Which Rental or Leasing Option is Right for You?

Let’s Break It Down

When you need wheels for your business, it’s not just about getting a vehicle — it’s about getting the right arrangement. Sometimes you just need a van for a few days. Other times you’re looking for a longer-term setup without the hassle of owning.

At Centurion Truck Rental, we’ve got pretty much every option covered — spot rental, contract hire, long-term hire, and leasing — plus every type of vehicle from vans to HGVs to specialist kit.

Here’s the lowdown on when each works best.

Spot Rental – When You Need Something, Like… Now

Sometimes life (or business) throws you a curveball — a breakdown, a last-minute job, a seasonal rush. That’s where spot rental steps in. You can grab a vehicle quickly, keep it for as little or as long as you need, then hand it back.

• Best for: Urgent jobs, short-term projects, covering a breakdown, busy seasons.
• Why it’s great: Super flexible, fast to arrange, no strings attached.
• Example: Your truck’s off the road for repairs, but you’ve got jobs piling up. A spot rental keeps things moving.

Contract Hire – All the Benefits, None of the Hassle

With contract hire, you get a shiny, modern vehicle for an agreed time — usually one to four years — and we take care of the upkeep. You just pay a set monthly fee and get on with your business.

• Best for: Businesses that want predictable costs and zero maintenance worries.
• Why it’s great: No surprise bills, no depreciation headaches, and you always have a reliable vehicle.
• Example: A delivery company needs a set fleet for three years without tying up cash in buying.

Long-Term Hire – A Happy Middle Ground

This is for when you know you’ll need the vehicle for a good while — months or even a couple of years — but don’t want to be locked into a contract that lasts forever.

• Best for: Projects or contracts that run for months/years but could change down the line.
• Why it’s great: More flexibility than a lease, but more stability than spot hire.
• Example: A retailer brings in extra vans for a nationwide refit programme lasting 18 months.

Leasing – Play the Long Game

Leasing is like a longer-term commitment — you get the vehicle for several years, with the option to buy it at the end (depending on the deal). Great if you want something specific for the long haul.

• Best for: Businesses that want the benefits of owning but without the big upfront cost.
• Why it’s great: Lower starting cost, predictable payments, and you could end up keeping the vehicle.
• Example: A waste management firm leases specialist trucks, then buys them after five years.

Quick Guide – Which One’s for You?

• Need it ASAP for a short time? Spot rental.
• Want fixed costs and no maintenance hassle? Contract hire.
• Medium-to-long project but plans could change? Long-term hire.
• Want to keep it in the end? Leasing.

At the end of the day, it’s about making your life easier and your business run smoother. Whatever you need — vans, trucks, specialist vehicles — we’ve got the right option ready to roll.

Give us a shout, tell us what you’ve got going on, and we’ll match you up with the perfect rental or lease.