United Rentals launches online ordering system

The largest rental company in the world, United Rentals, has introduced an online equipment rental platform for North America.

The company said its new e-commerce service allowed renters to browse, price, reserve and schedule equipment through any internet-enabled device. It said the service fully automated the selection, order, confirmation and payment process, and was available to all registered commercial and consumer renters.

United Rentals said the system automatically checked inventory availability at the branches closest to the jobsite, and input order details directly into the rental enterprise system. The customer selected rental dates, delivery and payment options, and if desired, can call or live-chat for assistance at any time, according to the company.

Chris Hummel, chief marketing officer of United Rentals, said, “We are committed to satisfying each customer’s job requirements with the best choice, easiest access and highest availability. Sometimes this means adopting a very consultative approach, but it can also mean delivering a streamlined approach for customers who know exactly what equipment they need.

“As digital transactions have become the norm in many industries, we’ve created a self-service shopping experience that is information-rich, mobile friendly and simple to use for those renters who want to operate in a more digital manner.”

It said functionality included in the United Rentals online rental service included a search function to locate equipment by category and location, instant quotations, interactive calendars, flexible options and payment choices. Desktop and mobile access, including an app for smartphones and tablets, is also available.

United Rentals offers construction and industrial equipment rental, trench safety, temporary power, climate control, fluid transfer, tool management and technology services through 895 rental branches in the United States and Canada.