Terms & Conditions of Business

Forklift Hire Solutions Ltd ("FHS", "we", "us", "our") provides forklift hire, sales, mechanical handling services, transport, storage, recruitment and related services subject to the terms set out below. These Terms & Conditions of Business apply to all quotations, bookings, contracts and services unless otherwise agreed in writing by FHS.

Important: This document is a general framework and should be reviewed by your own legal adviser or solicitor before you rely on it.


1. Definitions

  • Customer / Client: The company or individual who requests a quotation, places an order or receives services from FHS.
  • Equipment: Any forklift truck, access platform, mechanical handling equipment, attachments, or related plant supplied by FHS.
  • Services: Any services supplied by FHS including hire (with or without operator), transport, loading/unloading, labour, removal, storage, training and consultancy.
  • Site: The location where the Equipment and/or Services are to be provided.
  • Operator: A person supplied or arranged by FHS to operate Equipment.

2. Quotations, Orders & Contract Formation

  • All quotations are provided in good faith based on information supplied by the Customer and are normally valid for the period stated on the quotation.
  • A contract is formed when the Customer accepts a quotation or booking confirmation verbally, in writing, by email, by text / messaging app, or via our website/portal.
  • FHS reserves the right to amend or withdraw any quotation if the information supplied by the Customer is incomplete, inaccurate or changes materially.

3. Prices, Charges & Payment Terms

  • Prices are exclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise.
  • Hire charges may be based on daily, weekly or project rates, with minimum hire periods as stated in the quotation.
  • Additional charges may apply for:
    • Delivery and collection (transport) of Equipment.
    • Waiting time, abortive visits or access delays not caused by FHS.
    • Fuel, refuelling, cleaning, damage and loss.
  • Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due in accordance with the terms stated on the invoice. FHS may require payment in advance, deposit, or cleared funds before delivery.
  • FHS reserves the right to charge interest and late payment fees on overdue accounts in line with applicable UK legislation and our commercial credit terms.

4. Hire of Equipment – With and Without Operator

4.1 General

  • Equipment is hired for the period agreed. The Customer must notify FHS when the hire is to end so that off-hire and collection can be arranged.
  • Off-hire is only deemed effective when acknowledged by FHS. Hire charges may continue until Equipment is made available for collection in a safe and accessible condition.

4.2 Hire With Operator

  • Where FHS supplies an Operator, the Operator will operate the Equipment in accordance with their training, experience and FHS procedures.
  • The Customer remains responsible for:
    • Providing a safe workplace, safe system of work and adequate supervision.
    • Ensuring the working area is suitable, free from hazards and properly prepared.
    • Providing accurate information about loads, access, ground conditions and any special risks.
  • FHS reserves the right to refuse or suspend operations where, in our opinion or the Operator’s opinion, conditions are unsafe, unclear, or significantly different from the information provided.

4.3 Hire Without Operator

  • Where Equipment is supplied without an Operator, the Customer is responsible for:
    • Ensuring that only properly trained, competent and authorised persons operate the Equipment.
    • Carrying out all necessary daily checks, safe operating practices and site supervision.
    • Complying with all relevant laws including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, PUWER 1998 and LOLER 1998 (where applicable).
  • The Customer is responsible for any damage resulting from misuse, overloading, poor operating practice, insufficient supervision, or unsuitable site conditions.

4.4 Insurance & Risk

  • Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Customer is responsible for:
    • Insurance of hired-in plant (Hired-In Plant Insurance) and any third-party liabilities arising from the use of the Equipment.
    • Insurance of goods or materials being lifted, moved, loaded or unloaded.
  • Risk passes to the Customer upon delivery of the Equipment to Site and remains with the Customer until the Equipment is collected by FHS.

