Dry Hire Vs Wet Hire

In large-scale mining operations, equipment hire is a major decision that shapes how efficiently a project runs. One of the first choices you’ll make is whether to arrange dry hire vs wet hire. Each option has unique advantages, and knowing which is best for your situation can save time, reduce risk and keep operations on track. In this article, we break down what each model involves, when it makes sense to use them and how to decide for your next project.

What is dry hire?

Dry hire is the supply of equipment without an operator. Your team provides the personnel to operate the machinery, while the rental company delivers the asset ready for work.

Dry hire offers greater control over who operates your machines and how they’re used. It’s well-suited for companies with experienced internal crews already familiar with the equipment type. This approach can streamline integration into your workflow, as your operators understand your site’s procedures, safety protocols and production targets.

It also provides flexibility in scheduling. You can arrange the hire period to align with your operational demands without relying on external labour. Dry hire is often chosen for longer-term projects where in-house expertise is strong and where maintaining consistent operating practices is essential.

What is wet hire?

Wet hire is when the equipment comes with a skilled operator provided by the rental company. The operator is experienced with the machine and typically trained to work in demanding site conditions.

The main advantage here is reduced operational risk. With wet hire, you’re bringing in an operator who knows the equipment inside out, which helps maintain productivity from day one. It can also reduce the burden on your HR and training resources, since the responsibility for staffing and operator competence sits with the supplier.

Wet hire is particularly beneficial for high-intensity projects where deadlines are tight and there’s no time for onboarding. It’s also valuable for specialised equipment that requires advanced skills or certification your team may not currently hold.

What to consider and when to choose dry hire vs wet hire

Now that you have an answer to “What is the difference between wet hire and dry hire?”, the next step is to assess how they align with your site conditions and operational priorities. In many cases, the best choice comes down to how well the hire arrangement supports the way you work now and as the project evolves.

• Scalability — If you expect the scope to grow quickly, wet hire can add extra capacity without the delay of recruiting or training new staff. For gradual expansion, dry hire may give you more control over staffing levels.
• Site readiness — Where a site still requires setup before operations can start, dry hire allows you to time machinery arrival with internal schedules. If you want equipment working the moment it arrives, wet hire is often the better fit.
• Workload fluctuations — Wet hire is well-suited to projects where demand changes rapidly, as machines and operators can be added or removed together. Dry hire works best when workloads are stable and predictable.
• Supplier involvement — Choose wet hire if you value ongoing supplier input, regular check-ins and operational oversight. Opt for dry hire if you prefer to keep all day-to-day management and decisions in-house.
• Cost considerations — Dry hire generally has a lower hire rate, making it attractive if you can manage wages, training and scheduling internally. Wet hire may cost more upfront, but provides a fixed package that covers both machine and operator, helping to keep budgets predictable.

Explore your options with National Plant & Equipment

In your search for the answer to “What is dry hire and wet hire?”, we hope you’ve also learned that both hire models can be powerful tools when matched to the right project. Dry hire puts you in full control of operations, while wet hire delivers instant capability with skilled operators. For some companies, the optimal strategy might even involve a mix — dry hire for core fleet and wet hire for specialist tasks.

At National Plant & Equipment, we take an unstoppable approach to matching the right equipment and hire model to your needs. Our extensive fleet, combined with both wet and dry hire options, means you can get the biggest and best machines on site with the right level of support for your operation.

If you’re planning your next project and want advice from a team that understands mining from the ground up, talk to us today about your requirements. Set on your hire option? Request a quote instead.