Operating & Safety Requirements

Schedule B – Trailer Operating & Safety Guide

JD Trailer Hire – Operating & Safety Requirements

This Schedule forms part of the Rental Contract and must be complied with at all times.

1. Before Towing

Before leaving the collection location, you must ensure:

  • the trailer is correctly coupled;
  • safety chains are attached;
  • trailer lights are functioning;
  • tyres appear correctly inflated and roadworthy;
  • the trailer is suitable for your intended use;
  • your towing vehicle is legally capable of towing the trailer and load.

Before towing, consider arranging suitable insurance for your hire. JD Trailer Hire’s insurance is not cover provided or guaranteed to you. Whether it responds to an incident, extends cover to you, or makes its insurer liable to pay is determined by the insurer, not JD Trailer Hire, under the policy and applicable law. See clause 11 of the Rental Terms & Conditions.

2. Loading Requirements

You must:

  • distribute weight evenly;
  • secure all loads appropriately;
  • use suitable tie-downs;
  • ensure no items protrude dangerously;
  • ensure loads do not exceed legal weight limits.

You must not:

  • overload the trailer;
  • transport unsecured items;
  • carry dangerous or illegal materials;
  • exceed the trailer’s rated capacity.

3. Safe Towing Requirements

You must:

  • comply with all road rules;
  • drive safely and responsibly;
  • adjust driving to suit road and weather conditions;
  • regularly check the trailer and load during transit.

You must not:

  • exceed 100km/h;
  • tow recklessly;
  • tow while affected by drugs or alcohol;
  • use a mobile phone unlawfully while driving.

4. Prohibited Use

JD Trailer Hire trailers must not be:

  • taken off-road;
  • driven on beaches;
  • submerged in water;
  • used on unsealed roads;
  • used in floodwaters;
  • used unlawfully;
  • modified or altered;
  • used for racing, drifting or dangerous activities.

Commercial freight platform use (including Loadshift, Truckit or similar services) requires prior approval.

5. Security Requirements

When unattended, you must:

  • secure the trailer appropriately;
  • lock the trailer where possible;
  • ensure the trailer cannot be removed unlawfully;
  • park legally and safely.

You remain responsible for the trailer until it is returned and accepted by JD Trailer Hire.

6. Breakdowns & Damage

If the trailer:

  • becomes damaged;
  • develops a fault;
  • is involved in an accident; or
  • becomes unsafe,

you must:

  • stop using the trailer where safe to do so;
  • notify JD Trailer Hire immediately;
  • not attempt repairs without approval.

7. Return Requirements

Before returning the trailer, you must:

  • remove all goods and rubbish;
  • clean the trailer;
  • secure the trailer correctly;
  • return keys and locks as instructed.

Additional fees may apply if the trailer is returned:

  • excessively dirty;
  • damaged;
  • late;
  • unsecured; or
  • to an incorrect location.