Equipment Hire Terms & Conditions

2.1 These Terms apply to every hire of Equipment by Freeway Sign Hire to the Customer. By completing an online booking, making payment, accepting a written quotation, or taking delivery of Equipment, the Customer unconditionally accepts these Terms.

2.2 These Terms prevail over any terms and conditions the Customer may purport to impose (including purchase order terms) unless Freeway Sign Hire expressly agrees otherwise in writing.

2.3 Any person signing or submitting a booking on behalf of a company, trust, or other entity warrants that they have the authority to bind that entity and agrees to be personally liable if that authority does not exist.

2.4 A quotation is valid for 14 days from the date of issue and is not an offer. An Agreement is formed when payment is received or delivery of Equipment commences, whichever occurs first.

3.1 The Hire Period commences on the Delivery Date and runs continuously (including weekends and public holidays) until the Off-Hire Date.

3.2 The minimum Hire Period is seven (7) days unless otherwise specified in writing in the Hire Schedule. If the Customer returns Equipment or requests off-hire before the minimum period expires, the full minimum Hire Charge remains payable.

3.3 The Customer must provide at least 48 hours' written notice to admin@freewaysignhire.com.au before the required Off-Hire Date. Hire Charges continue to accrue until Freeway Sign Hire confirms collection has occurred.

3.4 Extensions to the Hire Period must be agreed in writing. Freeway Sign Hire reserves the right to adjust pricing for any extension at its current rates.

3.5 Freeway Sign Hire reserves the right to terminate the Hire Period early if the Customer breaches any provision of this Agreement. Early termination does not extinguish the Customer's liability for unpaid Hire Charges or damage costs.

4.1 Hire Charges are calculated on a weekly basis at the rate set out in the Hire Schedule. Part-weeks are charged as a full week unless otherwise agreed in writing.

4.2 All online bookings require payment in full in advance via the Stripe payment platform prior to delivery of Equipment. Payment constitutes acceptance of these Terms.

4.3 All prices quoted online are inclusive of GST unless otherwise stated. A tax invoice will be provided on completion of payment.

4.4 Hire Charges include: full insurance coverage (no excess charged to the Customer for normal wear and fault-free damage), free remote content changes during the Hire Period, sign elevation to 4 metres, and 300–360° rotation.

4.5 Delivery and collection fees are charged in addition to Hire Charges and are non-refundable once delivery has occurred.

4.6 Additional charges that may apply include:

• (a) cleaning fees if Equipment is returned in an excessively dirty or contaminated state;
• (b) repair or replacement costs for damage caused by the Customer during the Risk Period (see clause 9);
• (c) storage fees if the Customer fails to provide reasonable access for collection within 5 business days of the Off-Hire Date;
• (d) costs incurred by Freeway Sign Hire as a result of fines, penalties, or infringements arising from the Customer's improper use of Equipment.

4.7 Freeway Sign Hire reserves the right to charge interest on overdue amounts at a rate of 10% per annum calculated daily from the due date.

4.8 The Customer must not withhold or set off any payment on account of a counterclaim or dispute without first obtaining written agreement from Freeway Sign Hire.

5.1 Freeway Sign Hire will deliver Equipment to the address nominated by the Customer in the Hire Schedule, subject to safe and legal access being available for a standard delivery vehicle and trailer.

5.2 The Customer must ensure safe, unobstructed access to the delivery site on the agreed date. If delivery cannot be completed due to access issues caused by the Customer, a re-delivery fee will apply.

5.3 The Customer or their authorised representative must be present at delivery to confirm receipt and condition of Equipment. Commencement of hire and transfer of risk occur at the time of delivery regardless of whether the Customer is present.

5.4 Freeway Sign Hire will collect Equipment within a reasonable time following confirmation of the Off-Hire Date, subject to operational scheduling. The Customer must provide adequate and safe access for collection.

5.5 Risk does not transfer back to Freeway Sign Hire until Equipment has been physically retrieved by Freeway Sign Hire staff or its authorised contractor at the site.

6.1 The Customer must:

• (a) use the Equipment only for its intended purpose and only at the location nominated in the Hire Schedule, or notify Freeway Sign Hire in writing before relocating Equipment;
• (b) ensure all persons operating or managing the Equipment are suitably trained and competent;
• (c) comply with all applicable laws, regulations, Australian Standards, and local council requirements governing the placement, operation, and content of portable LED/VMS signs;
• (d) conduct a thorough site hazard and risk assessment prior to installation or placement of Equipment;
• (e) ensure the Equipment is placed on a stable, level surface with adequate clearance to avoid collision risk from vehicles, pedestrians, or weather events;
• (f) report any fault, breakdown, damage, accident, or theft to Freeway Sign Hire by telephone and in writing within 24 hours of becoming aware of the event;
• (g) take all reasonable steps to secure and protect Equipment from further damage or theft following any incident.

