Herc equipment rental offers short-term access to heavy machinery, construction tools, and industrial vehicles through a network of rental locations. The company specializes in providing temporary equipment solutions for construction, industrial, and event projects.
Herc operates under a model similar to other equipment rental companies, allowing customers to rent machinery by the hour, day, week, or month. Customers can reserve equipment online, by phone, or in person at local Herc rental centers. Delivery and pickup services are often available.
The company maintains a large inventory of equipment, including:
| Category | Examples | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Earthmoving | Excavators, backhoes, skid steers | Site preparation, excavation, grading |
| Lifting | Cranes, forklifts, scissor lifts | Material handling, construction assembly |
| Power Generation | Generators, welders, light towers | Remote job sites, emergency power |
Construction companies, industrial firms, and event organizers frequently rent equipment to manage cash flow and avoid long-term maintenance costs. For example, a contractor might rent an excavator for a two-week project rather than purchasing one for occasional use.
According to the American Rental Association, the equipment rental industry generates over $50 billion annually in the U.S., with construction accounting for the largest market share. Herc serves this demand with over 300 locations across North America.
Many assume renting equipment is always cheaper than buying, but this depends on usage frequency. For infrequent use, renting is cost-effective. However, for daily use, purchasing may be more economical due to depreciation on rental equipment.
Another misconception is that rented equipment is lower quality. In reality, rental companies maintain their fleets rigorously, often with newer models than many small contractors could afford to purchase.
A festival organizer needed temporary fencing, portable restrooms, and generators for a three-day event. Instead of purchasing these items, they rented them from Herc, saving hundreds of thousands in upfront costs and avoiding long-term storage needs. The equipment was delivered, set up, and removed efficiently, allowing the organizer to focus on other logistics.
I witnessed this firsthand while working with event planners who consistently praised the flexibility and reliability of equipment rentals for large-scale events.