Every rental on Patriot Hauls moves through the same lifecycle, from the moment a renter requests a unit to the day it comes back. This article is the map — each step links to the article that covers it in depth.
The lifecycle, step by step
- Request / payment. A renter picks dates on your listing, answers any screening questions, and checks out. Depending on your settings, their card is either charged right away (auto-approve) or just authorized — held but not charged — while it waits for your review. See approve or review bookings.
- Confirmed. Once the booking is approved (or auto-approved on payment), it turns Confirmed. The renter gets their confirmation message and a link to sign the rental agreement.
- Verification + signing. The renter uploads their driver's license and proof of insurance and e-signs the contract. You can see what passed in the booking's Documents tab.
- Ready for pickup → Active. When it's time, you mark the booking Ready for Pickup (lockbox/access info goes out for contactless pickups), then Active once the unit is out. A pre-trip inspection records its condition.
- Return / completed. When the unit comes back, a return inspection is recorded and you mark the booking Completed. Use Mark Returned (Free Trailer) to free the unit immediately. Then release the renter's security deposit.
Where to manage it all
- Bookings page — a searchable list of every booking with status, document, and inspection badges. Click any row to open its detail panel.
- Booking detail (Booking Hub) — the full record: dates, pricing, renter, documents, contract, messages, and inspections, plus actions like extend, swap the unit, cancel, and return the deposit.
- Operator Calendar — a per-unit month grid showing every booking, plus maintenance blocks and vacation closures. See calendar and availability.
Statuses you'll see
- Pending — awaiting your approval (review-each mode) or payment.
- Confirmed / Ready — approved; the unit is reserved and may be staged for pickup.
- Active — the unit is out with the renter.
- Completed — returned and closed out.
- Cancelled — called off; any authorization hold is released.
- Overdue — a confirmed/active rental whose return date has passed.
Related articles
- Approve or review bookings
- Calendar and availability
- Create a booking for a customer
- Unit swaps and relocations
Still need help? Tap the Support button inside your dashboard.