6.2 The Customer must NOT:

• (a) tamper with, modify, repair, or attempt to service Equipment without written authorisation from Freeway Sign Hire;
• (b) sub-hire, loan, or transfer possession of Equipment to any third party;
• (c) move Equipment to a location materially different from that specified in the Hire Schedule without prior written approval;
• (d) display any content on Equipment that is defamatory, offensive, misleading, deceptive, illegal, or in breach of any law or advertising standard;
• (e) display political advertising, electoral material, or content that may expose Freeway Sign Hire to liability;
• (f) exceed the mechanical or electrical specifications of the Equipment;
• (g) allow the Equipment to be driven on public roads without complying with all applicable road transport laws including towing licences, weight limits, and lighting requirements.

7.1 The Customer is solely responsible for all content displayed on the Equipment during the Hire Period.

7.2 Freeway Sign Hire may, at its sole discretion, refuse to display or require the Customer to remove any content that it reasonably considers unlawful, offensive, misleading, or reputationally damaging.

7.3 Remote content updates are included in the Hire Charge. The Customer must submit content change requests to admin@freewaysignhire.com.au and Freeway Sign Hire will use reasonable endeavours to apply updates within 24 hours on business days.

7.4 The Customer indemnifies Freeway Sign Hire against all loss, damage, claims, fines, or liability arising from content displayed on Equipment at the Customer's request.

8.1 The Customer acknowledges that portable VMS and LED trailer signs placed on or adjacent to public roads may be regulated by Transport and Main Roads Queensland, local councils, or other statutory authorities. Compliance with all such requirements is the Customer's sole responsibility.

8.2 The Customer warrants that it has obtained all necessary permits, approvals, and traffic management authorisations required for the placement and operation of Equipment at the nominated site.

8.3 The Customer must operate Equipment in compliance with the AS 1742 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (and applicable Queensland supplements) or any equivalent standard applicable to the use case.

8.4 Freeway Sign Hire accepts no liability for fines, infringements, penalties, enforcement actions, or project delays arising from the Customer's failure to obtain required approvals or comply with applicable standards.

9.1 Risk of loss, damage, theft, or destruction of Equipment passes to the Customer on the Delivery Date and remains with the Customer throughout the Risk Period.

9.2 The Customer is strictly liable for all damage to Equipment that occurs during the Risk Period, except for:

• (a) normal fair wear and tear;
• (b) mechanical or electrical faults arising from pre-existing defects confirmed by Freeway Sign Hire at the time of delivery.

9.3 Hire Charges include comprehensive insurance coverage for Equipment for fault-free incidents. No excess is payable by the Customer for claims that arise without Customer fault or negligence.

9.4 Where damage is caused or contributed to by the Customer, the Customer is liable for:

• (a) the full cost of repair or, if beyond economic repair, the replacement cost of Equipment at current market value; and
• (b) Hire Charges for the period during which Equipment is unavailable due to repair or replacement.

9.5 If Equipment is stolen during the Risk Period, the Customer must:

• (a) notify Freeway Sign Hire within 24 hours;
• (b) lodge a police report and provide a copy to Freeway Sign Hire within 3 business days;
• (c) cooperate fully with any insurance investigation.

9.6 If Equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond economic repair through Customer fault, the Customer must pay the then-current replacement value of Equipment in addition to all unpaid Hire Charges.

10.1 All Equipment supplied by Freeway Sign Hire is fitted with GPS tracking and may include remote monitoring capability. By accepting delivery of Equipment, the Customer consents to Freeway Sign Hire collecting, using, and retaining GPS location data and operational telemetry from Equipment during the Hire Period.

10.2 GPS data may be used to verify Equipment location, monitor operational status, and assist with incident investigation.

10.3 Freeway Sign Hire will handle all personal information collected through GPS or remote monitoring in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

11.1 If Equipment breaks down or malfunctions through no fault of the Customer, the Customer must notify Freeway Sign Hire immediately. Freeway Sign Hire will use reasonable endeavours to repair or replace Equipment within a reasonable timeframe.

11.2 Hire Charges will be suspended from the time Freeway Sign Hire is notified of a fault-free breakdown until Equipment is repaired or replaced, subject to Freeway Sign Hire confirming the fault is not caused by Customer action or omission.

11.3 No refund or credit will be given for downtime caused by the Customer's failure to follow operating instructions, misuse of Equipment, or site conditions outside Freeway Sign Hire's reasonable control.

