Material Handling Equipment Rental Market By Equipment Type (Forklifts, Cranes, Conveyors, Pallet Jacks, Telehandlers, Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems); By End User (Construction, Manufacturing, Warehousing & Logistics, Mining, Ports & Retail); By Rental Duration (Short-Term, Long-Term, Project-Based); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030.

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Material Handling Equipment Rental Market is gaining significant momentum as industries shift toward asset-light models and flexible logistics operations. According to Strategic Market Research, the market is poised to grow at a robust CAGR of 6.8% , valued at USD 14.2 billion in 2024 , and is expected to reach approximately USD 21.1 billion by 2030 . This growth trajectory reflects the increasing preference for operational agility, cost containment, and scalable deployment of material handling assets across construction, logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing sectors.

 

Material handling equipment encompasses a wide array of machinery including forklifts, conveyors, cranes, hoists, pallet jacks, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), and telehandlers , all essential for lifting, moving, storing, and controlling goods efficiently. In rental models, end-users gain access to these technologies without the capital expenditure burden, offering immense value for project-based operations or seasonal fluctuations.

 

Several macroeconomic forces are accelerating this transition:

• Technological upgrades : Integration of IoT -enabled fleet management, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics into rented equipment is enhancing uptime and utilization rates.

• Rising infrastructure and e-commerce demand : Developing economies and global online retail are catalyzing the need for short-term yet robust warehousing and logistics support.

• Environmental and regulatory compliance : Rental firms increasingly offer electric or hybrid models to meet green compliance standards, a growing concern across EU, US, and APAC industrial corridors.

• Shift from CapEx to OpEx : Renting equipment enables companies to conserve capital and allocate resources more dynamically—an especially critical factor for SMEs and startups in emerging markets.
   

Key stakeholders driving the market include:

• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) : who are forming dedicated rental divisions or entering partnerships with rental agencies.

• Third-party logistics (3PL) providers : relying on scalable fleets for multi-client warehousing.

• Construction firms and mining operators : using rentals for project-specific load handling.

• Facilities managers and plant operators : focused on lean inventory movement.

• Private equity firms and industrial investors : increasingly injecting capital into fleet digitization and geographic expansion strategies.

The rental market is also emerging as a solution to supply chain volatility. During periods of equipment shortage, such as those triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic or chip supply disruptions, companies were able to fulfill operational requirements via rentals. This ability to "rent over own" has now become a core operational doctrine for many enterprises navigating uncertainty.

The strategic importance of this market lies in its ability to unlock rapid scalability, lower total cost of ownership (TCO), and reduce long-term risk , making it indispensable in modern industrial and logistics workflows.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The global material handling equipment rental market can be segmented across four major dimensions: By Equipment Type , By End User , By Rental Duration , and By Region . This structured segmentation reflects how the industry aligns equipment offerings and service models with varying operational demands and geographic conditions.

By Equipment Type:

• Forklifts

• Cranes

• Conveyors

• Pallet Jacks

• Telehandlers

• Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS)

• Others

Among these, forklifts dominate the rental market, accounting for an estimated 34.7% share in 2024 , due to their indispensable role in warehouse logistics, retail distribution, and short-cycle industrial processes. Forklift rentals are especially popular in the U.S., Germany, and Southeast Asia where seasonal warehouse demand surges during e-commerce peaks.

ASRS and telehandlers , while smaller in share, are forecasted to be the fastest-growing segments over 2024–2030, supported by automation trends and construction sector expansion in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

 

By End User:

• Construction

• Manufacturing

• Warehousing & Logistics

• Mining

• Ports & Shipping Yards

• Retail & E-commerce

• Others

The construction segment remains a key end-user due to heavy lifting and terrain navigation requirements. However, warehousing and logistics are expected to register the highest CAGR , fueled by supply chain reconfigurations, last-mile delivery needs, and smart fulfillment centers.

 

By Rental Duration:

• Short-Term Rentals (less than 6 months)

• Long-Term Rentals (6 months to 3 years)

• Project-Based or Seasonal Rentals

Short-term rentals dominate due to their flexibility, with over 58% share in 2024, driven by project-specific and surge-based usage patterns. However, long-term rentals are gaining traction among manufacturers seeking to reduce CapEx while ensuring continuity.

