Terms of service

TURNPIKE TRAILER RENTALS

RENTAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

Operated by Matlock Holdings LLC DBA Turnpike Trailer Rentals

By reserving, paying for, picking up, possessing, or using a trailer or related rental equipment from TurnPike Trailer Rentals (“Company”), the person or business identified on the reservation (“Renter”) agrees to these Terms & Conditions, subject to applicable law.

These terms apply to all utility trailers, enclosed trailers, dump trailers, equipment trailers, car haulers, and associated rental accessories.

1. RENTAL ELIGIBILITY

  • Renters must be at least 25 years old.

  • A valid government-issued driver's license is required.

  • Renters must provide accurate contact and reservation information.

  • Renters must have a properly equipped tow vehicle capable of safely towing the rented trailer.

  • Only the authorized renter may tow the trailer unless the Company approves another qualified driver in advance.

  • The Company reserves the right to refuse or cancel a rental for legitimate safety, eligibility, payment, or compliance reasons, subject to applicable law.

2. TOW VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS

The Renter is responsible for ensuring the tow vehicle is properly equipped and legally capable of towing the trailer.

Requirements include:

  • Correct hitch ball size and adequate hitch rating.

  • Properly rated hitch receiver and towing components.

  • Compatible electrical connection.

  • Functional trailer brake controller when required.

  • Sufficient vehicle towing capacity and available payload.

  • Properly connected safety chains.

  • Working trailer lights and braking equipment.

The Renter must not exceed the tow vehicle's towing capacity, hitch rating, receiver rating, tongue-weight limit, or any other applicable manufacturer rating.

The Company may refuse to release a trailer if the towing setup is unsafe or unsuitable.

3. RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS

  • Payment is required according to the terms displayed during booking.

  • The Renter authorizes the Company to charge the agreed rental price, applicable taxes, selected add-ons, and other amounts properly owed under this agreement.

  • Additional charges for damage, cleaning, late returns, missing equipment, or other violations must be documented on the rental invoice.

  • A reservation is not transferable without Company approval.

  • Rental extensions must be approved before the scheduled return time.

  • Availability of extensions is not guaranteed.

4. SELF-SERVICE PICKUP & RETURN

TurnPike Trailer Rentals offers 24/7 self-service pickup and return.

The Renter agrees to:

  • Follow all pickup and return instructions.

  • Retrieve keys, locks, or access equipment only as instructed.

  • Inspect the trailer before leaving the pickup location.

  • Report existing damage or safety concerns before departure.

  • Take clear pickup and return photographs when required.

  • Return the trailer to the designated location unless another arrangement is approved.

  • Properly park, secure, and lock the trailer upon return.

  • Return all provided accessories and equipment.

The Renter remains responsible for the trailer until it has been returned to the designated location, properly secured, and the required return procedures have been completed.

The Company may review photographs, GPS information where lawfully collected, and inspection records when investigating damage, missing equipment, or disputes.

5. TRAILER INSPECTION

The Company inspects trailers as part of its rental operations.

Before departure, the Renter must inspect:

  • Tires and wheels.

  • Lights and electrical connections.

  • Hitch, coupler, and safety chains.

  • Brakes and breakaway equipment.

  • Loading ramps and gates.

  • Doors, latches, and locks.

  • Visible structural components.

  • Provided accessories.

Any existing damage or mechanical concern must be reported before departure.

Acceptance of the trailer confirms that the Renter has had an opportunity to inspect it and has not identified an unreported visible defect. This does not waive rights concerning hidden defects or the Company's legal responsibilities.

6. AUTHORIZED USE

The trailer may be used only for lawful transportation activities consistent with its design, specifications, and rated capacities.

The Renter must:

  • Load and secure all cargo properly.

  • Comply with applicable traffic and transportation laws.

  • Observe the trailer's GVWR, actual payload capacity, axle ratings, tire ratings, and ramp limits.

  • Follow all manufacturer safety instructions.

  • Use suitable equipment and tie-downs.

  • Maintain safe towing speeds and driving practices.

The Renter is responsible for verifying the weight and dimensions of any vehicle, equipment, or materials being transported.

7. PROHIBITED USE

The following activities are prohibited:

  • Overloading the trailer.

  • Exceeding loading ramp or gate limits.

  • Towing with an improperly equipped vehicle.

  • Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • Reckless, negligent, or unlawful operation.

  • Transporting prohibited hazardous or explosive materials.

  • Allowing unauthorized individuals to tow the trailer.

  • Subleasing or transferring possession without approval.

  • Modifying or dismantling trailer components without permission.

  • Tampering with GPS equipment, locks, or safety devices.

  • Using the trailer for illegal activities.

  • Taking the trailer outside the United States without written authorization.

8. GEOGRAPHIC TRAVEL

Renters may travel anywhere within the contiguous United States, including interstate travel, provided the trailer is operated legally and safely.