11.4 Freeway Sign Hire is not liable for any consequential loss, project delay, or loss of business arising from Equipment breakdown or malfunction.

12.1 Cancellations made more than 72 hours before the scheduled Delivery Date will receive a full refund of Hire Charges. Delivery fees are non-refundable once a delivery run has been dispatched or scheduled.

12.2 Cancellations made within 72 hours of the scheduled Delivery Date will incur a cancellation fee equal to one week's Hire Charge for the booked Equipment.

12.3 Cancellations made on or after the Delivery Date (including early termination) will incur Hire Charges for the minimum Hire Period or the period already elapsed, whichever is greater, plus any applicable delivery and collection fees.

12.4 All refund requests must be submitted to admin@freewaysignhire.com.au. Approved refunds will be processed to the original payment method within 5–10 business days.

14.1 The Customer releases, indemnifies, and holds harmless Freeway Sign Hire and its officers, employees, and agents from and against all loss, damage, liability, claims, costs, and expenses (including legal costs on a solicitor-client basis) arising from or in connection with:

• (a) the Customer's use, placement, or operation of Equipment;
• (b) content displayed on Equipment at the Customer's direction;
• (c) the Customer's breach of any law, regulation, or standard;
• (d) personal injury or property damage caused by Equipment during the Risk Period;
• (e) any act or omission of the Customer, its employees, contractors, or agents.

14.2 To the fullest extent permitted by law, Freeway Sign Hire excludes all implied warranties, representations, and conditions other than those that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law.

14.3 Where Freeway Sign Hire's liability cannot be excluded (including under the Australian Consumer Law for consumer contracts), liability is limited at Freeway Sign Hire's election to:

• (a) re-supply of the relevant service; or
• (b) the cost of having the relevant service supplied again.

14.4 Freeway Sign Hire is not liable for any indirect, consequential, special, incidental, or punitive loss, including loss of profit, loss of revenue, loss of contract, or project delay, howsoever caused.

14.5 Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by gross negligence, fraud, or any matter that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

15.1 Neither party is liable for delay or failure to perform obligations caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, flood, fire, severe weather, pandemic, government restrictions, road closures, or supply chain disruption.

15.2 Where a force majeure event affects Freeway Sign Hire's ability to deliver Equipment, Freeway Sign Hire will notify the Customer as soon as practicable and Hire Charges will be suspended for the duration of the delay. If the delay exceeds 14 days, either party may cancel the booking without penalty.

16.1 The Customer acknowledges that Equipment remains the sole property of Freeway Sign Hire at all times. No interest in Equipment passes to the Customer under this Agreement.

16.2 Freeway Sign Hire may register a security interest over Equipment on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth). The Customer must not allow any other security interest to be granted over Equipment and must sign any documentation required to perfect Freeway Sign Hire's interest.

16.3 The Customer waives any right to receive a copy of a financing statement, financing change statement, or verification statement under the PPSA.

17.1 Freeway Sign Hire collects personal information (name, business name, ABN, contact details, delivery address, payment information) for the purpose of providing hire services, processing payments, and communicating with the Customer.

17.2 Freeway Sign Hire complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. Personal information will not be disclosed to third parties except as required to deliver services or as required by law.

17.3 By completing a booking, the Customer consents to receiving transactional and service communications from Freeway Sign Hire relating to the hire. Marketing communications will only be sent with consent.

18.1 If a dispute arises, the Customer must notify Freeway Sign Hire in writing at admin@freewaysignhire.com.au within 30 days of the event giving rise to the dispute.

18.2 The parties agree to attempt to resolve any dispute through good faith negotiation within 14 days of the written notice.

18.3 If the dispute is not resolved within 14 days of notification, either party may refer the dispute to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) or a court of competent jurisdiction in Queensland.

19.1 Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland.

19.2 Building and Construction Industry Payments Act. Where applicable, invoices issued under this Agreement constitute payment claims under the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004 (QLD).

19.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties in relation to the hire of Equipment and supersedes all prior representations, negotiations, and agreements.

19.4 Severability. If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision is severed and the remaining Terms continue in full force.

19.5 Waiver. Failure to enforce any provision of these Terms is not a waiver of the right to enforce that provision subsequently.

19.6 Variation. Freeway Sign Hire may update these Terms at any time. The version in effect at the time of booking applies for the duration of that Hire Period.

19.7 Notices. All notices under this Agreement must be in writing and sent to admin@freewaysignhire.com.au (for notices to Freeway Sign Hire) or to the email address provided in the booking confirmation (for notices to the Customer).