Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, April 7, 2022:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced Wednesday the opening of applications for the Truck Leasing Task Force (TLTF), in consultation with the U.S. Department of Labor.
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,” said 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 added that 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.
TLTF will cover many areas related to truck leasing arrangements, including:
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.
