Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 28 July 2026

These Terms and Conditions apply to trailer hire supplied by Granite City Trailer Hire Limited.

1. About Us

Company: Granite City Trailer Hire Limited
Company number: SC887714
Registered office: Tipperty Industrial Centre, Tipperty, Ellon, Scotland, AB41 8LZ
Email: info@granitecitytrailerhire.co.uk
Telephone: 01358 747 685
Website: www.granitecitytrailerhire.co.uk

In these Terms:

• “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” mean Granite City Trailer Hire Limited.
• “Hirer”, “you” and “your” mean the individual or organisation entering into the hire agreement.
• “Authorised Driver” means a person approved by us to tow or use the Trailer.
• “Trailer” means the trailer described in the booking confirmation or hire agreement, together with any accessories and equipment supplied with it.
• “Hire Period” means the agreed period beginning when the Trailer is collected or delivered and ending when it has been returned to and accepted by us.
• “Booking Confirmation” means our written confirmation that a booking has been accepted.

Where the Hirer is a business, the individual making the booking confirms that they have authority to enter into the agreement on behalf of that business.

2. Booking and Contract Formation

Submitting a hire request through the website does not automatically create a confirmed booking.

A booking becomes binding when:

1. we have confirmed availability and accepted the request;
2. any required booking deposit has been paid; and
3. we have issued written confirmation by email, message or another agreed method.

The Booking Confirmation, these Terms, the applicable price information and any signed hire documentation together form the hire agreement.

You are responsible for checking that the booking details, Trailer, dates, prices and intended use shown in the Booking Confirmation are correct.

3. Hirer and Driver Eligibility

The Hirer and every Authorised Driver must:

• hold a valid driving licence permitting them to drive the towing vehicle and tow the relevant Trailer;
• comply with any age, licence or eligibility requirements communicated before the hire;
• provide accurate information when making the booking;
• provide acceptable proof of identity and address;
• provide proof of insurance where requested; and
• not be disqualified from driving or otherwise legally prohibited from towing the Trailer.

We may request:

• a driving licence;
• proof of address dated within the previous 90 days;
• proof of vehicle insurance;
• vehicle details;
• evidence of towing capacity; and
• any other information reasonably required to verify eligibility or prevent fraud.

We may retain a copy of the driving licence for the duration of the hire, as explained in our Privacy Policy.

We may refuse or cancel a hire where the required documents are not provided, appear invalid or do not match the Hirer’s details.

4. Towing Vehicle and Legal Responsibility

The Hirer is responsible for ensuring that the towing vehicle:

• is legally permitted and suitable to tow the Trailer;
• has sufficient towing capacity for the Trailer and intended load;
• is fitted with a suitable and serviceable towbar and electrical connection;
• does not exceed its permitted train weight, towing limit or other weight restriction;
• is correctly insured for towing; and
• remains roadworthy throughout the Hire Period.

The Hirer is also responsible for ensuring that the driver’s licence permits the relevant vehicle and trailer combination.

Government guidance requires drivers to stay within the towing vehicle’s stated weight limits and to display the same registration number on the trailer as on the towing vehicle when towing within the UK.

We may refuse to release the Trailer where we reasonably believe the towing vehicle, towbar, electrical connection, registration plate, insurance or proposed combination is unsuitable or unlawful.

5. Hire Period

The Hire Period begins when the Trailer is collected by or delivered to the Hirer and ends when:

• it has been returned to the agreed location;
• all supplied accessories have been returned;
• we have had a reasonable opportunity to inspect it; and
• we have accepted its return.

The Trailer must be returned on the agreed date and by the agreed time.

An extension is only valid where requested by the Hirer and confirmed by us in writing. Continued possession without confirmation is an unauthorised extension and may result in additional charges.

Returning the Trailer early does not automatically entitle the Hirer to a refund for unused time.

6. Hire Charges

The Hirer must pay:

• the agreed hire price;
• any booking deposit;
• the security deposit;
• any agreed delivery or collection charge;
• any separately requested accessories or services; and
• any additional charges properly incurred under these Terms.

Unless agreed otherwise in writing, the full hire balance must be paid before the Trailer is collected or delivered.

All prices will be confirmed before the booking is completed.

7. Booking Deposit

A booking deposit of £50 will normally be required to reserve the Trailer.

Where the hire proceeds, the booking deposit will be deducted from the total hire price.

