FMCSA extends application deadline for Truck Leasing Task Force

For truckers who would like to apply to be part of the new Truck Leasing Task Force, there’s still time to do so.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced this week that it has extended the application deadline through May 13. The deadline had been set to expire May 6.

The task force, which was mandated by the 2021 infrastructure law, aims to end predatory lease-purchase practices in the industry.

Among the goals of the task force will be to evaluate the effects of commercial motor vehicle lease arrangements and to 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,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a news release. “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 encouraged industry advocates, including owner-operators, to apply.

“The task force will be instrumental in expanding our understanding of the financial impacts of truck leasing and will reinforce our commitment to quality of life and safety for professional truck drivers,” she said. “We ask those who are interested in joining to reach out so we can better support CMV drivers together.”

The panel is expected to cover many areas related to truck leasing arrangements, including these:

• 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 commercial motor vehicle drivers in reviewing the financial effects of leasing agreements.

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. Recommendations from the task force will be submitted to FMCSA and the Department of Labor.

The Truck Leasing Task Force’s charter runs through Feb. 11, 2024. FMCSA encourages diverse, nontraditional representatives, especially women and people of color, to apply to serve on the task force. To apply, visit FMCSA.DOT.gov/tltf. LL