When considering forklift hire, choosing the right contract length depends on how your business operates, your workload demands and your budget. This article outlines the benefits of both short term and long term forklift hire (also known as contract hire) to help you make the best decision for your business.
Common Short-Term Hire Applications
Short-term forklift hire is ideal for businesses that need flexible access to equipment, without the long-term commitment. Businesses can hire equipment for a day, week or several months with as little as 24 hours notice.
Short-term hire is commonly used for:
- Seasonal demand increases
- Managing temporary projects
- Covering for forklifts that are out of service for maintenance
- Additional warehouse support on an ad hoc basis
- Projects that require specific specialist equipment
Benefits of Short-Term Forklift Hire
Flexibility
Short term forklift hire allows you to add and remove trucks from your fleet to meet changing workloads requirements. If your business experiences an unexpected increase in orders, for example, you can hire the extra trucks you need to fulfil them without a long term commitment.
Lower Upfront Costs
Avoid large capital investment by hiring only the machines you need, when you need them. Hiring a forklift means that you’re able to avoid these costs:
- Larger purchase prices
- Storage costs
- Other costs associated with ownership
Fast Replacement Equipment
When a forklift truck breaks down it can significantly slow down your operation’s productivity. Hiring forklifts on a short term basis allows you to fill gaps in your fleet and minimise costly downtime.
Access to Specialist Forklifts
Businesses can tackle different materials handling projects more effectively by utilising specialist equipment. For example, if the job is on an uneven or muddy surface, hiring a rough terrain forklift is the best approach. On the other hand, when needing to move efficiently around a tightly packed warehouse, VNA trucks are best suited. Short term hire provides access to these machines without the need to purchase them outright.
For businesses with changing or uncertain demands, short-term hire offers a practical and cost-effective solution.
Benefits of Long-Term Forklift Hire
Long-term contract hire is best suited to businesses that regularly rely on forklifts for their daily operations. It allows businesses to secure reliable equipment with manageable monthly costs and ongoing support.
Predictable Monthly Payments
Understanding the overall cost of the hire contract, and the required monthly payments, helps with budgeting and cash flow management. Plus, the monthly costs associated with long term forklift rental can often be less than short term agreements. This can be particularly helpful for growing businesses.
Servicing and Maintenance Included
Contract hire agreements can include access to repairs, maintenance, and support services. This is beneficial because it:
- Removes the burden of managing maintenance internally
- Ensures your fleet is always in working order
- Ensures legal compliance with regulations such as LOLER and PUWER
Reduced Administration
Contract hire simplifies fleet management and reduces paperwork. Instead of managing multiple contracts and invoices, with long term hire there is a single agreement and payment plan.
Access to Modern Equipment
Long term hire provides businesses with access to newer forklift models without the need for upfront investment. Newer forklifts often feature improved efficiency and safety features.
For businesses using forklifts regularly, long-term hire provides stability, convenience and cost control.
Which Option is Right for You?
Short-Term Hire Works Best If You:
- Need temporary equipment
- Have seasonal workload peaks
- Require emergency cover
- Want maximum flexibility
Long-Term Hire Works Best If You:
- Use forklifts daily
- Want predictable operating costs
- Need ongoing maintenance support
- Prefer newer equipment without ownership costs
Many businesses use a combination of both. They opt to maintain a long-term fleet while using short-term hire to manage busy periods.
Getting an Expert Opinion
If you’re not sure which hire option is best for your business, it’s best to discuss your needs with a materials handling expert. They can review your the individual needs of your business to tailor an approach that maximises productivity whilst maintaining affordability.
For answers to questions that businesses commonly ask before hiring a forklift, take a look at our FAQ post.