ForConstructionPros.com

Let's discuss the rental process for 2009, 2010 and maybe 2011. Who knows, this may be the rental process going forward for many years...

Renting equipment in 2009 and beyond is going to be different from what you are accustomed to. There will be a lot of equipment available, some of it good and some of it bad. Rental rates will be all over the place, as well - again, some good and some bad.

Service is another story. There will be rental companies that have adequate staff, and there will be those who have cut back for any number of reasons and will not be able to repair your rental equipment within a reasonable time frame.

When you consider rental, your rental goals have to coincide with your goals for 2009 and beyond. What is your game plan for 2009 and how does rental fit into the program? If your goal is to bid on a lot of work covering different disciplines, having a good handle on rental equipment will be a must, because you cannot own enough equipment to meet your potential needs.

If your goal is to make money, you will need rental equipment to meet your needs, when you need it (with all the attachments to make your work easier), as well as reasonable rates and the service to keep you working.