I’m being ripped off and next steps

I’m an owner operator who is leased onto a small carrier in South Jersey. Bought the truck in 2022 from the carrier for what I believe was a premium price. Signed a lease agreement that was basically a template pulled off the internet and filled in by the owner of the carrier. Tags are in the carriers name and I run under his authority, which, by New Jersey standards, I believe, characterizes me as an employee. 2022 was the first and last time I signed a lease agreement that was in effect for one year. I was new at this and most o/o aren’t that forthcoming or knowledgeable about the topic. Some I’ve spoken to are just friends of his and agree with his charges. Four years later, I’m still here and I’m being charged $520 per week for insurance and workers comp with no breakdown of charges. His wife comes into the office with no warning and a stack of EZ Pass violations and cuts up everybodies check when she needs spending money. She saves them for months like a rainey day fund and the pops in and surprises everyone with tons of charges. She took just about a thousand last week when I came off of a breakdown and a few days off leaving me with bounced checks for bills and no fuel for the week. She seems to love to kick you when you’re down and only shows up before going away. I’ve been trying to make a move but because I work for this guy, I have a wife and three kids and mortgage, etc, funds are not great. I also pay all tolls, gate fees and all maintenance and fuel for the truck. He claims that he doesn’t charge a fuel surcharge to the customers ,therefore, I eat the whole cost of diesel. I have until May to get an insurance policy and tags and I’m out.
Do I have any legal recourse? Are these charges legal? I know I need a leasing agreement but can this guy just randomly charge me for different expenses without a leasing agreement? Most guys I know pay a percentage out of the load pay for insurance but $320 per week is what I’m paying as a flat rate whether I take one load or ten? The workers comp is also supposed to be paid by the carrier but that’s $200 per week out of my check. He’s already gotten busted for it and paid a fine. I just feel like I’m stuck for a bit and jumping out now would be detrimental to my finances. Everybody is slow right now and I’m afraid to move too fast.

 

I own the truck, however I’m leased. I expect some financial responsibility. I feel like I may be taken advantage of, however. Where’s the red flag? I know it’s a little bit of a ramble.

 

I plan on my own authority. We’re not making a ton of money and New Jersey just doubled our insurance.

 

Looking for a way out. The whole thing feels like I was trapped into it. I’m not working for free. But they take a chunk of it if they get a chance.

 

Let me rephrase. I am not the definition of an owner operator. I own the equipment but I fall under his umbrella. NJ considers me an employee.

 

I have the title. 2k for plates and was quoted 60k for insurance. I’m in a tight spot and trying to figure out. The truck is a pos now as well. Lots of miles.