Professional Driver Partnership Agreement

What a good one includes

• Clear allocation of revenue splits, detailing how gross payouts from brokers are divided after fuel and toll expenses.
• A scheduled maintenance and breakdown cost-sharing formula that defines who pays for routine wear-and-tear versus major engine overhauls.
• A vehicle scheduling and usage protocol specifying hours of operation, route assignments, and rules for personal use of the equipment.
• Insurance and liability clauses outlining which partner's policy covers primary cargo damage, bobtail liability, or physical damage during a run.
• A clear exit and dissolution strategy detailing how a partner can sell their share of the truck or business without halting operations.
• A dispute resolution process, such as mediation, to resolve operational disagreements quickly without taking each other to court.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on a generic business partnership template that fails to address FMCSA regulations, CDL requirements, or specific trucking liabilities.
• Failing to define a reserve fund for emergency roadside repairs, leaving partners scrambling to cover tow bills or major mechanical failures out of pocket.
• Omitting clear guidelines on how to split fuel surcharges and toll expenses, which leads to disputes when one driver takes less efficient routes.
• Neglecting to write down a clear policy for vehicle damage deductibles when one partner is solely at fault for an accident.

Frequently asked questions