Travel to Alaska, Hawaii, or locations requiring international transit requires advance written approval.

Travel outside the United States is prohibited without prior written authorization.

The Renter is responsible for complying with applicable laws, tolls, permits, and transportation requirements.

The Renter is also responsible for reasonable recovery and transportation expenses arising from an authorized or unauthorized trip, to the extent permitted by law and not otherwise covered by applicable insurance.

9. DAMAGE, LOSS & THEFT

The Renter is responsible, to the extent permitted by law and subject to applicable insurance coverage and protections, for loss or damage occurring during the rental period.

This may include:

  • Tire and wheel damage.

  • Damage to ramps, gates, jacks, and couplers.

  • Electrical or lighting damage.

  • Damage to flooring, walls, roofs, doors, and fenders.

  • Damage caused by improper loading or overloading.

  • Damage to hydraulic equipment.

  • Missing accessories or rental equipment.

  • Theft, loss, or unauthorized disposal.

  • Damage caused by improper securement or operation.

Where legally recoverable, charges may include reasonable repair or replacement costs, towing, recovery, storage, and documented loss of rental use.

The Renter is not automatically responsible for ordinary wear and tear or damage legally attributable to the Company's negligence, defective equipment, or other circumstances for which the Company remains responsible.

The Company will document and assess damage charges.

10. INSURANCE & FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

TurnPike Trailer Rentals offers optional rental damage protection subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the applicable coverage.

Maximum Damage Protection: $2,000

When purchased and applicable, the optional protection covers up to $2,000 of eligible damage to the rented trailer.

Damage resulting from negligence is not covered.

Examples of negligence or improper use include:

  • Overloading the trailer.

  • Exceeding trailer or loading ramp weight limits.

  • Improper loading or cargo securement.

  • Towing with an unsuitable or improperly equipped vehicle.

  • Reckless or unsafe operation.

  • Operating the trailer under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • Ignoring known mechanical or safety issues.

  • Misusing hydraulic equipment, loading ramps, gates, or other trailer components.

  • Unauthorized modifications or prohibited use.

The Renter remains financially responsible for:

  • Damage exceeding the $2,000 protection limit.

  • Damage resulting from negligence or prohibited use.

  • Damage or losses excluded from the applicable protection.

  • Other amounts legally owed under this agreement.

Important: The $2,000 protection limit is not a guarantee that every type of damage is covered. Eligibility and exclusions are governed by the applicable written protection terms.

The Company also maintains commercial rental insurance subject to the terms and limits of its policies. The optional damage protection does not automatically provide personal auto liability coverage or coverage for the Renter's cargo.

The Renter is responsible for verifying any separate insurance coverage required for their towing activities.

11. ACCIDENTS, BREAKDOWNS & EMERGENCIES

If the trailer becomes damaged, unsafe, disabled, or involved in an accident, the Renter must:

  1. Stop operating the trailer when safe to do so.

  2. Contact emergency services when necessary.

  3. Notify TurnPike Trailer Rentals as soon as reasonably possible.

  4. Provide the location and a description of the incident.

  5. Submit photographs and relevant documentation when safe and practical.

  6. Obtain a police report when legally required or reasonably appropriate.

  7. Avoid authorizing nonemergency repairs without Company approval.

The Renter must not continue operating a trailer that is unsafe.

Responsibility for roadside service, repairs, towing, and related costs will depend on the cause of the incident, applicable law, and available insurance coverage.

12. LATE RETURNS

Trailers must be returned by the scheduled return date and time.

Late Return Policy:

  • Any return after the scheduled rental period may result in an additional full-day rental charge.

  • Each additional rental day or portion of a day may result in another full-day charge.

  • The applicable daily rate will be the rate disclosed in the rental reservation or agreement.

  • Extensions must be approved before the scheduled return time.

  • An unauthorized late return may also result in documented additional losses where legally recoverable, without duplicate recovery for the same loss.

The Company may require immediate return of a trailer when an extension has not been approved.

13. CANCELLATIONS & NO-SHOWS

Cancellation Policy:

  • 24 hours or more before scheduled pickup: Full refund to the original payment method.

  • Less than 24 hours before scheduled pickup: Full store credit toward a future TurnPike Trailer Rentals reservation instead of a cash refund.

  • No-show or cancellation after the rental period begins: No refund or store credit.

  • Company cancellation: Full refund if the Company cannot provide the reserved trailer or an agreed suitable replacement.

Store credit is noncash credit that may be applied toward a future eligible rental. Any expiration date or additional restrictions must be disclosed before booking and comply with applicable law.

Refunds will be issued to the original payment method when applicable.

14. CLEANING & RETURN CONDITION

Trailers must be returned reasonably clean and free of cargo, trash, and debris.

Normal dust and ordinary road dirt are acceptable.

Excessive Cleaning Fee: $150

The fee may apply to excessive mud, dirt, trash, debris, or other conditions requiring cleaning beyond ordinary turnaround preparation.

