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Owner Operator Lease Agreement

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IGH Logistics Forms

12930 Ventura Blvd # 825 | Studio City, CA | Tel: 877-940-1915 | Fax: 888-526-0281

Please ensure that all forms are completed entirely. Email or fax all required documents to our carrier relations department. Contact information is listed below.

CHECK LIST

Owner Operator Lease Agreement

Copy of Motor Carrier Authority Permit

Copy of W-9

Copy of Certificate of Insurance


OWNER OPERATOR LEASE AGREEMENT

THIS agreement, entered into this day of 20 between IGH Logistics, Inc., 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.

(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 one (1) year.

Initial

(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.

(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 one (1) year from date hereof and from year to year thereafter.

(f) It is to be clearly understood that Owner Operator shall employ all persons operating trucks hereunder.

(g) Subcontractor relationship and indemnification terms apply.

(h) Owner Operator shall defend, indemnify and save harmless the Carrier from liabilities, penalties and fines.

(i) Owner Operator will assume all liability for hazardous wastes, substances or materials released or discharged during transportation.

(j) Owner Operator will defend, indemnify and save harmless the Carrier from liabilities resulting from failure to perform contract terms.

(k) Carrier shall have full responsibility for all payments, benefits, and rights to or on behalf of its employees.

(l) Owner Operator is not to display the name of Carrier upon 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 unless specifically agreed in writing.

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, to give Carrier a written receipt thereof.

(b) Owner Operator agrees to take signed receipts upon forms satisfactory to Carrier from all persons to whom deliveries shall be made.

3. CARE AND CUSTODY OF MERCHANDISE:

(a) Owner Operator hereby assumes the liability of an insurer of the prompt and safe transportation of all goods entrusted to its care.

(b) Refrigerated containers must be transported with an attached generator set unless specifically advised by Carrier in writing.

4. INSURANCE:

(a) Owner Operator agrees to be a motor Carrier member in good standing in the Uniform Intermodal Interchange Agreement (UIIA).

(b) The Owner Operator agrees to carry cargo, personal injury, death, equipment and general insurance and will promptly reimburse Carrier for lost or destroyed goods.

(c) The Owner Operator agrees to provide the UIIA with appropriate certification and a copy of each policy of insurance and renewals thereof.

(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.

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 as set forth in the rate schedule attached hereto and made a part hereof.

(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 without written consent.

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: IGH LOGISTICS, INC.

12930 VENTURA BLVD # 825
STUDIO CITY, CA 91604
MC# 710534
USDOT# 2019012

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 CALIFORNIA.

CARRIER

For:

Name:

Signature:

Date:

OWNER OPERATOR

For:

Name:

Signature:

Date:


SINGLE TRIP LEASE AGREEMENT

THIS agreement, entered into this day of between IGH Logistics, Inc., 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.

1. Owner Operator shall secure all permits, licenses and approvals necessary and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

2. The Owner Operator hereby agrees to deliver for the Carrier for transportation, not less than one shipment of freight of all kinds (FAK) during a period of one (1) year.

CARRIER

For:

Name:

Signature:

Date:

OWNER OPERATOR

For:

Name:

Signature:

Date:


ADDITIONAL INSURANCE

New Owner Operators must add IGH Logistics, Inc. as an additional insured party and/or entity before transporting loads.

Please use the information below when adding IGH Logistics, Inc.

IGH Logistics, Inc.
12930 Ventura Blvd. Suite# 825
Studio City, CA 91604
Tel: 310-574-2217
Fax: 888-526-8384

IGH Logistics, Inc.

Date

Owner Operator

Date


Please select one payment option and one payment method:

Payment Options (select one option)

Standard Pay – You will receive payment within 30 days after IGH Logistics, Inc. has received all completed and legible Bills of Ladings and paperwork of load.

Quick Pay – Your payment will be issued within 2 business days, not including Saturday, Sunday or bank holidays. There will be a 3% quick pay fee of the gross amount of the load.

Payment Methods (select one option)

TCH Check – You will be issued a TCH check, which is good for deposit immediately at any financial institution.

EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) – Your payments can be directly deposited into your checking or savings account.

• You must fill out the EFT Funds Transfer Authorization Form.

• You must also include a copy of a voided check.

• EFT may take up to 10 days to setup.

Paper Check – You will receive a paper check via U.S. Postal mail.


DIRECT DEPOSIT AUTHORIZATION FORM

Company: Date:

Bank and Account Information

Bank Phone

City/State/Zip Code

Routing Number Account Number

Checking Account

Savings Account

Signature Date

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

• For enrollment/change of checking account, you must attach a voided check that includes your bank account and nine digit transit/routing number.

• For enrollment/change of savings account, you must attach a form from your bank showing your savings number and nine digit transit/routing number.

• Designated amounts will usually post to your account within 48 hours of transmission depending on your banks posting procedures.

• IGH Logistics, Inc. cannot be responsible for overdrafts incurred before funds are deposited.

• Changes to direct deposit may not necessarily take effect on your next settlement.

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What an Owner Operator Lease Agreement Is and when it applies

An Owner Operator Lease Agreement is a written contract used when an owner-operator (an individual or business that supplies a vehicle and operator) leases equipment, vehicle access, or hauling services to a carrier or broker. The document establishes parties, term, compensation method, maintenance responsibilities, insurance and indemnity obligations, tax reporting roles, and termination mechanics. It clarifies whether the operator functions as an independent contractor or an employee for federal and state compliance purposes and provides an evidentiary record for audits, insurer inquiries, and dispute resolution.

