Minnesota § 176.043 - TRUCKING AND MESSENGER/COURIER INDUSTRIES; INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 176.043 — TRUCKING AND MESSENGER/COURIER INDUSTRIES; INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 176.043. TRUCKING AND MESSENGER/COURIER INDUSTRIES; INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS
In the trucking and messenger/courier industries, an operator of a car, van, truck, tractor, or truck-tractor that is licensed and registered by a governmental motor vehicle agency is an employee unless each of the following factors is present, and if each factor is present, the operator is an independent contractor:
(1) the individual owns the equipment or holds it under a bona fide lease arrangement;
(2) the individual is responsible for the maintenance of the equipment;
(3) the individual is responsible for the operating costs, including fuel, repairs, supplies, vehicle insurance, and personal expenses. The individual may be paid the carrier's fuel surcharge and incidental costs, including, but not limited to, tolls, permits, and lumper fees;
(4) the individual is responsible for supplying the necessary personal services to operate the equipment;
(5) the individual's compensation is based on factors related to the work performed, such as a percentage of any schedule of rates, and not on the basis of the hours or time expended;
(6) the individual substantially controls the means and manner of performing the services, in conformance with regulatory requirements and specifications of the shipper; and
(7) the individual enters into a written contract that specifies the relationship to be that of an independent contractor and not that of an employee.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 176.043
What does Minnesota Statutes § 176.043 cover?
Section 176.043 ("TRUCKING AND MESSENGER/COURIER INDUSTRIES; INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 176.043?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 176.043" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 176.043 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.