Free guide to starting a UK plant hire companyUpdated October 2026 · Browse all guides

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Startup checklist

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Templates and resources

Plant delivery and collection checklist

A tick list for every delivery and collection, from leaving the yard to the invoice. Use it on a phone; it saves as you go.

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Checklist specTPL-95

Checks23

Stages5

SavesIn your browser

UpdatedOct 2026

PROGRESS0 / 23

STAGE 01Before leaving the yard

Pre-delivery inspection complete; see the PDI checklist.Correct machine, attachments, keys and manual loaded.Load secured and checked; height known.Delivery note and site details ready.Customer told the delivery window.

STAGE 02On arrival

Site access, ground and overhead hazards checked.Safe unloading spot agreed.People clear; banksman if needed.Unload slowly and straight.

STAGE 03Handover

Operator's card or experience checked.Familiarisation given; see handover.Photos of all sides and the hour meter.Hours and fuel recorded.Delivery note signed or acknowledged.Off-hire and breakdown process explained.

STAGE 04Collection

Off-hire number confirmed.Photos before loading, matching delivery angles.Hours, fuel and attachments checked.Damage noted and acknowledged.Machine loaded and secured.

STAGE 05Back at the yard

Off-hire inspection; see maintenance.Charges added; invoice sent the same day.Machine status updated in the booking system.

FAQs

Common questions

What should a driver check before delivering plant?+

Pre-delivery inspection, correct items loaded, load secured, paperwork ready and the customer told the delivery window.

What should happen at collection?+

Off-hire number, matching photos, hours and fuel, attachments, damage noted, then load and secure.

Does the checklist reset?+

Use Reset after each delivery; ticks are saved in your browser.

Keep going

Related guides

PHSUG-30

Loading, unloading and load-securing procedures

Safe loading, unloading and chaining, every time.

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PHSUG-44

Machine familiarisation and handover

Familiarisation that protects you and the machine.

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PHSUG-32

Off-hire procedures and equipment collection

Off-hire numbers, collection checks and same-day invoicing.

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PHSUG-24

Plant hire pre-delivery inspection checklist

Tick-box checks before every machine leaves the yard.

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This guide is general information for people setting up a plant hire business in the UK. It is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice. Rules and thresholds change, so check current guidance on GOV.UK and take advice from an accountant, solicitor or broker before acting.

Practical, plain-English guides for people starting or growing a plant hire company in the UK: costs, fleet, finance, compliance, systems and customers.

Starting out

How to start
Costs
Checklist
Business plan
VAT, PAYE and CIS

Fleet & money

First fleet
Finance options
Pricing hire
Used plant checklist
Transporting plant
Utilisation
Cash flow
Delivery charges
Profit margins
Bad debt

Running the business

Insurance
Hire terms
Booking systems
Finding customers
Payment terms
Local SEO
PUWER and LOLER
Theft prevention
Health and safety
KPIs
Directories
CPA conditions
Google Business Profile

SISTER SITESPlant Hire Finance PlantClassifieds Rental Desk Pro

This guide is run by the same team as Plant Hire Finance, PlantClassifieds and Rental Desk Pro. Where a guide mentions one of those services we say so, and we list alternatives. Plant Hire Finance is a finance introducer, not a lender or broker. Nothing on this site is legal, tax, insurance or financial advice.