If the trailer is returned with abandoned materials, the Renter may also be charged reasonable, documented disposal costs where permitted by law.

The Company will document conditions requiring additional charges.

15. DUMP TRAILER REQUIREMENTS

Renters using hydraulic dump trailers agree to:

  • Never exceed the trailer's GVWR or available payload capacity.

  • Verify material weight before loading.

  • Distribute loads properly.

  • Operate the hydraulic system only on stable, reasonably level ground.

  • Keep people clear of the dump bed during operation.

  • Check for overhead obstructions before raising the bed.

  • Properly secure the rear gate before towing.

  • Never drive with the dump bed raised.

  • Avoid loading materials that could damage the hydraulic system or trailer structure.

  • Never use the hydraulic system to forcefully dislodge stuck or overloaded materials.

Damage resulting from misuse, overloading, or improper dumping may result in additional charges.

16. EQUIPMENT & CAR HAULER REQUIREMENTS

Renters transporting vehicles or equipment must:

  • Confirm equipment weight before loading.

  • Verify the trailer's available payload capacity.

  • Observe all applicable ramp ratings.

  • Verify vehicle width, tire placement, and loading clearance.

  • Use properly rated straps, chains, or vehicle restraints.

  • Secure vehicles and equipment to appropriate tie-down points.

  • Maintain proper cargo weight distribution and tongue weight.

  • Secure all ramps before departure.

The trailer's GVWR is not its cargo capacity.

Equipment that exceeds the trailer's capacity or cannot be loaded and secured safely is prohibited.

17. ENCLOSED TRAILER REQUIREMENTS

Renters using enclosed trailers must:

  • Secure all cargo to prevent shifting.

  • Observe the trailer's payload and weight limits.

  • Secure rear and side doors before towing.

  • Protect interior walls, flooring, and roof from damage.

  • Verify equipment clearance before loading.

  • Avoid exceeding ramp door limits.

  • Not transport passengers inside the trailer.

Damage caused by unsecured cargo or improper loading may result in charges.

18. TOLLS, FINES & VIOLATIONS

The Renter is responsible for tolls, parking citations, traffic violations, towing violations, and similar charges arising from the Renter's use of the trailer.

Where permitted by law and disclosed in advance, reasonable administrative costs associated with processing these charges may also apply.

19. LOST KEYS, LOCKS & ACCESSORIES

The Renter is responsible for returning all Company-provided equipment, including:

  • Keys and locks.

  • Hitch accessories.

  • Loading ramps.

  • Straps or tie-downs.

  • Electrical adapters.

  • Other rental accessories.

Missing or damaged items may result in reasonable repair or replacement charges.

20. GPS TRACKING & SECURITY

Company trailers may be equipped with GPS tracking and theft-prevention devices.

The Company may use location information for fleet management, theft prevention, recovery, and rental compliance, subject to applicable privacy laws and the Company's disclosed privacy practices.

Tampering with or disabling tracking or security equipment is prohibited.

21. ABANDONMENT & FAILURE TO RETURN

Failure to return a trailer after the rental period or an approved extension may constitute a violation of this agreement.

The Company may contact the Renter, request immediate return, and pursue lawful recovery procedures.

The Renter may be responsible for reasonable recovery costs and legally recoverable losses.

The Company will comply with applicable legal requirements before treating a trailer as stolen, entering private property, or undertaking repossession or recovery activities.

22. LIABILITY & INDEMNIFICATION

The Renter is responsible for safely loading, securing, transporting, and unloading cargo.

The Company is not responsible for cargo loss or damage caused solely by the Renter's improper loading, securement, or operation, except where applicable law provides otherwise.

To the extent permitted by Florida law, the Renter agrees to indemnify the Company against third-party claims, damages, and reasonable expenses arising from the Renter's negligent, unlawful, or unauthorized use of the trailer.

Nothing in this agreement releases the Company from liability that cannot legally be waived, including liability arising from its own conduct where such a release is unenforceable.

23. FAILURE TO COMPLY

A material violation of these Terms & Conditions may result in termination of the rental, refusal of future rentals, or lawful recovery of the trailer.

The Renter remains responsible for amounts properly owed under the agreement, subject to applicable law.

24. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, subject to applicable federal law and any mandatory laws that cannot be displaced by contract.

25. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect to the extent permitted by law.

26. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & ACCEPTANCE

By accepting this agreement and completing the rental process, the Renter acknowledges that they have:

  • Read and understood these Terms & Conditions.

  • Agreed to comply with the applicable rental requirements.

  • Confirmed that their tow vehicle is suitable for the rented trailer.

  • Accepted responsibility for proper loading, securement, and operation.

  • Agreed to the disclosed rental charges, fees, and cancellation policy.

  • Agreed to return the trailer on time and in accordance with the Company's return instructions.