When it comes to renting heavy equipment and tools, United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals are two of the biggest names in the business. Both companies offer a wide selection of rental equipment for construction, industrial, and homeowner needs.
However, there are some key differences between the two that customers should consider when deciding which provider to use. This article will compare and contrast United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals across several factors to help you determine the best option for your rental needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | United Rentals | Sunbelt Rentals |
| Company Size | Largest rental company globally | 2nd largest rental company in North America |
| Number of Locations | Over 4,100 locations | Over 800 locations |
| Fleet Size | $11 billion fleet assets | $5 billion fleet assets |
| Equipment Availability | Widespread across North America | Less locations but more specialty equipment |
| Rental Rates | Transparent online rates | Rates given at time of rental |
| Delivery Fees | Charges fees on most equipment | Waives some delivery fees |
| Equipment Maintenance | Over 190 repair facilities | Preventative maintenance program |
| Customer Service | 24/7 support via phone, chat, email | Focus on training programs and classes |
| Specialty Equipment | Has some niche equipment | Broader range of specialty equipment |
| Technology | Reservation apps and online cost estimates | Reservation app with e-signature capabilities |
| Sustainability | Some green equipment options | Broad range of eco-friendly rental equipment |
Overview Of United Rentals
Founded in 1997, United Rentals is the largest equipment rental company in the world. They offer over 4,100 rental locations across 49 states and 10 Canadian provinces. With over $11 billion in fleet assets, United Rentals has a huge inventory of equipment and tools available to rent.
Their selection includes aerial lifts, air compressors, concrete equipment, earthmoving machines, forklifts, power generators, pumps, scaffolding, trenchers, welders, and much more.
Some key advantages of using United Rentals include:
- Massive fleet size – Their enormous rental fleet provides widespread availability of equipment across North America.
- One-stop rental shop – They have everything you need for big and small jobs in one convenient place.
- National account support – Large customers can take advantage of their national account representatives for streamlined project management.
- Online reservations – Customers can check local availability and reserve equipment online or via their mobile app.
- Delivery services – United Rentals offers delivery and pickup of most rental equipment for added convenience.
- 24/7 customer service – Assistance is available around the clock via phone, email, live chat, and mobile chat.
- Rent-to-own options – Select equipment can be rented on a rent-to-own basis, allowing payments over time towards ownership.
Overview Of Sunbelt Rentals
Founded in 1995, Sunbelt Rentals is the second largest equipment rental company in the US. They have over 800 rental locations across 48 states and Canada. With $5 billion in fleet assets, Sunbelt Rentals also has an extensive equipment inventory available to rent.
Their rental selection includes aerial work platforms, air compressors, compaction equipment, earthmoving machines, forklifts, generators, pumps, saws, trenchers, and much more.
Some key advantages of Sunbelt Rentals include:
- Local expertise – Their many locations across North America provide localized knowledge and customized service.
- Fleet diversity – They offer an array of specialty equipment for unique jobs beyond just general tools.
- Safety training services – Complimentary training is available on proper equipment use and job site safety.
- Solar power equipment – Sunbelt Rentals has specialty solar power generators and lighting systems available.
- Extended rental periods – Long-term rentals up to one year are available on select equipment.
- Streamlined reservation system – Customers can easily reserve equipment online, by phone, or via their mobile app.
- Convenience services – Sunbelt Rentals can deliver equipment on demand and provide technicians for setup help.
Also Read: Comparison Between Matco and Snap-on Franchising
In-Depth Comparison Of Key Features Betweeen United Rentals And Sunbelt:
Comparing Inventory and Availability
The biggest difference between the two companies is their fleet size, with United Rentals having over 4,100 locations and Sunbelt Rentals having over 800 locations. United Rentals definitely wins when it comes to widespread accessibility and availability of equipment across North America. They have the ability to move assets between locations to meet customer demand anywhere.
However, Sunbelt Rentals still has an impressively large rental fleet. While their local branches may have smaller individual inventories, the diversity of their specialty equipment is greater.
