Peter Harvey MBE, Chief Executive, Fork Lift Truck Association, discusses avoiding the ups and downs of renting warehouse trucks.

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When looking for finance for new warehouse trucks, there are several dos and don’ts to consider that could save you time, money and hassle further down the line.

It starts with finding a reputable supplier, ideally one belonging to a recognised trade body with a nationally-agreed Code of Practice, so you’ll have an arbitrator in case of a dispute.

You’ll also need to make sure you are using the most appropriate form of finance and – more importantly in the case of long term rental – what penalties you might face at end of term.

The FLTA Good Hire Guide explains the main differences between types and lengths of hire contract and much more, highlighting what you should look out for, including:

• Service levels

• Breakdown response

• Truck replacement services

• Repairs covered/not covered by the hire charge.

Trucks are hired typically for five years or more and predictable deterioration will naturally occur.

Understanding “fair and tear” is crucial to avoiding large, unexpected end-of-contract repair bills and potentially acrimonious disputes.

Hirers should also consult their truck supplier when any repairs, modifications or changes are to be made to the truck (including fitting new tyres). Unauthorised changes could contravene the terms of the contract and could compromise safety of equipment.

Do:

• Ensure you have a written hire agreement

• Read and understand hire agreement.

• Check trucks on delivery, recording damage or deficiencies.

• Confirm that you and your hiring company hold identical copies of the handover certificate (and current Report of Thorough Examination)

• Ensure all operators know how to operate and care for trucks.

• Establish and maintain recorded pre-shift check system.

• Deal with faults and damage as and when they occur.

• Ensure truck servicing meets manufacturer requirements by giving hiring company access to complete work when necessary.

• Make operators and supervisors aware of damage costs.

Don’t:

• Hire on verbal agreements.

• Allow untrained personnel to operate.

• Authorise truck use on unsuitable ground or in unsuitable areas.

• Permit overloading.

• Ignore inappropriate use.

• Neglect unwanted drips (symptoms of something more serious developing.)

• Fit anything to the truck without consulting supplier.

• Overlook minor scratches (the tell-tale signs of careless operators.)

If you would like a copy of “The Good Hire Guide”, please visit and sign up for Safer Site Pro the FLTA’s online, step-by-step safety programme – available free of charge to members of the Association’s Safe User Group.

The Good Hire Guide can be found as one of the free handout documents within Step 5: Identify Equipment Issues.

Tel: 01635 277577

www.fork-truck.org.uk

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