If the Hirer cancels, we may retain an amount from the booking deposit that reasonably reflects:

• administration already carried out;
• costs already incurred;
• the length of notice provided;
• whether the Trailer could reasonably be hired to somebody else; and
• other direct losses resulting from the cancellation.

We will not retain more than is reasonably necessary to cover our actual or reasonably anticipated loss. Any remaining balance will be refunded.

Nothing in this section affects any statutory cancellation rights that may apply.

8. Security Deposit

A refundable security deposit of £100 will normally be required, unless another amount is shown in the Booking Confirmation.

The security deposit may be used towards reasonable charges resulting from:

• new damage beyond fair wear and tear;
• excessive cleaning;
• missing accessories or equipment;
• late return;
• recovery costs;
• loss or theft;
• unpaid charges;
• breach of these Terms; or
• another amount properly owed under the hire agreement.

We will inspect the Trailer after return and return the remaining security deposit within a reasonable time.

If the amount owed exceeds the security deposit, the Hirer remains responsible for the outstanding balance.

The security deposit is not automatically the maximum amount for which the Hirer may be responsible.

9. Cancellation by the Hirer

Cancellations must be submitted in writing to:

info@granitecitytrailerhire.co.uk

The Hirer should provide as much notice as reasonably possible.

Any cancellation charge will be fair and proportionate and will take account of the Company’s reasonable costs and direct losses. We will take reasonable steps to reduce our loss, including attempting to rehire the Trailer where practical.

Where the Trailer is successfully rehired for the same period, this will be taken into account when calculating any amount retained.

Failure to attend at the agreed collection time without notice may be treated as a cancellation.

Nothing in these Terms limits a consumer’s statutory rights.

10. Cancellation or Unavailability by the Company

We may cancel or amend a booking where reasonably necessary because of:

• breakdown or damage;
• a previous hirer returning the Trailer late;
• safety concerns;
• severe weather;
• legal restrictions;
• incomplete or inaccurate booking information;
• failure to provide required documents or payment; or
• another circumstance outside our reasonable control.

Where we cancel for reasons that are not the Hirer’s fault, we will offer, where reasonably possible:

• a suitable replacement Trailer;
• alternative hire dates; or
• a refund of amounts paid for the unavailable hire.

We are not responsible for losses that could not reasonably have been anticipated when the contract was entered into. This does not affect any liability that cannot legally be excluded.

11. Trailer Condition and Inspection

We will provide the Trailer in a condition that is roadworthy and suitable for the agreed use, subject to the information provided by the Hirer.

Before leaving the collection or delivery location, the Hirer must:

• inspect the Trailer;
• review any condition report or photographs;
• check the tyres, hitch, lights, breakaway cable and accessories;
• report any visible damage or defect; and
• confirm that the Trailer is suitable for the intended use.

Signing a condition report does not remove any statutory rights relating to faults that were not reasonably apparent during inspection.

The Hirer should take photographs before using the Trailer and immediately upon returning it.

12. Hirer Responsibilities

During the Hire Period, the Hirer must:

• take reasonable care of the Trailer;
• use it safely, lawfully and only for the agreed purpose;
• follow any instructions provided by us or the manufacturer;
• ensure only an Authorised Driver tows it;
• correctly attach the hitch, safety or breakaway cable and electrical connection;
• use any required towing mirrors;
• display the correct registration plate;
• secure and distribute the load correctly;
• remain within all plated and legal weight limits;
• check the hitch, tyres, wheels, lights, load and securing equipment regularly;
• keep the Trailer reasonably clean;
• protect it against theft, damage and unauthorised use;
• use locks or other security devices supplied or reasonably required;
• notify us promptly of any fault, warning, accident, theft or damage; and
• return all keys, straps, ramps, covers, locks and accessories supplied.

The Hirer remains responsible for the conduct of every Authorised Driver and any person permitted to use or access the Trailer.

13. Prohibited Uses

The Trailer must not be:

• overloaded or loaded beyond any stated limit;
• used with an unsuitable or unlawfully loaded towing vehicle;
• used for an illegal purpose;
• used recklessly or negligently;
• used for racing, speed testing or competitive activity;
• used to carry prohibited, dangerous or inadequately secured materials;
• used to carry people or animals unless specifically designed and approved for that purpose;
• taken off-road or onto unsuitable terrain;
• used in weather or conditions where continuing would create an unreasonable safety risk;
• modified, dismantled, repaired or tampered with without permission;
• sub-hired, lent or transferred to another person;
• towed by an unauthorised driver;
• taken outside the United Kingdom or onto a ferry without our prior written permission; or
• used in a way that invalidates insurance or breaches the law.

