The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced this week of the opening of applications for the Truck Leasing Task Force (TLTF), in consultation with the U.S. Department of Labor.
FMCSA says the Task Force is an initiative mandated by the bipartisan infrastructure law and a long-term effort of the Trucking Action Plan. As part of the plan’s initiatives, the TLTF will evaluate the impacts of commercial motor vehicle lease agreements and discuss best practices for future agreements.
“The Truck Leasing Task Force represents one of the important actions the Administration is taking to improve the trucking industry,” says U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “America’s truck drivers need and deserve fair leasing agreements, and this work will help ensure that leasing is above board.”
FMCSA Acting Administrator Robin Hutcheson adds the task force “will be instrumental in expanding our understanding of the financial impacts of truck leasing and will reinforce our commitment to the quality of life and safety” of truck drivers.
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TLTF will cover many areas related to truck leasing arrangements, including:
- Exploring predatory truck leasing arrangements in coordination with DOL and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Evaluating common truck lease agreements and their terms, identifying and reviewing those that are potentially inequitable in the motor carrier industry
- Reviewing agreements available to drayage drivers at ports
- Studying the impact of truck leasing agreements on the net compensation of commercial motor vehicle drivers
- Examining truck leasing arrangements and financing arrangements among motor carriers, entry-level drivers, driver training providers, and others involved in the industry
- Assessing resources that assist CMV drivers in reviewing the financial impacts of leasing agreements
FMCSA adds the task force will include a maximum of 10 members representing labor organizations, motor carriers, consumer protection groups, legal professionals, owner-operators and other relevant businesses. TLTF will examine the above issues and submit a report to FMCSA and the U.S. Department of Labor.
TLTF’s charter runs through Feb. 11, 2024. FMCSA encourages diverse, non-traditional representatives, especially women and people of color, to apply to serve on the task force. The application period is open here through Friday, May 6.
