What is dry hire and how is it different from wet hire?

## What Is Dry Hire? Dry hire is the hire of equipment without an operator. When you hire an excavator on a dry hire basis from BuildHire, you receive the machine — delivered to your site — and you (or your team) operate it. The hire company provides the machine; you provide the labour. ### Dry Hire vs Wet Hire: The Key Differences | Feature | Dry Hire | Wet Hire | |---|---|---| | Operator | Provided by hirer | Provided by hire company | | Cost | Lower (machine only) | Higher (machine + operator) | | Flexibility | Hirer controls schedule | Operator's schedule applies | | Responsibility | Hirer responsible for operation | Hire company responsible | | Licence required | Yes (for some machines) | No | ### Why BuildHire Is Dry Hire Only BuildHire's marketplace model is built around dry hire for several reasons: **Pricing transparency:** Dry hire rates are straightforward — machine cost only. Wet hire rates vary based on operator experience, award rates, and overtime — making transparent comparison difficult. **Flexibility:** Dry hire gives you complete control over your schedule. You can start early, work late, and take breaks when you choose — without coordinating with an operator. **Cost efficiency:** For hirers who can operate the equipment themselves (or have qualified operators on their team), dry hire is significantly cheaper than wet hire. ### Do I Need a Licence for Dry Hire Equipment? For excavators under 3 tonnes, no licence is required in NSW. For excavators 3 tonnes and over, a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) — specifically the Excavator licence (EX) — is required under NSW Work Health and Safety legislation. BuildHire's 0.8T, 1T, and 1.7T mini excavators do not require a licence. The 3.5T and 5.5T excavators require an EX licence. For tipper trucks, a Heavy Rigid (HR) or Multi-Combination (MC) licence is required depending on the vehicle's GVM. ### Who Uses Dry Hire? Dry hire is ideal for: - **Licensed operators** who need a machine without the cost of wet hire - **Owner builders** who hold the relevant licences - **Contractors** who have qualified operators on their team - **Homeowners** hiring mini excavators (under 3T) that don't require a licence Call BuildHire on 1300 157 882 to discuss whether dry hire is right for your project.