 

By Region:

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa (MEA)

North America leads the market in 2024, but Asia Pacific is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR due to infrastructure developments, booming e-commerce, and government investments in industrial parks—particularly in India, China, and Indonesia.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The material handling equipment rental market is undergoing a strategic transformation driven by digitalization, automation, and sustainability imperatives. As customers demand more efficiency and uptime, rental providers are embedding innovation not only into equipment fleets but also into service delivery models.

Key Trends Reshaping the Market:

1. Digital Fleet Management and Telematics Integration
Rental companies are increasingly outfitting equipment with GPS, RFID, IoT sensors, and predictive diagnostics tools . This enables:

• Real-time usage monitoring

• Proactive maintenance scheduling

• Downtime minimization

For instance, telematics integration in forklift rentals now allows clients to receive usage analytics and safety compliance reports on a dashboard—enhancing accountability in warehouse environments.

 

2. Rise of Automation and Semi-Autonomous Equipment
Automation is no longer exclusive to owned assets. Rental portfolios are being upgraded with:

• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

• Robotic pallet movers

• Smart conveyors with machine learning algorithms

Though still a niche segment, automated handling equipment rentals are seeing adoption in high-throughput environments such as Amazon fulfillment centers and pharmaceutical logistics depots.

 

3. Electrification of Equipment Fleets
Environmental regulations are pushing rental firms to transition from diesel to electric forklifts, hybrid telehandlers , and battery-powered pallet trucks . Electric fleets:

• Reduce emissions

• Lower maintenance costs

• Comply with LEED and GHG regulations

According to industry experts, many European rental providers have committed to fully electric handling fleets by 2030 in alignment with the EU Green Deal.

 

4. On-Demand and Subscription-Based Rental Models
Inspired by SaaS economics, several OEMs and third-party rental firms now offer monthly or usage-based subscription models . This ensures:

• Scalability during peak seasons

• No long-term contract lock-ins

• Access to the latest technology without replacement cost

These models are gaining traction in the U.S. and Japan, especially among e-commerce players who experience unpredictable order volumes.

 

Recent Innovation Milestones:

• Cargotec's Kalmar division expanded its electric terminal tractor rentals in Europe (2023).

• Toyota Material Handling launched a smart rental platform with usage analytics and mobile booking (2022).

• Hyster -Yale Group introduced hydrogen fuel cell forklifts into rental fleets across select North American ports.

As innovation becomes a critical differentiator, rental providers are partnering with OEMs and startups to enhance digital capabilities, minimize unplanned downtime, and extend asset lifespan.

Industry experts anticipate that AI-driven maintenance planning and blockchain -based asset tracking will be integral to next-generation rental ecosystems.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The material handling equipment rental market is moderately consolidated, with global OEMs, regional rental giants, and emerging tech-integrated service providers vying for market share. Competitive dynamics are largely influenced by fleet availability, digital service capabilities, geographic reach, and ability to offer value-added services such as maintenance, operator training, and flexible rental contracts.

Key Players and Strategic Profiles:

1. Toyota Material Handling (Toyota Industries Corporation)
Toyota’s rental division has a significant footprint in both North America and Europe , offering an extensive range of electric and IC forklifts , stackers, reach trucks, and tow tractors. The company differentiates through:

• In-house manufacturing integration

• Smart fleet analytics and remote diagnostics

• On-site support and tailored contracts for large-scale logistics operations Toyota’s “Rental+” program enables customized subscription models with automatic fleet replenishment for warehousing clients.

 

2. United Rentals
As one of the largest equipment rental companies globally , United Rentals commands substantial share in North America , with expanding presence in Canada and select European countries. It offers:

• Cranes, hoists, and forklifts

• IoT -enabled asset monitoring

• 24/7 on-site service and fleet swap guarantees The firm is actively expanding its sustainability-aligned offerings , including hybrid aerial lifts and battery-powered pallet jacks.

 

3. Jungheinrich AG
A major player in Europe , Jungheinrich combines equipment rental with warehouse automation services , especially for logistics and automotive clients. Their digital platform supports:

• Online fleet tracking

• Automated invoicing

• Usage-based maintenance intervals Jungheinrich has piloted autonomous forklift rentals in Germany and is planning rollout in Benelux and Nordic regions.

 

4. Kion Group (Linde Material Handling & STILL )
Kion , with its Linde and STILL brands, offers short and long-term rentals across Asia-Pacific and Europe , focusing on:

• Energy-efficient models (lithium-ion powered)

• Fleet digitization for predictive uptime

• Flexible terms for retail and manufacturing sectors Kion’s “Rent instead of own” campaign positions them as an enabler of circular economy logistics.

