What Is Trip Lease in Trucking?
Also called: Single Trip Lease, Trip Leasing
A trip lease is a short lease in which one carrier uses another carrier's truck, or a truck and driver, for one trip or a short period. It is an industry term, not one that FMCSA defines. The federal leasing rules in 49 CFR Part 376 still matter, and a lease between two authorized carriers can follow the exemption in 376.22.
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 16, 2026
Key Points
- A trip lease is a short lease for one trip or a short time. FMCSA's leasing rules do not use the term
- Part 376 defines a lease as an arrangement where an owner lets an authorized carrier use equipment for a set period, for pay (49 CFR 376.2)
- A lease between two authorized carriers, or from a private carrier to an authorized carrier, can follow the exemption in 49 CFR 376.22
- Under 376.22, the lessor must own the equipment or hold it under a lease, and there must be a written agreement signed by both parties
- The agreement must say that the lessee has control and responsibility for the equipment from the time it takes possession, and the equipment must be identified as in the lessee's service
- A copy of the agreement must be carried in the equipment while the lessee has it
What is a trip lease?
A trip lease is a lease for a single trip or a short period. It is a common term in trucking, but FMCSA's leasing rules in Part 376 do not define it. Those rules define a lease more broadly. A lease is a contract or arrangement. The owner grants the use of equipment, with or without a driver, to an authorized carrier. It runs for a specified period, in exchange for compensation (49 CFR 376.2). A trip lease is one that happens to be short.
How is a trip lease different from a long-term lease?
The main difference is the length, but the rules depend on who the parties are. When an owner-operator or other owner leases equipment to a carrier, the written lease must carry the provisions listed in 49 CFR 376.12. When two authorized carriers lease equipment to each other, or a private carrier leases to an authorized carrier, they may follow the exemption in 376.22. That section has fewer required terms. Length matters in one case. Authorized carriers may lease equipment and drivers from private carriers for periods of less than 30 days, following the same method (49 CFR 376.42).
What does the federal rule require between two carriers?
Section 376.22 sets the conditions for a lease between authorized carriers. The carrier using the equipment must identify it as in its service, following the rules in 376.11(c). The lessor must own the equipment or hold it under a lease. There must be a written agreement signed by both parties. It must say that the lessee has control and responsibility for the equipment. That starts when the lessee takes possession and gives a receipt. It lasts until the equipment is returned or passed to another authorized carrier. A copy of the agreement must be carried in the equipment. A master lease can cover many leases if it meets the same rules.
Is trip leasing legal?
Yes, when it follows the rules. Part 376 lets authorized carriers lease equipment to and from each other under 376.22, and lets a private carrier lease equipment to an authorized carrier. Problems come when the paperwork is missing, when the carrier using the truck does not have the authority and insurance for the freight, or when the lease is a cover for something else. Make sure the carrier running the load under its authority is the one that has control and responsibility for the equipment.
What should you check before you sign a trip lease?
Make sure the agreement is in writing and signed by both sides. Check that it says when the lease begins and ends, and who has control and responsibility. Confirm that the carrier using the truck has active authority and insurance for the load. Ask how the equipment will be marked, and keep a copy in the truck. Get a receipt when you hand over the equipment and when you get it back. And find out how you are paid and when.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trip lease in trucking?+
A trip lease is a short lease in which one carrier uses another carrier's truck, or truck and driver, for one trip or a short period. FMCSA's leasing rules do not define the term, but they do cover leases.
Is trip leasing legal?+
Yes, when the rules are followed. Authorized carriers may lease equipment to and from each other under 49 CFR 376.22. That needs a signed written agreement, the lessee's control and responsibility for the equipment, proper marking and a copy of the agreement in the truck.
What is the difference between a trip lease and a term lease?+
A trip lease is for one trip or a short time. A term lease is for a longer period. The federal rules depend mostly on who the parties are. A lease from an owner to a carrier needs the provisions in 49 CFR 376.12. A lease between authorized carriers can follow 376.22. Length matters when a carrier leases from a private carrier for less than 30 days (49 CFR 376.42).
Who is responsible for the truck on a trip lease?+
Under 49 CFR 376.22, the agreement must say that the lessee has control and responsibility for the equipment from the time it takes possession and gives a receipt, until the equipment is returned or passed to another authorized carrier.
Do I need a written agreement for a trip lease?+
Yes. Section 376.22 requires a written agreement signed by the parties or their representatives, and a copy must be carried in the equipment while the lessee has it. A master lease can cover many leases if it meets the same rules.
What should I check before I trip lease my truck?+
Check that the carrier using your truck has active authority and insurance for the load, that the agreement is in writing, that it says who has control and responsibility, and that you get a receipt when you hand over the truck and when you get it back.
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This is industry terminology and typical practice. It is not legal or tax advice. Rates, fees, and rules mentioned are general ranges. Confirm the details on your rate confirmation, carrier agreement, or a current official source.