Rent or buy? When hiring a truck makes more sense
Hire costs more per day but nothing per year. A simple way to decide which is right for your workload.
Trans Hire NSW · 21 Oct 2026 · 4 min read
The utilisation question
A truck that works four days a week pays for itself quickly. A truck that works four days a month costs you registration, insurance, inspections, depreciation and parking whether it moves or not.
Hire makes sense when
- You have a fixed-term contract or a seasonal peak
- Your own truck is off the road for repairs
- You need a different body type for one job (a tipper for a week, a fridge for a weekend)
- You are testing a new service line before committing capital
- Cash flow is tight and a lender wants more time in business
Buying makes sense when
- The truck will work most days of most weeks
- You want to sign-write and fit out the body
- You can use the GST credit and depreciation
- You plan to keep it five years or more
What hire includes
Our hire rates include comprehensive insurance (with an excess), registration, maintenance and roadside assistance. You cover fuel, tolls and any excess kilometres. Bonds and licence requirements are listed on each vehicle.
The hybrid approach
Many of our customers own their core fleet and hire for peaks. We also sell ex-hire vehicles with full service history, so a truck you have been hiring can become a truck you own.
Ready to look at stock?
Every used truck PPSR checked. Finance arranged. Delivery Australia-wide.