What Is a Truck Driver Subcontractor Agreement?
A truck driver subcontractor agreement is a contract between a carrier or contractor and a subcontracted driver. It lets the contractor assign loads or routes under their existing contracts.
Carriers, logistics companies, and owner-operators use this agreement when they need extra drivers. The subcontracted driver does the work on the contractor’s behalf, not for the end client, and is intended to operate as an independent contractor, not an employee.
A truck driver subcontractor agreement outlines the key terms. It explains how the driver gets paid, who handles what, who is responsible if something goes wrong, and addresses compliance and equipment so everyone knows their role upfront.
If the job includes more than driving, like handling deliveries or logistics, use a delivery service agreement to cover those added responsibilities.
What to Include in a Truck Driver Subcontractor Agreement
When a contractor assigns a load or route to another driver, the terms need to be clear. The agreement should explain what the driver is doing, how they’re paid, and their responsibility for accidents, cargo damage, and claims. Your agreement should:
- Include the contractor’s and driver’s names and contact details
- Describe the services, like assigned loads or routes under the contractor’s existing contracts (you can attach details as an exhibit)
- Explain how pay works, whether per mile, per load, flat rate, or per completed delivery
- Clarify who covers expenses, like fuel, tolls, maintenance, and permits
- State when the work starts and how it ends, whether per load, per route, on a set date, or terminable at any time by either party
- Outline insurance requirements, including commercial auto coverage, and responsibility for accidents, cargo damage, or claims
- Address compliance requirements, like DOT rules, licensing, and required endorsements
- Add optional protections, like confidentiality, non-compete (where permitted by applicable law), or non-solicit terms, if needed
- Explain how issues are handled and which state’s laws apply
- Include the agreement date when both parties sign
These details help prevent problems early. If pay isn’t clear, problems can come up after a delivery. If liability isn’t defined, cargo damage can create risk. A clear agreement helps both sides know what to expect, and Legal Templates makes it easy to create one.
Most truck drivers need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Some loads also require extra endorsements, like tank or hazardous materials. Check your state’s requirements before assigning work.
Sample Truck Driver Subcontractor Agreement
View a sample truck driver subcontractor agreement to see how it works. Customize and download your template in Word or PDF.
