• Hired transport provides flexibility and a range of options.

3.1 CARRIER

• The simplest way to obtain transport is to use a professional transport operator to carry the goods.
• The service can range from a dedicated parcels carrier to a heavy-haulage contractor moving an abnormal load.
• A carrier using another operator to carry surplus loads is using a subcontractor.
• Advantages:
• No capital is tied up in vehicles by the sender.
• Transport services can be increased or reduced quickly as demand changes.
• No need for the customer to become involved in employing, training, retaining and managing drivers.
• No need for the customer to deal with operator licensing arrangements for its own fleet.
• A wide range of UK hire-and-reward hauliers is available.
• Disadvantage:
• Spot hiring can mean loss of direct control; the sender becomes dependent on the carrier and its staff to complete deliveries satisfactorily.

3.2 LEASING

• Leasing allows a business to operate its own vehicles without tying up its capital in vehicle ownership.
• Under a straightforward finance lease, ownership remains with the finance organisation.
• The finance organisation takes advantage of any applicable capital allowances.
• The operating business effectively has a long-term rental arrangement over the agreed vehicle life.
• Main advantage: no large cash sum has to be found for outright purchase, and a competitive leasing price may be available.

3.3 CONTRACT HIRE

• Contract hire is a specialised form of leasing used in the commercial vehicle industry.
• In addition to providing the vehicle, the contract-hire company may provide:
• Vehicle management.
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• Roadside assistance.
• Vehicles can be supplied in the client's livery.
• Vehicles can be supplied with or without drivers.
• If the vehicle is supplied with a driver, operator-licensing considerations are the responsibility of the contract-hire company.
• If the hiring business uses its own drivers, operator-licensing considerations fall to that business.

3.4 RENTING

• Renting is a short-term way for an existing operator to deal with peaks and troughs in demand.
• Vehicles and trailers can be rented for the particular job in hand.
• Drivers may be recruited directly on short-term contracts or through an agency.
• For goods vehicles over 3,500 kg GVW, the operator must consider the operator-licensing implications.
• If there is insufficient margin on the operator licence, an application may be needed to increase the number of authorised vehicles.