Why a clear lease protects operations and reduces disputes

A well-drafted Owner Operator Lease Agreement allocates risk, fixes payment mechanics, documents insurance and maintenance duties, and helps establish contractor status for IRS and DOT purposes, reducing operational disputes and supporting regulatory compliance during audits and claims.

Why a clear lease protects operations and reduces disputes

Who typically completes and relies on this lease

Typical users include carriers, independent drivers, fleet managers, and counsel who document operational obligations and liability.

  • Independent owner-operators managing tractor-trailer operations under contracts with carriers nationwide.
  • Small fleet owners delegating drivers and equipment while preserving liability separation.
  • Carriers and brokers documenting operational control, insurance obligations, and indemnity terms.

Proper party selection and accurate contact details ensure enforceability and effective notices during the contract term.

Core sections you should expect in a professional lease

Core sections define term, payments, maintenance, insurance, indemnity, and termination procedures to govern owner-operator relationships and reduce disputes across jurisdictions.

Parties

Identify lessor (carrier or company) and lessee (owner-operator) by full legal name, business type, address, and EIN or SSN where required for tax reporting and backup withholding.

Term

Specify exact start and end dates or rolling term, renewal conditions, early termination rights, cure periods, and notice methods including address and delivery timing.

Compensation

Detail pay structure (per mile, percentage of load, or flat fee), payment schedule, permitted deductions, fuel surcharge mechanics, audit rights, and dispute resolution procedures for invoicing discrepancies.

Maintenance

Allocate responsibility for routine servicing, repairs, parts replacement, inspection schedules, road-call procedures, and documentation standards for vehicle condition and acceptable wear.

Insurance

Specify required liability, cargo, auto, and umbrella policy limits, named insureds, certificate delivery timelines, notice of cancellation requirements, and indemnity allocation for uninsured losses.

Compliance

Address DOT, FMCSA, and applicable state regulatory compliance, drug and alcohol testing obligations, hours-of-service adherence, and recordkeeping standards for audits and safety reviews.

Step-by-step: prepare, sign, and store the lease

Follow this sequence when preparing and executing the Owner Operator Lease Agreement to ensure enforceability and regulatory compliance.

  • 01
    Gather IDs: Collect driver's license, CDL, and business registration documents.
  • 02
    Complete parties: Enter full legal names, addresses, and taxpayer IDs accurately.
  • 03
    Specify terms: Set term, compensation, maintenance, and insurance obligations clearly.
  • 04
    Sign & retain: Obtain signatures, notarize if required, and store signed copies securely.

Digital workflow settings to use when sending the lease

Configure a digital workflow for routing, authentication, field validation, and secure storage before sending the Owner Operator Lease Agreement for signatures.

Workflow field name and description Configuration
Choose signer order (sequential or parallel) Sequential or parallel signing
Set signer authentication methods (email, SMS) Email, SMS, KBA, or SSO
Enable required field validation and formulas Make key fields mandatory
Configure notification and reminder cadence Email and optional SMS alerts

Typical online signing flow for this agreement

A standard e-sign workflow takes you from upload to final signed copy with an audit trail suitable for regulatory and tax records.

  • Upload: Upload the lease PDF or DOCX to the e-sign platform.
  • Place fields: Add signature, date, initial, and text fields where required.
  • Send: Address signers, set authentication, and send the signing link.
  • Complete: Signer executes, system captures audit trail and delivers copies.

Technical features to confirm before eSigning

Use an eSignature provider that supports strong encryption (TLS 1.2/1.3), AES-256 at rest, and offers a HIPAA BAA if PHI is involved.

  • File formats: PDF, DOCX, HTML supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, SSO, advanced options

Principal penalties and risks from incorrect leases

Tax misclassification: Triggers IRS and DOL audits and potential back taxes.
Insurance gaps: Carrier or insurer may deny claims for missing coverage.
Contract ambiguity: Leads to arbitration, litigation costs, and business disruption.
Notarization omission: Can weaken evidentiary weight in contested disputes.
Backup withholding: 24% withholding risk for incorrect or missing TINs.
Regulatory fines: FMCSA or state penalties for noncompliance may apply.

Common preparation errors to avoid

  • Using nicknames or abbreviations for legal names, which can invalidate tax reporting and cause 1099 mismatches.
  • Vague compensation language such as 'reasonable rate' instead of precise per-mile, percentage, or flat fee calculations.
  • Failing to require up-to-date certificates of insurance or specified policy limits, creating exposure if a claim arises.
  • Omitting maintenance and inspection documentation requirements, which complicates liability and repair cost allocation.

Practical measures to increase clarity and enforceability

Use precise numeric terms, consistent party names, and managed digital workflows to reduce execution time, improve audit readiness, and limit downstream disputes.

Use precise compensation formulas and examples
Include a worked example showing how a typical load payout is calculated, including fuel surcharge, detention, and any permitted deductions to avoid later invoice disputes and enable simple audits.
Require current certificates of insurance before operations
Condition first dispatch on receipt of certificates naming the carrier and specifying required limits; include notice-of-cancellation obligations and confirmation timelines.
Document maintenance and inspection protocols in an exhibit
Attach a vehicle maintenance schedule and inspection form as an exhibit with required signoffs and recordkeeping frequency to support defect or wear disputes.
Review classification and tax implications annually
Have counsel or tax advisor confirm contractor status and 1099 obligations annually or after material operational changes to reduce reclassification risk.

eSignature pricing and capability snapshot for executing leases

A concise vendor comparison focused on starting prices, trial availability, bulk send, audit trail, HIPAA compliance, and envelope caps; signNow is listed first per platform comparison conventions.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Answers to common legal and practical questions

Practical answers about e-sign validity, notarization, tax consequences, and amendments for Owner Operator Lease Agreements.


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