When hiring a forklift for your business operations, it’s easy to focus on the forklift hire prices—the daily or monthly rental rate and maybe the fuel or power costs. However, there are hidden costs that can quickly add up, impacting your budget if you’re unprepared.
As a procurement, operations manager or business owner understanding these potential expenses helps you plan effectively. Below, we break down the hidden costs of forklift hire and how to avoid unexpected charges.
Here are some common hidden costs you might not have considered when hiring a forklift:
1. Delivery and Collection Fees in Forklift Hire Quotes
One of the first additional costs that can catch you off guard is the delivery and collection fee. If your forklift hire provider is not local, there can be high transportation costs to get the forklift to your site. These fees are often not included in the initial forklift hire quote, and can vary significantly based on distance.
How to Reduce This Cost:
✅ Choose local forklift suppliers to lower delivery costs.
✅ Check if your forklift hire agreement includes free delivery for long-term rentals.
✅ Confirm if the cost of return collection is included or charged separately.
🔗 Find local forklift suppliers and compare forklift hire prices here
2. Fuel Costs: Included in Forklift Hire Prices?
Another often-overlooked expense in forklift hire pricing is fuel costs. If you’re renting a gas or diesel-powered forklift, fuel expenses can add up quickly, especially for long shifts. Even electric forklifts have operational costs, including charging or battery swaps.
How to Reduce This Cost:
✅ Check if your forklift hire quote includes a fuel policy (some suppliers charge based on usage).
✅ Consider electric forklifts for lower running costs.
✅ Ask about fuel efficiency when selecting a rental model.
🔗 Compare fuel-efficient forklift hire options
3. Insurance and Damage Fees in Forklift Quotations
While most forklift rental companies provide basic insurance, your business may still be liable for certain damages. Many suppliers offer damage waivers, but these come at an additional cost.
How to Reduce This Cost:
✅ Review insurance coverage—check what’s included and what’s not.
✅ See if your company’s business insurance covers forklift rentals.
✅ If opting for supplier-provided insurance, compare costs.
4. Maintenance and Repair Fees
Regular forklift maintenance ensures safe operation, but not all suppliers include maintenance in the forklift hire price. Some charge extra for inspections, servicing, and unplanned breakdowns.
How to Reduce This Cost:
✅ Confirm if maintenance is included in your forklift hire agreement.
✅ Ask if a backup forklift is available in case of breakdowns.
✅ Train your operators to prevent avoidable damage.
5. Late Return Fees on Forklift Hire Agreements
If your business operations take longer than expected, you may face late return fees for each extra rental day.
How to Reduce This Cost:
✅ Plan your rental period accurately to avoid unnecessary extensions.
✅ If needed, negotiate flexible return options in advance.
✅ Check penalty fees in the rental agreement.
🔗 Find flexible forklift hire solutions
6. Operator Training and Certification Costs
If you don’t have qualified forklift operators, some forklift hire providers offer training at an extra cost. Even if your team is experienced, recertification may be required depending on local regulations.
How to Reduce This Cost:
✅ Verify if your existing certifications are valid.
✅ Compare training costs between suppliers before hiring.
✅ Consider renting a forklift with an operator included.
🔗 Request Quote for forklift training solutions
7. Additional Attachments and Equipment Upgrades
Some forklift rentals come as base models, but if your job requires attachments like side shifters, pallet forks, or reach extensions, these may increase the forklift hire price.
How to Reduce This Cost:
✅ Confirm what’s included in your forklift rental quote.
✅ Request quotes with and without attachments to compare costs.
✅ Rent a forklift with pre-installed attachments to avoid extra charges.
Conclusion: Get the Best Forklift Hire Prices & Avoid Hidden Fees
Forklift hire is a cost-effective solution, but hidden fees can inflate your budget. By understanding additional costs—such as delivery fees, fuel charges, insurance, maintenance, and attachments—you can make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Always obtain forklift quotations from multiple suppliers.
✅ Read the forklift rental agreement carefully to check for hidden fees.
✅ Plan ahead to minimise late fees and fuel costs.
🔗 Get competitive forklift hire quotes from multiple suppliers
About Forklifting
At Forklifting, we simplify the procurement process by connecting businesses with trusted forklift suppliers. Whether you need to hire a forklift, get a quotation, find forklift parts, or request operator training, our platform ensures you get the best deals—quickly and easily.
We help you:
✔ Obtain and compare forklift hire prices from multiple suppliers.
✔ Request forklift quotes with one simple form.
✔ Find cost-effective forklift hire solutions tailored to your needs.
