On construction sites, during renovations, or at industrial facilities, equipment is often rented temporarily for specific tasks. The United Rentals logo is associated with a company that rents excavators, lifts, generators, and other construction and industrial equipment. The United Rentals brand operates a service that supplies equipment to contractors and work crews.
United Rentals began operations in 1997 after the merger of U.S. Rentals and Rental Service Corporation. These companies operated on different coasts of the United States. The merger created a fleet of 40,000 pieces of equipment and attracted $100 million in expansion funding. The company immediately began large-scale market consolidation, acquiring dozens of small rental firms. By 1999, the network had about 200 locations and more than 200,000 pieces of equipment.
In 2001, United Rentals acquired Rentals Unlimited for $165 million. In 2007, it announced plans to merge with RSC Equipment Rental. The deal did not take place. During the 2008–2009 crisis, the company reduced its workforce and fleet size to lower its debt burden.
After the market recovered, United Rentals completed the $4.2 billion acquisition of RSC in 2012. This enabled it to take a leading position in the industry, with a market share exceeding 30%. In the following years, the company invested in digital technologies and new rental categories.
In 2014, an online platform for equipment booking was launched. In 2015, United Rentals acquired National Pump for $780 million. In 2017, it purchased NES Rentals. In 2018, telematics for equipment monitoring began to be implemented.
In 2021, amid growth in infrastructure projects, United Rentals achieved record revenue. In the same year, the company acquired Ahern Rentals. In 2022, the introduction of electrified equipment began. In 2023, a rental program for construction robots was launched.
The company operates a fleet of more than 700,000 pieces of equipment. Its network includes over 1,400 locations in the United States, Canada, and Europe. It serves construction, industrial, and municipal organizations.
Meaning and History
What is United Rentals?
It is a global leader in equipment rental for construction, industrial, and energy sectors. The company provides machinery for earthmoving, road, and concrete work, as well as equipment for high-altitude projects. It operates its own fleet of machines, repair service, and delivery system. Flexible rental terms and a wide selection of equipment make its services in demand among construction, utility, and government organizations.
1997 – today
United Rentals developed into a network of many equipment rental locations. The brand needed a symbol that conveyed a shared system, order, and connection between different parts of the business.
The symbol is based on two curved arcs. They form a ribbon or a closed ring with a small break. One part is gray, the other is blue. The twisted ribbon shape symbolizes the unification of disparate elements into a single network.
Next to the emblem, the brand name is placed on two lines. The inscription is set in bold italic type, with the letters slanting to the right. In style, the typeface is close to “Univers Italic” or “Helvetica Neue Condensed Bold Italic.” The text looks businesslike and compact.



