The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has filed another class action suit against a trucking company for alleged violations of the federal leasing regulations.

OOIDA, along with two of its owner-operator members, filed the class action against Heartland Express Inc. of Iowa City, Iowa. The association contends Heartland Express has engaged in a pattern and practice of conduct violating its obligations to its leased owner-operators.
OOIDA says that owner-operators leased to Heartland were forced to purchase insurance from the company, that the carrier did not provide insurance documents upon request, and that it charged excessive amounts to owner-operators for insurance premiums. The complaint also alleges excessive charge-backs to the owner-operators for fuel purchased through the carrier's purchasing program with Comdata Inc. All of the allegations represent violations of the federal truth-in-leasing regulations.
Officials at Heartland Express were not available for comment.
Other carriers that have been targeted in OOIDA's leasing lawsuit campaign include Burlington Motor Carriers, Mayflower Transit, Ledar Transport, New Prime Inc., Arctic Express and Gilbert Express. OOIDA recently filed motions against Burlington with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court after its original suit was dismissed under the bankruptcy protection, filed for by the company in July.