In the transportation industry, unexpected downtime can be costly. Lengthy breakdowns that happen unexpectedly can disrupt supply chains and leave you feeling as though you have no affordable solution.

This is where dry hire comes in. As a fast and affordable alternative to outright purchasing, dry hire allows you to rent a vehicle such as a prime mover for a fixed rate, giving you the access you need without the capital sacrifice associated with buying. Whether you’re looking for a prime mover to dry hire, or more information about the process, this article answers some of the most frequently asked questions about prime mover dry hire and the way that Yellowgate can help you secure the vehicles and equipment you're looking for.

What is a prime mover?

A prime mover refers to a powerful truck or semi-trailer that's purpose-built to tow heavy loads. It serves as the main engine or vehicle responsible for achieving substantial towing power. Prime movers are equipped with robust engines and specialised features to tackle the demanding job of hauling heavy loads across long distances. They are commonly spotted on highways and play a crucial role in industries like logistics and transport to efficiently and reliably move goods.

What is dry hire?

Dry hire refers to a rental arrangement where a person or business acquires equipment or machinery without any additional services or operators provided by the rental company. In a dry hire agreement, the rental company simply provides the equipment or asset, in this instance a prime mover, while the renter assumes responsibility for operating and maintaining the rented item.

What are the benefits of prime mover dry hire?

Dry hiring a prime mover can provide several advantages. Firstly, it offers cost savings since you only pay for the rental of the equipment without additional operator fees. You gain flexibility and control as you can use the prime mover according to your specific needs and schedule. Furthermore, dry hire ensures privacy and security as you have full control over the operation and handling of the prime mover and any associated cargo.

What types of prime movers are available for dry hire?

At Yellowgate, we offer a wide range of prime movers for dry hire from well-known manufacturers including Mack, Kenworth, Volvo, and more. If you have a specific prime mover model in mind, our team has the expertise and supplier network connections to source and supply it to you.

How long can I hire the prime mover for?

At Yellowgate, we offer dry hire prime movers to clients on a 12-month minimum term agreement as part of our Rent Now, Buy Later package options.

Where in Australia can you supply prime movers?

Absolutely everywhere! Yellowgate can supply machines to businesses all across Australia. No matter where you’re located, we can organise the perfect dry hire solution for you.

Who is responsible for the maintenance of the prime mover during the dry hire period?

During the course of your dry hire agreement, you will assume responsibility for the routine maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle. Regular maintenance is key for ensuring the longevity and reliability of your prime mover, so it’s best to stay on top of this throughout your hire period. If you have any questions regarding your maintenance obligations, you can always reach out to a member of our team who will happily provide assistance.

Do I require a security deposit to dry hire a prime mover?

Yes, we require a security deposit for any prime mover hire agreement which will be held against the equipment provided and generally equates to the amount of one month’s rent. We'll hold the security bond for as long as you're with us, releasing it only after the conclusion of your contract.

What happens at the end of the rental period?

After your 12-month dry hire period has come to an end, you have the opportunity to purchase the prime mover with accumulated rental payments contributing to the overall price. Alternatively, you can extend your dry hire agreement at a reduced rate, or simply return the machine with no additional obligation – it’s entirely up to you!

Do you have other vehicles and machines available for dry hire?

Yes. In addition to our prime movers, Yellowgate can provide a wide range of heavy machinery, vehicles, and equipment covering a range of industry sectors including civil works, construction, transport, mining, and agriculture. To learn more about our available options visit our industries we back page.

If you have any further questions or would like to speak to someone about dry hiring a prime mover, be sure to get in touch with a member of our team today. We’ll be happy to provide additional information about our products and walk you through the quick and easy application process.