Carrier Agreement

This Agreement sets out the terms under which a Carrier operates equipment to transport freight tendered by or through Aboudi Ventures LLC. It applies to owner-operators, lease-on drivers, and any contracted carrier hauling under Aboudi Ventures’ operating authority, together with any signed lease, rate confirmation, or dispatch record issued for a specific load, which form part of this Agreement.

Carrier operates as an independent contractor, not as an employee, agent, or partner of Aboudi Ventures. Carrier retains control over the manner and means of performing transportation services, subject to applicable FMCSA safety regulations. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment relationship, and Carrier is responsible for its own taxes, licensing, and business expenses unless otherwise stated in a signed lease agreement.

Carrier agrees to:

• Provide and maintain equipment (tractor, trailer, or as applicable) in safe, legal, and roadworthy condition at all times.
• Hold a valid CDL and any endorsements required for the freight being hauled (e.g., hazmat, tanker).
• Comply with FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) rules and maintain accurate logs via a compliant ELD.
• Display required USDOT/MC markings and carry current registration, permits, and IFTA credentials as applicable.

Aboudi Ventures’ dispatch team will offer loads based on availability, lane, and equipment type. Carrier is not obligated to accept any specific load, but once a load is accepted and confirmed, Carrier agrees to complete pickup and delivery within the agreed window, communicate delays promptly, and follow load-specific instructions (temperature settings, handling notes, delivery appointments).

• Payment for each load is based on the rate confirmed at time of dispatch, per mile, flat rate, or percentage-of-load as agreed.
• Settlements are processed according to the payment schedule stated in Carrier’s lease or onboarding agreement.
• Required documentation (signed bill of lading, proof of delivery, lumper receipts) must be submitted promptly to avoid settlement delays.

Where applicable, fuel surcharges are calculated and paid according to the terms in Carrier’s rate confirmation or lease agreement. Aboudi Ventures may deduct amounts owed for cash advances, fuel advances, permits, or damages caused by Carrier’s negligence, as authorized in writing by Carrier’s lease or settlement agreement.

Carrier must maintain, or be covered under, insurance meeting FMCSA minimums, including:

• Primary liability insurance as required for the equipment and freight type operated.
• Cargo insurance sufficient to cover the value of freight typically hauled.
• Physical damage coverage on leased or owned equipment, where applicable.

Proof of current insurance must be provided prior to dispatch and kept active throughout the term of this Agreement.

Carrier is responsible for cargo in its care, custody, and control from pickup to delivery. Any loss, damage, or shortage must be reported immediately to dispatch and noted on the delivery paperwork. Carrier’s liability for cargo claims is determined in accordance with the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 14706) and the terms of the applicable bill of lading, and may be offset against Carrier’s settlement where Carrier is found responsible.

Carrier agrees to comply with all applicable FMCSA safety regulations, including participation in a compliant drug and alcohol testing program (pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion, as required). Carrier must report any accident, citation, or license suspension to Aboudi Ventures promptly.

Carrier is solely responsible for the routine maintenance, repair, and pre-/post-trip inspection of its equipment in accordance with FMCSA requirements. Aboudi Ventures may decline to dispatch equipment that appears unsafe or non-compliant upon inspection.

Carrier agrees to keep confidential any rate, customer, or shipper information obtained through this relationship, and not to use it to solicit business directly with Aboudi Ventures’ customers or shippers during the term of this Agreement and for a reasonable period after termination, as further defined in Carrier’s signed lease or onboarding agreement.

This Agreement remains in effect while Carrier is actively engaged with Aboudi Ventures and may be terminated by either party with written notice, subject to any minimum notice period specified in Carrier’s signed lease agreement. Aboudi Ventures may suspend or terminate the relationship immediately for safety violations, insurance lapses, or breach of this Agreement.

Carrier agrees to indemnify and hold Aboudi Ventures harmless from claims, damages, fines, or expenses arising from Carrier’s negligence, safety violations, equipment failure, or breach of this Agreement, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas and applicable U.S. federal motor carrier regulations, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Disputes arising from this Agreement will be resolved in the courts located in Texas, unless otherwise required by federal law.