Forklift hire with driver
Run one forklift and drive it yourself for businesses that need a certified operator and a machine for a day or a project.
- £8k-30k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
7,895 UK companies in this field, 21% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 77390 “Renting and leasing of other machinery, equipment and tangible goods n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
You own one forklift or lift truck and supply it with a trained operator to sites that need loading, unloading or moving stock. It is a lower-cost way into forklift hire than building a fleet.
Your first three steps
- Check your operator training certificates are current and suitable for the machine type you plan to buy
- Get quotes for a used forklift, a trailer or transport option and hire-and-reward insurance for operated hire
- Contact local builders' merchants, haulage firms and small factories to offer a trial day
Who pays
Small builders, hauliers, manufacturers, event suppliers and warehouses that need short-term lifting but have no operator or machine of their own.
How it makes money
Hourly or daily rate for machine and operator together, plus transport charges to reach the site.
Skills that help
- Certified forklift operator training and experience
- Safe working around people and vehicles
- Reliable timekeeping and basic customer service
Watch out for
- Check insurance covers operated hire, where you work under the customer's direction, and your liability for loads
- Lifting equipment usually needs regular thorough examination, check the current rules and keep records
- Check whether customers' site rules, risk assessments and lift plans need to be agreed before you start
- Check your driving licence category and trailer limits for moving the machine
- Physical, weather-exposed work and income depends on you being available
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: forklift hire with driver
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a forklift hire business with a driver?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the forklift you buy, how you transport it between sites and the cover you arrange. Treat it as a rough guide, not a quote.
How much can I earn hiring out a forklift with an operator?
Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how many days you are booked and your day rates. That is revenue, not profit, and income depends on you being available to work.
What rules should I check before offering operated forklift hire?
Check that your insurance covers operated hire, where you work under the customer's direction, and your liability for loads. Also check rules on regular thorough examination and records, site rules and lift plans, and your licence category and trailer limits.
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