Reasonable use on access roads, yards or worksites suitable for the particular Trailer is not automatically considered prohibited off-road use where that use was disclosed and accepted before hire.

14. Loading and Securing

The Hirer is solely responsible for:

• determining the weight of the load;
• ensuring the Trailer and towing vehicle remain within their permitted limits;
• positioning the load safely;
• maintaining an appropriate nose weight;
• using suitable straps, chains, covers or other restraints; and
• checking the load and restraints throughout the journey.

Any assistance provided by us with loading or securing does not remove the Hirer’s responsibility to confirm that the vehicle, Trailer and load are safe and lawful before travelling.

15. Insurance

The Hirer must ensure that the towing vehicle’s insurance provides the legally required cover while towing the Trailer.

The Hirer should confirm directly with their insurer that their policy covers:

• towing the Trailer;
• third-party liability;
• the intended driver;
• the intended use; and
• the intended journey.

Third-party towing cover does not necessarily insure the Trailer itself against damage, loss or theft.

Unless expressly confirmed in writing, the Hirer must not assume that our insurance covers the Hirer’s contractual responsibility for damage to or loss of the Trailer.

Proof of appropriate insurance may be requested before the Trailer is released.

16. Breakdown or Defect

If the Hirer becomes aware of a defect or mechanical problem, they must:

1. stop using the Trailer as soon as it is safe to do so;
2. move to a safe location where reasonably possible;
3. contact us immediately;
4. follow reasonable instructions; and
5. not carry out or authorise repairs without our approval, except where urgently necessary to prevent immediate danger.

We will not unreasonably withhold approval for necessary repairs.

We will be responsible for reasonable approved costs arising from a pre-existing mechanical defect that was not caused or worsened by the Hirer.

The Hirer may be responsible for costs arising from misuse, overloading, impact damage, tyre damage caused by avoidable use or continued operation after a defect became apparent.

17. Accidents, Damage, Loss or Theft

The Hirer must notify us immediately of:

• an accident;
• damage;
• theft or attempted theft;
• fire;
• vandalism;
• seizure;
• loss of an accessory; or
• any incident that may result in a claim.

The Hirer must:

• take reasonable steps to prevent further loss;
• obtain the names and contact details of relevant persons;
• obtain vehicle and insurance details where applicable;
• take photographs where safe;
• notify the police where required or appropriate;
• obtain a police incident or crime reference number where applicable; and
• provide reasonable assistance with any insurance or legal claim.

The Hirer must not admit liability or agree settlement of a claim on our behalf.

18. Responsibility for Damage and Loss

The Hirer is responsible for loss of or damage to the Trailer occurring during the Hire Period to the extent that it results from:

• misuse;
• negligence;
• overloading;
• poor load securing;
• breach of these Terms;
• an act or omission of the Hirer or an Authorised Driver;
• failure to take reasonable security precautions;
• unauthorised use; or
• failure to report or respond appropriately to a defect.

The Hirer is not responsible for:

• fair wear and tear;
• a pre-existing defect;
• loss caused by our negligence;
• an inherent mechanical failure not caused or worsened by the Hirer; or
• an amount that the law does not permit us to recover.

Where the Hirer is responsible, charges may include reasonable and evidenced costs for:

• inspection;
• repair;
• replacement;
• recovery and transport;
• specialist cleaning;
• missing accessories; and
• loss of use while the Trailer is reasonably unavailable for hire.

We will take reasonable steps to minimise recoverable losses. We will not charge more than the reasonable repair or replacement cost and will take account of the Trailer’s age, condition and value where appropriate.

19. Tyres and Wheels

The Hirer must check the Trailer’s tyres and wheels during use and stop immediately if there is evidence of:

• loss of pressure;
• excessive heat;
• damage;
• unusual vibration;
• a loose wheel;
• a puncture; or
• another safety concern.

The Hirer may be responsible for tyre or wheel damage caused by impact, kerbing, misuse, overloading, unsuitable terrain or continuing to drive after a problem became apparent.

The Hirer will not be responsible for fair wear, a pre-existing defect or failure arising solely from normal lawful use.

20. Late Return

If the Trailer is returned late without an agreed extension, the Hirer may be charged:

• the applicable additional hire rate;
• reasonable costs caused by disruption to a subsequent booking;
• recovery costs where appropriate; and
• other direct and reasonably foreseeable losses.

