivers in the trucking industry.”
Source: truckersnews
