As a general contractor, it’s essential your dump truck hauling contracts are documented in such a way that they meet your needs and regulatory requirements.
Based on our experience, we’ll review the key elements necessary when drafting or reviewing contracts.
Key Considerations for Dump Truck Hauling Contracts
To develop or adjust a hauling contract, it’s important to balance your priorities with the needs of your hauling service provider. With long-term hauling partners, you’ll likely already have agreement in outline.
So, let’s look at the main points.
Compliance with State and Interstate Regulations for Hauling Services
Contracts should mandate adherence to state-specific regulations, including those set by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). These encompass:
- Compliance with truck size and weight limits – for instance, trucks hauling building materials to road construction projects in Texas may haul up to 80,000 lbs., including the load, on highways.
- Safety standards – document the need for strict adherence to driver safety protocols and equipment maintenance.
- Environmental guidelines – agree to comply with state-mandated emissions and waste disposal requirements.
If your hauling needs require your contractor to cross state lines, account for interstate regulations as well. For example, weight limits and permitting processes may vary by state.
Insurance Coverage in Dump Truck Hauling Contracts
Adequate, comprehensive insurance coverage is essential! Accidents happen. So, your contracts should specify the types and amounts of insurance required and document it.
Include liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage; cargo insurance to protect the materials you ordered; and physical damage coverage for vehicles on- or off-site.
Insurance costs have risen exponentially, but this is non-negotiable. And commercial trucking may require higher limits than the oft-quoted minimum liability of 30/60/25. Perhaps have your insurer’s number on auto-dial for when you have exceptional hauling needs.
Certification Requirements in Dump Truck Hauling Contracts
For government-funded construction and infrastructure projects, you may have to partner with with certified hauling and dump truck companies.
Certifications may include:
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) – at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
- Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) – owned, controlled, and operated by minority individuals.
- Small Business Enterprises (SBE) – based on factors such as number of employees, business structure, and annual revenue.
These requirements are not onerous! Nor are they all always mandatory. But they may weigh in your favor – not only for meeting your contractual obligations but also for improving the likelihood of securing a specific government contract. Document any certifications in your contract.
You can search among dump truck companies in Texas for ones that are certified in any or all of these areas. They will be expert at keeping to the letter of regulations.
Cost Transparency When Contracting
As a general contractor, you’ll understand the operational costs associated with construction hauling services. A clear breakdown of costs from the hauler should therefore be available so you can see the contracted price is reasonable.
The cost will reflect fuel expenses, maintenance of vehicles, driver wages, administrative fees, and any extra agreements you want to make concerning possible emergency upscaling or exceptional requests.
Standard Ts & Cs in Contracts Recommended by TxDOT
You’ll find it wise to incorporate standard terms and conditions, as outlined by TxDOT. Why? You want a solid foundation for your dump truck hauling contract.
Some of the relevant clauses will relate to
- performance expectations,
- payment schedules,
- dispute resolution, and
- termination conditions.
When you have a long-term partnership with a favorite dump truck company, such negotiations around Ts & Cs can seem a little formal and uncomfortable. But standard Ts & Cs keep both you and your hauler safe.
Cowboy Trucking Offers Reliable Dump Truck Hauling Contracts
We’re a family firm with decades of experience making contracts that ensure our partnership is mutually beneficial. We’re also fully certified as DBE, MBE, and SBE, and offer you our total commitment with a modern fleet and tailored solutions.
Give us a call and let’s discuss your requirements.
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