Trucks

RATE, INSURANCE, PERMIT

Why rent a truck from Hand Held Films instead of a truck rental company?
For convenience and specialization. We offer our trucks as a value added service to our equipment rental clients. Trucks are rented as part of the overall rental package, streamlining your production process. Additionally, our trucks are customized for transporting our equipment.

How much does the truck rental cost?
The rental rate for the Ford automatic transmission 16’ truck is $130/day, or $560/week.
The rental rate for the Hino manual transmission 20’ truck is $160/day or $840/week.
Included in the rate is 100 miles per billed day. Additional mileage is billed at $1/mile. Trucks are rented with a full tank of gas and must be returned with a full tank. If the truck is not returned with a full tank, you will be charged a $30 service fee in addition to the cost of the gas.
In addition, you may have to pay NY sales tax.

What is the policy concerning insurance?
You are required to provide your own production automobile insurance. Ask your insurance company about adding non-owned automobile insurance as part of your policy. In most cases, your personal automobile insurance policy will not cover the rental of a commercial vehicle. If you are not able to get auto insurance you may purchase it from us at a 15% premium of the rental fee.

Where can I obtain a permit?
Permits can be obtained from the Mayor’s office for Film, Theatre, and Broadcast.
1697 Broadway @ 53rd St. 6th Floor. (212) 489-6710.
The form is also available online at www.nyc.gov/film.
You will need the license plate numbers in order to obtain a permit.
The Hino is New York 10127JV (commercial).
The Ford is New York 94560JT (commercial).

PICK UP AND RETURN

Where do I pick up the trucks?
The Ford is located at in Manhattan on Broome St. between Clinton and Suffolk.  The lot is 2 blocks from the Delancey St. F train stop, and very close to the Williamsburg bridge.  The Hino is located in Brooklyn at 39th St. & 2nd Avenue.

Can I pick up or return at Hand Held Films?
In some situations we can offer this service. If you require this, please discuss it with the rental department prior to pick up or return. There may be an additional service fee.

How long will it take to load the truck?
This depends on your level of experience and the amount of equipment that you are renting. All equipment, carts, and hampers must be properly secured to prevent damage during transit. This process can be time consuming the first time. Instructions are posted inside the truck to help those with less experience speed the process. You may need as much as 20’ of sash cord per cart and a utility knife. This process can take several hours, please allot sufficient time.

OPERATING THE FORD

How do I operate the lift gate?
There is a master on/off switch for the lift gate located on the outer side of the driver’s seat. This switch must be turned on to operate the lift. Please be sure to turn off the lift after use, particularly when parked, as it may drain the battery. The up/down controls are a small switch about eye level on the right side of the lift. Raise the lift to clear the cradle slots, than pull the top of the lift down to reach horizontal operating position. When finished, be sure the lift is again secured in the cradle slots. Keep the engine running while using the lift or you will drain the battery.

Why am I having trouble closing the latch on the rolling gate?
If the truck is parked on laterally uneven terrain, such as the side of a steeply crowned street, the gate may not close properly. Move the truck to a more level position and try again.

What do I do if a mirror gets broken?
It is advisable to fold in both mirrors whenever the truck is parked, this will help prevent this problem from occurring. If a mirror is broken, you can tape a mirror over the old one as a temporary fix. The replacement parts can be ordered from Velvac if you want to replace the mirror properly, their number is (800) 783-8871. The mirror itself is Part# 709407, the entire assembly with the arm is Part# 714483 (must specify which side). Naturally, we can do the repair also; call us to arrange a solution. Like all damage to trucks, you are responsible for mirrors also.

OPERATING THE HINO

How do I operate the lift gate?
There are two identical controls for the lift; one is mounted on the outside of the truck on the right side of the lift just under the body, the other is on a cable that hangs on the inside of the truck. There is no master on/off switch for this lift. To lower the lift to its horizontal position, hold the center button and press the down button. Once the lift is horizontal, use the up and down buttons to raise and lower it. When done, return the lift to vertical position by holding the center button and pressing the up button. Keep the engine running while using the lift or you will drain the battery.

Why will the truck not start?
There is an engine cut-off on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel. This knob must be pressed in for the engine to start and run. This knob is also the only way to stop the engine. When parking, remove the keys and pull this knob out.

What should I know about the transmission?
The Hino has a 6 speed manual transmission. When the truck is empty you can start if from 2nd gear. When the truck is full, particularly if going uphill, you should start it from 1st gear. Reverse is located left and down, be careful not to engage the reverse gear accidentally when trying to shift into 2nd gear. Please use care when making tight maneuvers requiring repeated changes from forward to reverse. See the gearing diagram on the roof of the cab if you have questions about the gear arrangement.

What should I know about the brakes?
The Hino uses vacuum powered brakes. When the brakes are used, so is some of the pressure. This pressure is constantly re-supplied, however, excessive pressure on the brake or pumping of the brake, such as can happen in prolonged traffic jam, can temporarily drain the brake pressure. The brake pressure can be monitored via a gauge on the bottom left of the instrument panel. If the pressure gets too low, or if you hear the alarm, pull the truck over, engage the parking brake, leave the engine on and allow the pressure to rebuild. If the condition recurs call us and bring the truck for service to a qualified mechanic. This truck is too heavy to rely on the parking brake to slow it down.

Do I need a CDL (Commercial Driver License) to operate the Hino?
The GWT of this truck is less than 26,000 Lbs, thus you do not need a CDL to operate it in New York State. However, This is a serious truck that requires an experienced driver.

What else should I know about driving a 20’ box truck?
A 20’ box truck like the Hino cannot make sharp turns. Please make your turns wide to give enough clearance on the inside so as not to clip another vehicle or object with the box. The design of the Hino is a cab forward, with the front wheels located under the cab. This gives the truck a good turning radius, so be sure to make turns wide enough. Don’t speed when making turns or accessing a ramp with steep curves. A large truck can overturn more easily. Be very aware of pedestrian crossings, and don’t drive in snow unless you are experienced with this kind of condition.

TRAFFIC AND PARKING VIOLATIONS

What traffic restrictions must I consider when driving the truck?
Commercial trucks are often subject to different traffic restrictions than passenger cars. Trucks are not allowed on the Brooklyn or Williamsburg bridges or the FDR drive. Trucks are not allowed on any Parkways, or certain streets. Always pay close attention to posted regulations regarding trucks. You are required to pay all tickets that you receive.

What about parking?
In many municipalities, including NYC, you may not park a commercial vehicle on the street in the same location for more than 4 hours without a permit. This ticket will read No Standing or No Parking. Always pay attention to local laws governing commercial parking. You can park the truck at our lot for a discounted rate if you need to. Always contact us first to make this arrangement.

Why did we get a ticket for covering the address, we were using the truck as a prop?
New York State law requires that all commercial vehicles show the name and address of the registrant. If you use the truck as a prop, be sure to uncover the address after the shoot.

I got a ticket, but I want to dispute it. What is the policy?
You are responsible for paying all tickets that you incur while the truck is in your possession. If you want to dispute a ticket that is fine, but we must resolve all ticket issues in a timely fashion. If you are successful in disputing your ticket we will refund the charge, but the tickets must be paid initially. If we receive a notice of unpaid ticket for the period when the truck was in your possession, we will pay it and charge your credit card. The Mayor’s office for Film, Theatre, and Broadcast may assist you in disputing a ticket if you obtained a permit from them. In all cases, you are solely responsible for disputing your ticket; we cannot help you, even if you are out of town.