Question for those who borrow transport...

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tatty_v

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Would you pay to borrow a friend’s trailer/box and if so, how much?

One of my really close friends moved to our area early in the year. She doesn’t have transport so I said she could borrow my trailer and was expecting a couple of times a month so we never discussed charging. However, over the summer it’s escalated to her taking the trailer 3-4 times a week to go to lessons, clinics, XC schooling, BE, dressage etc. It’s even got to the point where I haven’t been able to go out as she’s already booked it.

I’ve got to the point where I think I’m going to have to charge as the wear and tear is material. Any thoughts on what would be a reasonable amount? I don’t want to cause an argument, but equally I don’t want to keep funding her transport when it’s clear she has plenty of cash to spend on her horse!
 
I'd actually have a frank chat with her. Mention that whilst you are happy (if you still are) for her to borrow the trailer, its actually impacted on you as you haven't been able to go out as she was using trailer.
Suggest that as she's had the lions share of use, that perhaps she could pay for its service soon.
Perhaps also, limit use a bit so that you can use it. Perhaps suggest twice a month to borrow it, any more then maybe she ought to arrange to hire or buy her own?
She might well get miffed if it sits there in between, but I'd be pretty annoyed if I wanted to go somewhere and couldn't as my transport was being used!
If shes booked an outing and you also need to go out, then surely she needs to hire or borrow off somebody else??

If you start charging even for wear and tear, then you open up liabilities.
 
the trailers Ive borrow from friends we've been charged between £10-£20 per use. Another offered us theirs free of charge but we still gave a bottle of wine each time was used (not super frequently) however we bought a new tyre for it and they let us use it for free for about a year. That particular friend never used their trailer hence why they were more relaxed. Hope that helps
 
I see where you’re coming from OP, but as soon as you accept money, you’re opening yourself up to a whole world of liability as you’re providing a service. Personally I steer well clear of money exchanging hands unless I am hiring a professional or am the professional providing the service.

It sounds like you’re no longer happy to lend (which is totally fair enough!). If your friend is using it that much, it sounds like They need their own?
 
Borrowing doesn’t incur a charge, that would be hiring it. If you start charging, as others have said it gets more complicated. I think you need to let your friend know she is overstepping the mark and that you have had to miss out on things as she had your trailer and she needs to rethink her transport. She might not be aware that this has now happened a few times unless you tell her.
 
The Fuzzy Furry said:
I'd actually have a frank chat with her. Mention that whilst you are happy (if you still are) for her to borrow the trailer, its actually impacted on you as you haven't been able to go out as she was using trailer.
Suggest that as she's had the lions share of use, that perhaps she could pay for its service soon.
Perhaps also, limit use a bit so that you can use it. Perhaps suggest twice a month to borrow it, any more then maybe she ought to arrange to hire or buy her own?
She might well get miffed if it sits there in between, but I'd be pretty annoyed if I wanted to go somewhere and couldn't as my transport was being used!
If shes booked an outing and you also need to go out, then surely she needs to hire or borrow off somebody else??

If you start charging even for wear and tear, then you open up liabilities.
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I think this is a good way forward.
 
Unless this friend had just given me a kidney I could never let this happen without some sort of payment - paying for it to be serviced is a good start. When you start charging per journey you risk moving into the 'professional transport' category and that requires different insurance and other complicated things. If she gets miffed by any of the suggestions above then I wouldn't consider her a close friend, tbh if my friend thought for a second this was acceptable, or failed to acknowledge that she was stopping me enjoying my trailer, I'd already be questioning our friendship.

Melody Grey said:
If your friend is using it that much, it sounds like They need their own?
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^ yep agreed. She's landed on her feet essentially getting a free trailer.
 
None of my friends would take advantage to that extent - it’s taking the piddle. I’m actually gobsmacked she hasn’t approached the subject with you herself.

I lend my stuff to friends and would never accept payment.

I’m always cautious of borrowing transport - I have done in the past but I hate the thought of accidentally damaging something!
 
it's awkward, I have been in the position of borrowing transport and I was very fortunate that the lady who lent it was extremely generous and never asked for payment (wouldn't take any) - it was all looked after meticulously, lorry brought back with full diesel tank etc.
From the OP it sounds like a very close friend rather than someone deliberately taking advantage, it's possible that they didn't mean to take the P but just enjoyed having some freedom and didn't realise that it was having an impact on the OP.

If the OP is happy to continue to lend it then that's very kind of them but they probably just need to have a frank chat as per TFF's post.
 
A friend borrows mine about once a month and has done for a few years now. I made it clear I don't expect payment as she does things for me and I don't use the trailer much. However, she insists on paying for the annual service which is kind. Maybe you could suggest this as your friend is using it more than you expected?
 
Thanks all, this thread has really helped me sort my thoughts out on this. I am bothered by the frequency of usage and it is getting me down. Having to organise myself months in advance to use my own transport is a PITA.