 

5. Herc Rentals
Strong in the U.S. and Canadian industrial construction sectors , Herc Rentals has diversified its portfolio to include:

• Forklifts, telehandlers , aerial platforms

• Heavy-duty material movers for mining and infrastructure projects They offer project-based rentals with site deployment teams, making them a go-to partner for complex terrain operations.

 

6. Ashtead Group (Sunbelt Rentals)
Based in the UK and operating heavily in the U.S., Ashtead’s Sunbelt Rentals division covers:

• Customized warehousing packages

• Emergency and disaster-response logistics equipment

• Mobile racking and handling solutions They are exploring AI-based asset utilization tools to optimize rental turnover.

 

7. Briggs Equipment
This U.S.-based provider partners with Yale and Hyster to offer tailored material handling rental solutions in the southern U.S. and Mexico . It focuses on:

• Service-heavy contracts

• Same-day replacement delivery

• Electric vehicle-first fleets aligned with green logistics zones

Each competitor is evolving toward digitally managed, eco-friendly rental fleets that reduce downtime and improve asset ROI—core factors influencing vendor selection today.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The adoption of material handling equipment rentals varies widely across regions, shaped by economic development, infrastructure maturity, regulatory mandates, and industry vertical activity. While North America and Europe remain established rental markets, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa are emerging as high-growth zones, driven by industrialization, smart warehousing, and demand for short-term scalable solutions.

North America

• Market Share Leader (2024) : North America accounts for a significant portion of global revenue due to early adoption of asset-light logistics and well-established rental ecosystems.

  • The U.S. is the regional anchor, with construction, automotive, and e-commerce warehouses among the primary rental consumers.

  • Labor shortages and rising equipment costs have pushed companies to prefer rental + operator bundles.

  • Increasing electrification mandates in states like California are propelling demand for electric handling equipment.

Major players such as United Rentals, Herc Rentals, and Toyota Material Handling dominate this space with nationwide coverage and digital rental portals.

 

Europe

• Europe follows closely, with strong activity in Germany, the UK, France, and the Nordics .

  • The region is marked by green logistics initiatives , pushing rental companies to phase out diesel fleets and adopt zero-emission forklifts and cranes .

  • Warehouse automation and rental integration are key trends in Germany and the Netherlands, supported by labor cost optimization efforts.

  • Strict health, safety, and emissions regulations make rental partnerships more attractive than ownership , especially in SMEs.

Jungheinrich , Kion Group, and Linde are prominent in Europe’s evolving rental-as-a-service model.

 

Asia Pacific

• Fastest-Growing Region (2024–2030) with a CAGR exceeding 8.5%.

  • Growth is led by China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam , where infrastructure projects, smart city rollouts, and industrial parks are booming.

  • In India, warehousing demand has surged post-GST reforms and e-commerce expansion, making forklift and pallet jack rentals a common choice.

  • Chinese ports and manufacturers increasingly favor telehandler rentals for short-duration tasks and cost containment.

However, the market is fragmented, and local partnerships are key for OEMs looking to penetrate smaller Tier II/III cities.

 

Latin America

• Brazil and Mexico represent rental hotspots in South America.

  • Growth is moderate but consistent, especially in construction and mining sectors where high capital expenditure deters equipment ownership.

  • Local firms often prefer short-term rentals, and import tariffs on heavy equipment make domestic rental more economical.

 

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

• The region is becoming a strategic expansion target for rental firms due to upcoming infrastructure mega-projects (e.g., NEOM in Saudi Arabia , port expansions in UAE and Egypt).

  • GCC countries are adopting rental models for airport, oil & gas, and smart logistics hubs .

  • South Africa is showing signs of increased warehousing activity, with forklift rentals becoming more common among FMCG companies.

However, the lack of local service infrastructure in many parts of Africa still constrains large-scale adoption.

In summary, while developed regions lead in adoption and digital maturity, emerging economies offer untapped potential—particularly where capital constraints, rising labor costs, and rapid urbanization converge.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The material handling equipment rental market serves a diverse range of end users, each with unique operational challenges and efficiency goals. Renting offers a flexible, low-risk solution for industries that need to scale equipment use dynamically in response to demand fluctuations, project timelines, or cost constraints.

Key End-User Segments:

1. Construction Firms

• Widely adopt telehandlers , cranes, and forklifts for project-specific requirements.

