What paperwork is required in a leased truck and a rental truck? Are we required to keep the lease agreement or rental agreement for the entire time we lease or rent a CMV running in interstate commerce above 26,001 pounds or more?

According to the regulations in 376.11(c)(2), a copy of the lease should be carried in the vehicle for the duration of the lease. You do have an option, however, and that is to prepare a statement certifying that you are operating a leased vehicle. “The statement shall also specify the name of the owner, the date and length of the lease, any restrictions in the lease relative to the commodities being transported, and the address at which the original lease is kept by the authorized carrier. This statement shall be prepared by the authorized carrier or its authorized representative.”

Essentially, the purpose of carrying the lease, or the statement, in the vehicle is to prove ownership of the vehicle and who is responsible for safe operation of the vehicle to law enforcement should they inquire.