Sunbelt Rentals excels at accommodating unique rental needs that other companies may not offer. Customers seeking special order equipment for niche applications may have better luck checking with Sunbelt Rentals first.
Both companies provide lookup tools on their websites and mobile apps to check real-time availability at your local rental branch. United Rentals lets you see quantity available for each piece of equipment, while Sunbelt Rentals shows you general availability.
If you need to rent heavy equipment in a pinch, your best chance of getting immediate access is likely going through United Rentals’ mass of inventory and locations. Plan ahead when possible though, as both rental companies encourage reservations in advance to ensure equipment access when you need it.
Pricing and Fees
The rental rates and fees charged by United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals are quite similar for comparable pieces of equipment. As the two largest rental houses, they aim to stay competitive with each other on pricing.
Keep in mind that rental rates will also depend on your geographic region.
Some areas to pay attention to with each company’s fees:
United Rentals
- Offers transparent hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly rates upfront on their website and apps.
- Charges rental delivery/pickup fees on most power equipment.
- Has environmental, maintenance, and tire fees on some equipment.
- May apply fueling/refueling fees.
- Offers discounted rates for longer rentals.
Sunbelt Rentals
- Provides estimates online but final rates given at time of rental.
- Waives some delivery fees for larger equipment orders.
- Has regulatory recovery fees on some equipment.
- Charges cleaning fees if equipment is returned dirty.
- Discounts given for packaged rental deals.
Both companies let you buy loss damage waivers (LDW) to reduce liability for equipment damage, loss, or theft. Make sure you understand all fees being charged before finalizing a rental to avoid surprises.
Also ask about any current special offers that could save you money.
Equipment Quality and Maintenance
The heavy equipment fleets owned by United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals are both well maintained overall. Keeping their rental equipment in good operating condition is crucial to their business reputations and repeat customer business. Both companies service their rental fleets regularly to keep downtime minimized.
United Rentals operates over 190 repair and service facilities across North America. Their technicians service equipment between rentals and provide any necessary repairs. All equipment is inspected prior to customer rental to ensure proper functioning.
Sunbelt Rentals has a Preventative Maintenance program that ensures each piece of equipment is serviced at set intervals based on hours of operation. Their techs perform maintenance at job sites or customers can bring equipment into their shop. Damaged or worn out equipment is quickly disposed of.
While rare, there is always a slight risk of rented equipment breaking down during use. Both United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals promise to quickly replace any malfunctioning equipment they own to minimize rental downtime for customers.
Avoid potential issues by checking equipment yourself prior to leaving the rental branch. Notify staff of any damage or flaws.
Customer Service and Support
In terms of customer service, United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals aim to provide assistance whenever needed. They operate call centers 24/7 to handle issues that arise during a rental.
They also both have mobile apps that allow you to open help desk tickets on your device.
United Rentals
- Offers phone, email, live chat, and mobile chat support.
- Has an online knowledge center with FAQs and guides.
- Provides instructional videos on their YouTube channel.
- Operates a Training University program on proper equipment usage.
Sunbelt Rentals
- Provides phone, email, and 24/7 mobile app support.
- Maintains an online knowledge base with rental guides.
- Shares instructional videos on website and YouTube.
- Has over 70 brick-and-mortar training centers across the US and Canada.
- Can provide complimentary job site training upon request.
Both rental providers aim to deliver excellent customer service and helpful guidance throughout the rental process. But Sunbelt Rentals appears to have the edge when it comes to more extensive professional development through their hands-on training programs and classes.
Their focus on equipping customers with safety knowledge could give them a small advantage.
Rental Contracts and Liability
United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals both require customers to sign rental contracts covering legal liability, although terms may vary some between the companies.
Key things spelled out in their rental agreements include:
- Responsibility for equipment until returned.
- Policies on rental period, cancellations, extensions, and late fees.
- Who is authorized to operate the equipment.
- Permitted and prohibited equipment uses.
- Renter responsibility for damage, loss, or theft.
- Optional limited liability insurance.
- Safety and legal compliance.