• Rentals are essential for short-term usage during high-load phases such as steelwork, concrete pouring, and modular assembly.

• Especially valuable in emerging markets, where large infrastructure and road development projects are time-bound and cost-sensitive.

 

2. Manufacturing Plants

• Use conveyors, stackers, and pallet trucks to streamline internal material flow and inventory control.

• Seasonal production surges (e.g., in the automotive and consumer electronics sectors) lead to temporary increases in demand for material handling support.

• Long-term rentals with maintenance contracts reduce unexpected downtimes and optimize OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).

 

3. Warehousing & Logistics Providers

• Represent one of the fastest-growing end-user segments globally.

• Require forklifts, ASRS systems, and mobile shelving solutions on a flexible basis to manage inbound and outbound flows.

• Rental services are often bundled with operator training, fleet tracking, and maintenance guarantees , ensuring operational continuity in high-throughput environments.

 

4. Ports, Shipping Yards & Airports

• Use specialized equipment like container handlers and telescopic cranes for bulk and cargo movement.

• Rental contracts enable scalability for peak import/export seasons or during infrastructure upgrades.

• Downtime costs in such facilities are high—making fleet redundancy through rentals a critical contingency tool.

 

5. Mining and Energy Sector

• Utilize heavy-duty cranes, tuggers , and hoists for underground or terrain-challenged environments.

• Rentals are preferred due to the temporary nature of mining operations , where equipment needs vary dramatically over time.

• Safety certification and compliance checks are crucial, and rental providers offer pre-inspected, ready-for-deployment units .

 

Featured Use Case:

A major e-commerce fulfillment center in South Korea faced a rapid demand surge during the holiday season. To avoid capital expenditure and long lead times, the operations team rented a fleet of 20 electric forklifts and 10 autonomous pallet movers from a regional rental provider for a 3-month term. The equipment was integrated with their existing WMS (Warehouse Management System) and included remote diagnostics and support. As a result, the center handled a 28% increase in order volume without delays or overburdening internal logistics.

This case underscores how short-term equipment rentals not only offer cost advantages but also improve supply chain responsiveness and service levels in high-pressure environments.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (2022–2024)

• Toyota Material Handling launched its next-gen rental platform in 2023, integrating AI-based usage tracking and predictive maintenance alerts for electric forklifts across Europe and North America.

• Jungheinrich AG announced a partnership with robotics firm Magazino in 2023 to offer autonomous pallet movers on a rental basis , aimed at streamlining logistics operations in e-commerce and pharmaceutical sectors.

• United Rentals introduced its first “Green Rental Fleet” initiative in early 2024, featuring lithium-ion powered forklifts and telehandlers designed to meet stricter emission regulations in the U.S. and Canada.

• Sunbelt Rentals (Ashtead Group) expanded its presence in Southeast Asia with a new warehouse and rental logistics center in Singapore (2022), targeting smart warehousing clients.

• Kion Group integrated blockchain -based asset tracking for their short-term rental fleet in late 2022 to improve equipment traceability and prevent underutilization in large rental hubs.

 

Opportunities

•  Accelerating E-commerce Fulfillment Needs : Rising demand for flexible and scalable warehousing operations presents a strong opportunity for equipment rental companies to offer pay-as-you-go handling solutions bundled with automation features.

• Shift to Sustainable Logistics : Governments and corporate ESG mandates are pushing for zero-emission fleets , opening up rental markets for electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered material handling equipment .

• Rising Adoption in Emerging Economies : As SMEs in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam become more industrialized, rentals offer a cost-effective alternative to equipment ownership, especially in warehousing and light manufacturing.

 

Restraints

• High Maintenance and Logistics Costs : Maintaining uptime, ensuring availability, and managing multi-location logistics add operational burden to rental firms, especially for heavy or custom-built equipment.

• Lack of Standardization in Equipment Interfaces : Incompatibility between rented equipment and existing systems (e.g., WMS, ERP) can hinder seamless operational integration , particularly in automated environments.
   

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 14.2 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 21.1 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.8% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Equipment Type, By End User, By Rental Duration, By Geography
By Equipment Type	Forklifts, Cranes, Conveyors, Pallet Jacks, Telehandlers, ASRS
By End User	Construction, Manufacturing, Warehousing & Logistics, Mining, Ports & Retail
By Rental Duration	Short-Term, Long-Term, Project-Based
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, etc.
Market Drivers	Asset-light logistics, demand for scalability, environmental regulations
Customization Option	Available upon request