Any charge will be proportionate to the length of the delay and the loss reasonably caused.

The Hirer must contact us as soon as they become aware that the agreed return time may not be met.

21. Cleaning and Condition on Return

The Trailer must be returned:

• reasonably clean;
• emptied of all goods, waste and personal belongings;
• in substantially the same condition as at collection, allowing for fair wear and tear; and
• with all supplied accessories and equipment.

A reasonable cleaning charge may apply where specialist or excessive cleaning is required because of the Hirer’s use.

The Hirer is responsible for removing any waste, contamination, oil, chemicals or hazardous substances resulting from their use.

22. Fines, Tolls and Other Charges

The Hirer is responsible for fines, tolls, penalties, storage charges, recovery costs and similar charges arising from the Trailer’s use during the Hire Period, except where caused by our fault.

Where we receive a notice relating to the Hire Period, we may:

• provide the Hirer’s information to the relevant authority where legally permitted;
• nominate the Hirer as responsible; and
• recover reasonable administration costs incurred in dealing with the notice.

23. Termination and Recovery

We may terminate the hire immediately where:

• these Terms are materially breached;
• payment is overdue;
• false or misleading information was supplied;
• the Trailer is being used unlawfully or dangerously;
• an unauthorised person is towing it;
• the Trailer appears to be at risk of damage, theft or seizure; or
• the Hirer fails to return it when required.

Following termination, the Hirer must immediately stop using and return the Trailer.

Where legally permitted, we may take reasonable steps to recover the Trailer. The Hirer may be responsible for reasonable recovery costs where termination resulted from their breach.

Nothing in this section permits us to enter private property unlawfully or recover the Trailer in a way that would breach applicable law.

24. Our Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes or restricts liability for:

• death or personal injury caused by negligence;
• fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
• breach of rights that cannot lawfully be excluded; or
• any other liability that cannot legally be limited.

Subject to the above, we are not responsible for:

• loss caused by the Hirer’s misuse, negligence or breach;
• loss of or damage to the Hirer’s load or personal belongings;
• loss resulting from incorrect loading or securing;
• damage to a towing vehicle not caused by our negligence or a defect for which we are responsible;
• business interruption, loss of profit or loss of opportunity that was not reasonably foreseeable; or
• delay or failure caused by events outside our reasonable control.

Where the Hirer is acting as a consumer, nothing in these Terms affects their statutory rights.

25. Consumer Rights

Consumers are entitled to certain statutory protections, including that hired goods are as described and of satisfactory quality, and that relevant services are supplied with reasonable care and skill.

Nothing in these Terms removes or reduces rights that cannot lawfully be excluded. Consumer protections also apply to contracts for the hire of goods.

Where a term conflicts with a mandatory consumer right, the mandatory right will apply.

26. Personal Information

We process personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Information may be used to:

• process bookings;
• verify identity and eligibility;
• administer the hire;
• prevent fraud;
• deal with accidents, damage and claims;
• recover unpaid amounts; and
• comply with legal obligations.

The Privacy Policy is available on our website.

27. Changes to a Booking or Agreement

Any change to the Trailer, dates, Hire Period, price or other important booking detail must be agreed by both parties.

A change is only effective when confirmed in writing by us.

We will not make a material change after the agreement has been entered into without a valid reason and, where required, the Hirer’s agreement.

28. Entire Agreement

The hire agreement contains the understanding between the parties relating to the hire.

Nothing in this section excludes liability for fraud or prevents a consumer from relying on statements or information that became part of the contract under applicable consumer law.

29. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply.

Where possible, the affected provision will apply to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

30. Delay in Enforcement

A delay or failure by either party to enforce a right does not mean that the right has been waived.

31. Third-Party Rights

Unless expressly stated otherwise, no person other than the Company and the Hirer has a right to enforce the hire agreement.

32. Governing Law

These Terms and the hire agreement are governed by the laws of Scotland.

The Scottish courts will have jurisdiction, although a consumer may also be entitled to bring proceedings in another court available to them under mandatory consumer law.

33. Contact and Complaints

Questions, cancellations or complaints should be sent to:

Granite City Trailer Hire Limited
Tipperty Industrial Centre
Tipperty
Ellon
Scotland
AB41 8LZ

Email: info@granitecitytrailerhire.co.uk
Telephone: 01358 747 685

We will try to resolve complaints promptly and fairly.