49 U.S.C. § 14101 — Providing transportation and service

(a) On Reasonable Request. A carrier^* whose transportation^* or service falls under chapter 135's jurisdiction must provide that transportation or service whenever someone reasonably asks for it. On top of that, a motor carrier^* must provide safe and adequate service, equipment, and facilities.

(b) Contracts With Shippers. (1) In general. A carrier covered by chapter 135 can sign a contract with a shipper to provide specific services at specific rates and conditions. This doesn't apply to household goods moves as described in section 13102(10)(A). If the shipper and carrier put it in writing that they are expressly giving up ("waiving") some or all of their rights and remedies under this part for that contract's shipments, then those shipments are not covered by the rights they waived, and nobody can later challenge the deal by claiming it broke those waived rights. However, the parties can never waive the rules about registration, insurance, or safety fitness -- those always apply. (2) Remedy for breach of contract. If someone claims a party broke a contract made under this subsection, the only way to sue over it is in an appropriate state^* court or federal district court, unless the parties have agreed to handle it some other way.