5. Mechanical Handling, Loading & Unloading Services

  • FHS provides loading, unloading and mechanical handling services based on the information supplied by the Customer regarding:
    • Load type, weights, dimensions and centre of gravity.
    • Pallet type, packaging and method of securing.
    • Access, ground conditions, gradients, door heights and other restrictions.
  • The Customer must ensure loads are properly packaged and stable, and that any special handling requirements are clearly communicated in advance.
  • FHS may require photographs, videos or a site visit for complex or high-risk jobs. For certain work, FHS may provide a Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) which must be followed.
  • FHS reserves the right to stop work where loads are unsafe, overweight, poorly packaged, or where site conditions present unacceptable risk to persons, property or Equipment.

6. Transport & HIAB / Low Loader Services

  • Transport services (including HIAB, flatbed and low loader) are provided subject to accurate information on weights, dimensions and collection/delivery points.
  • The Customer is responsible for ensuring adequate access for vehicles, including turning space, height and width clearance, and that loading/unloading areas are safe, prepared and legal.
  • Waiting time, aborted loads and access issues not caused by FHS may be chargeable at the rates stated in our quotation or current tariff.

7. Sale of Equipment

  • Equipment offered for sale may be new, ex-demo or used, and will be described as accurately as reasonably possible based on available information and inspections.
  • Unless otherwise stated in writing:
    • Used Equipment is sold in "as seen" condition without warranty, save for any statutory rights which cannot be excluded.
    • Any warranties or guarantees on new Equipment will be as provided by the manufacturer or supplier and subject to their terms and conditions.
  • Title to Equipment passes to the Customer only when full payment has been received and cleared. Risk passes upon delivery or collection, as agreed.

8. Removal, Relocation & Storage Services

  • FHS can provide removal and relocation services for Equipment and related items, including internal factory moves and site clearances.
  • Storage of Equipment (short-term or long-term) is by prior agreement. Responsibility for insurance of stored Equipment remains with the Customer unless otherwise confirmed in writing.
  • Access to stored Equipment must be arranged in advance, and handling/loading charges may apply.

9. Recruitment & Manpower

  • Where FHS supplies operators, drivers, labour or other manpower, the Customer remains responsible for day-to-day supervision, site induction, PPE and local health & safety arrangements.
  • Minimum booking durations, shift patterns and rates will be as stated in our quotation or booking confirmation.
  • The Customer must ensure any staff supplied by FHS are not instructed to perform tasks outside their training, competence or agreed scope of work.

10. Training & Certification

  • Training and certification services are provided subject to availability, minimum numbers and pre-defined course content.
  • The Customer is responsible for ensuring that candidates are medically fit and suitable for the training being undertaken.
  • Certificates or records of training indicate that training has been delivered but do not guarantee ongoing competence; the Customer remains responsible for supervision and refresher training as appropriate.

11. Website, Portal & Third-Party Listings

  • Our website and platform may allow third parties to list machines or services. Where clearly indicated, FHS is not the seller but acts as an introducer or host platform.
  • Third-party advertisers are responsible for the accuracy of their descriptions, prices and terms. FHS is not liable for any loss arising from third-party transactions unless expressly stated in writing.
  • FHS may remove or suspend listings that are inaccurate, misleading or inappropriate.

12. Data Protection & Privacy

  • FHS will process personal data in accordance with applicable UK data protection law, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
  • Customer details may be used for:
    • Processing enquiries, bookings and contracts.
    • Safety and compliance documentation (such as RAMS, delivery notes, service records).
    • Reasonable follow-up communication in connection with services provided.
  • Further details are set out in our separate Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, available on request or via our website.

13. Liability & Indemnity

  • FHS will exercise reasonable skill and care in the provision of Services. However, FHS shall not be liable for:
    • Indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profit, loss of business or interruption.
    • Any loss arising from inaccurate or incomplete information provided by the Customer.
    • Delays or failure caused by factors beyond our reasonable control (for example, weather, traffic, breakdowns, strikes, access restrictions).
  • Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes any liability which cannot be excluded under UK law, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

14. Cancellations & Postponements

  • Cancellations or postponements must be notified as early as possible.
  • FHS reserves the right to charge cancellation or aborted-job fees, particularly where Operators, transport or Equipment have been allocated, mobilised or dispatched.

15. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

  • These Terms & Conditions of Business are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
  • Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Last updated: December 2025