Review all rental contract terms closely before starting your rental period. Ask questions on any points that seem unclear or unreasonable to avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Both companies allow you to add loss/damage protection for an additional fee to reduce liability if something happens to the equipment.
Also Read: Comparison Between Penske Truck LeasingAnd Ryder System.
Specialty Equipment and Services
While United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals have extensive general equipment fleets, Sunbelt Rentals tends to offer more specialty rental equipment that United Rentals may lack.
Some examples include:
- Crane ancillaries like boards and mats
- Specialty pumping systems
- Scaffolding wraparound systems
- Instrumentation for monitoring and surveys
- Shoring shields and boxes
- Grout mixers and pumps
- Vacuum excavation systems
- Solar generators and lighting towers
They also provide additional unique services like:
- Online employee training programs
- Site protection plans
- Equipment process automation
- Safety managers and planning
So if you have an unusual or complex rental requirement, Sunbelt Rentals may be a better first option to check on availability before trying United Rentals. But even United Rentals has specialty equipment available for niche applications at certain locations. Check with both companies when unsure.
Mobile Technology and Convenience
United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals both provide apps and online tools for a convenient rental experience.
Key mobile features offered by United Rentals include:
- Search and reserve equipment
- Calculate cost estimates
- View account and order info
- Request delivery/pickup
- Receive notifications
- Open help desk tickets
- Make payments
Sunbelt Rentals’ app allows you to:
- Check local availability
- Complete reservations
- Estimate rental costs
- Manage current rentals
- Receive reminders
- Report issues and get support
- View e-signature documents
- Make rental payments
The apps provided by both rental companies enable you to take care of every aspect of the rental process right from your mobile device. Convenience is one area where they are essentially equal in providing speed and simplicity to customers.
Green Rental Initiatives
An area where Sunbelt Rentals excels is in their eco-friendly equipment and green rental initiatives. They have over 50 electric forklifts, scissor lifts, and boom lifts available, as well as solar power generators and light towers.
United Rentals also offers some green equipment like electric and solar generators but has fewer overall at this time.
Other environmental areas where Sunbelt Rentals leads the industry include:
- Eco-friendly equipment disposal and recycling
- Reduced idle time on diesel-powered equipment
- Use of greener motor oils and lubricants
- Employee training on sustainability practices
- Encouraging customer environmental safety
So if renting green solutions is a priority for your project, Sunbelt Rentals has a bit of an upper hand at present. But United Rentals also markets sustainability initiatives around reducing emissions, responsibly maintaining equipment, and prioritizing safety.
Also watch this about United Rentals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Sunbelt Rentals is the biggest competitor of United Rentals. Sunbelt Rentals is the second largest equipment rental company in North America behind United Rentals.
The top competitors for United Rentals are Sunbelt Rentals, Herc Rentals, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and BlueLine Rental. Smaller regional rental companies also compete with United Rentals in local markets.
According to Glassdoor rankings, some of the best equipment rental companies to work for based on employee satisfaction include Sunbelt Rentals, United Rentals, Herc Rentals, Neff Rentals, Ahern Rentals, Maxwell Rentals, Angel Aerial, and Standard Equipment.
The biggest competitor for Sunbelt Rentals is United Rentals. Other major competitors include Herc Rentals, BlueLine Rental, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and various small regional rental companies. Within the specialty rental niche, companies like Rain For Rent and ACME Lift Company compete as well.
The Bottom Line
When choosing between rental giants United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals, there is no single clear winner. United Rentals boasts the largest equipment fleet and most locations, making them hard to beat for inventory availability.
But Sunbelt Rentals offers more specialty equipment and in-depth training services that some customers may favor.
For general equipment, United Rentals will usually have what you need readily available nearby. For unique equipment needs, checking Sunbelt Rentals’ specialty inventory could be advantageous. Both companies provide convenient reservation processes and customer service. Compare costs and services in your area to determine if one provider has an edge over the other for your specific rental requirements.
With two great options, you can’t necessarily go wrong picking United Rentals or Sunbelt Rentals for your next equipment rental.