The United States is experiencing strong and steady growth in the forklift rental market, driven by rising e-commerce demands, sustainability goals, and the growing appeal of flexible fleet solutions. With electric models gaining popularity and the used forklift market becoming a viable cost-saving option, the U.S. material handling industry is entering a dynamic new era.
Market Overview
As of 2024, the U.S. accounts for nearly 25% of the global forklift rental market, making it one of the world’s largest players. The market is led by national rental providers such as United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, Herc Rentals, and emerging tech-integrated platforms like BigRentz.
Industry analysts project the U.S. forklift rental segment will continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% through 2030. This growth is driven by companies seeking to reduce capital expenditure, improve uptime, and access the latest electric models and fleet management technologies without long-term ownership commitments.
Electric Forklifts and Sustainability Goals
Electric forklifts now make up over 60% of new forklift sales in the U.S., thanks to their low emissions, quieter operation, and reduced maintenance costs. Forklifts powered by lithium-ion batteries are especially in demand for indoor and high-throughput warehouse environments.
Many rental companies are responding by increasing their electric fleet offerings—and bundling them with charging stations, telematics, and even Battery-as-a-Service models. This is particularly attractive to businesses with sustainability mandates or those participating in carbon-reduction incentive programs.
Used Forklifts: A Smart Alternative
With new forklift prices remaining high and lead times for delivery still recovering post-pandemic, the used forklift market in the U.S. is thriving. Many rental companies now offer previously leased or short-term rental units for sale at competitive prices.
Used forklifts provide a lower-cost option for small and mid-sized businesses needing dependable material handling without breaking the budget. Models are often refurbished, safety-tested, and even available with warranties—making them a smart choice for businesses balancing cost and performance.
E-Commerce & Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
The explosive growth of e-commerce in the U.S. has fueled record demand for forklift rentals in warehouses and distribution centers. Companies like Amazon, FedEx, and regional 3PLs are renting forklifts and pallet trucks to meet seasonal surges, improve labor efficiency, and maintain uptime.
High-volume warehouse operations are now seeing forklift operators handle up to 230 pallet moves per shift. With such throughput, businesses are increasingly renting both standard forklifts and electric pallet trucks to improve speed and reduce strain on workers.
Automation, Safety, and Smart Tech
Forklift rentals are also benefiting from the adoption of smart technology. Many rental fleets now include features like:
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Telematics for location and usage tracking
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Safety sensors and cameras
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Remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance
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Operator access controls and digital checklists
In some advanced operations, semi-autonomous forklifts are also available through rental agreements, especially for long-term projects in large-scale logistics centers.
Ports and Construction: Expanding Applications
While ports like Singapore are pioneering forklift pooling models, U.S. ports and construction sites are also increasing their reliance on rental equipment. Forklifts and telehandlers are often rented for short-term container loading, yard management, or job site materials movement.
Here too, used forklifts are finding a home. Many companies purchase used models after their rental term ends to support future projects at a reduced cost.
Real-World Insight
On platforms like Reddit, U.S. business owners and warehouse managers discuss real forklift rental scenarios:
“A one-day forklift rental always ends up expensive... delivery and pickup charges are the bulk of the cost.”
“Find the nearest rental house to cut transport fees.”
“We bought a used forklift after a few rentals—it’s still running strong.”
These comments reflect a common trend: businesses often rent first, then purchase used forklifts once they better understand their long-term needs.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. forklift rental market is evolving quickly—driven by electrification, e-commerce growth, smart tech adoption, and cost-conscious businesses looking for flexibility. From short-term rentals to used forklift purchases and electric pallet truck bundles, companies now have more options than ever to optimize their operations.
Whether you're managing a port, a fulfillment center, or a construction site, forklift rental and resale strategies are becoming essential for staying competitive and sustainable in today's logistics landscape.
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