MP is right, she is a good friend, she just gets tunnel vision where her own horsey ambitions are concerned and I think has got a bit addicted to being able to go out when she chooses.

Time to have a frank chat I think. If only I wasn’t such a wimp 😂
 
Yeah sounds like you need to have a word, politely and reasonably and set some boundaries. I had something similar, not the same degree but did have to explain my expectations. Generally friends have always been very considerate and careful and covered some of the maintenance costs.
 
Unless you didn’t have a horse at the moment/never used the trailer for whatever reason I think it is very rude that she didn’t check with you every time, “Is it OK if I use the trailer Wednesday afternoon to go to ...” I would suggest (if you are happy for her still to use it) that you put in place a booking system and make it clear that you have priority!
 
And this... This is why I'm such an antisocial bastard. People are incredible - and not in a good way.

I take (select) people out with me occasionally, if it helps them out and I like their company. I've taken a couple of horses to the vets in an emergency. I won't pick them up from the vets - they have time to arrange proper, DEFRA-licensed transport for that. I won't let other people take my trailer out without me, not that I've ever been asked - and if I were asked, I think my response might be somewhat offensive! Your friend is being bloody cheeky and she needs to buy her own transport like everyone else.
 
This is an issue that always raises its head when people loan out their trailers/lorries. The vehicle comes back with damage to it & then there is a dispute as to who caused the damage & who pays for it to be repaired. There is a substantial investment by someone to buy a trailer or lorry & for someone to ask to borrow it with no financial recompense is wrong. (I appreciate using vehicle for hire/reward could negate your insurance) I have a lorry, I do not loan it out & I do not rent it out. Every one on the yard knows that fact 7 are content with the decision however they know that if their horse is ill or injured I will be the first to volunteer to take the horse to the vets.
 
Wow, what a lucky friend to have free use of a trailer. As someone who was musing only yesterday why it costs more to service and insure my trailer than my car (not the towing car), I'm glad I don't loan my trailer out. I'll take to the vets in an emergency but that's it - my own horses are damaging it enough (have one who likes to paw)
 
I would tell her what you have said, that you anticipated the borrowing of the trailer to be once or twice a month when you are not using it. I would say that you have needed to cancel your plans and have become uncomfortable with the borrowing of the trailer.

If you still don't mind her borrowing it once or twice a month then that can continue. If she is 'funny' about it then I would withdraw use of trailer.

You are nicer than me. I would not loan my trailer!
 
All of the above.

The only reason I have my own transport is so I DON'T have to organise myself in advance. I like to wake up, see the sunshine, and think of somewhere to go .... Or see a competition advertise a withdrawl and think OK THEN!

Your friend should be working around you and not "booking" things too far ahead as that messes up your own usage of your transport. These conversations can be difficult to start, but you'll be so glad you start it!
 
MissTyc said:
All of the above.

The only reason I have my own transport is so I DON'T have to organise myself in advance. I like to wake up, see the sunshine, and think of somewhere to go .... Or see a competition advertise a withdrawl and think OK THEN!

Your friend should be working around you and not "booking" things too far ahead as that messes up your own usage of your transport. These conversations can be difficult to start, but you'll be so glad you start it!
Click to expand...

That is exactly how I feel! I have to juggle an OH who has on call weekends and evenings, a one year old daughter and the availability of my livery companion who drives the trailer, so I can’t always decide what we want to do months in advance. Sometimes we decide to go and hire an arena or go for a hack somewhere else on the spur of the moment, sometimes an extra competition date is added late in the day and we’re finding we can’t go, which is infuriating. Ironically the reason we got the trailer in the first place was because I was uncomfortable being dependent on others and didn’t want to take the mickey asking for lifts 😬

I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to standing up for myself so I’m manning up to have the conversation!
 
tatty_v said:
Would you pay to borrow a friend’s trailer/box and if so, how much?

One of my really close friends moved to our area early in the year. She doesn’t have transport so I said she could borrow my trailer and was expecting a couple of times a month so we never discussed charging. However, over the summer it’s escalated to her taking the trailer 3-4 times a week to go to lessons, clinics, XC schooling, BE, dressage etc. It’s even got to the point where I haven’t been able to go out as she’s already booked it.

I’ve got to the point where I think I’m going to have to charge as the wear and tear is material. Any thoughts on what would be a reasonable amount? I don’t want to cause an argument, but equally I don’t want to keep funding her transport when it’s clear she has plenty of cash to spend on her horse!
Click to expand...
Id just be honest and say that you want to use your trailer more and that youv actually had to repair parts etc and new tyres etc on it. I would say “are u able to contribute to that” and if shes any kind of friend she will say of course ...
 
How about asking for three barrows of poo picking or three muck outs every time she borrows it. Or similar tasks you want to out source- water trough scrubbing / tack cleaning / clipping / collecting feed or hay. Or videoing your riding?
 
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