Revolutionising the transport landscape: Innovations in heavy-duty equipment rentals

A row of prime movers for hire from Rentco

Rentco has been in business for 30 years, and have established ourselves as a leading provider in the heavy duty transport equipment hire market.

We’ve seen the industry change significantly over this time. We’ve seen practices and processes change for the better. We’ve seen new technology quite literally come online. And we’ve seen a shift in how people think about transportation.

But being a leader in the industry doesn’t mean we rest on our laurels. Quite the opposite.

Here are three key areas of innovation we focus on that have ensured we remain one of Australia’s most trusted transport equipment hire companies.

Adapting to change

At Rentco, we don’t just do things because that’s the way they’ve always been done. From day one, our company was founded on the idea of being flexible in our operations. To be flexible to our clients’ needs: learning what they need to support their business operations, and delivering it.

And much like listening to our clients’ changing needs, we also listen carefully to the market.

Technology has played a huge part in industry changes, particularly with the disruption we’ve seen in the last 10 years alone. We’ve seen the rise of mobile technology, and improvements in platforms that have led to significant changes in our reporting and operating systems. Our communication channels and methods have all shifted to keep pace with a more connected lifestyle.

Connectivity has been a big innovation that we have adopted in our fleet. We’ve seen GPS tracking emerge on the scene, the rise of telematics and remote monitoring, and the integration of IoT-enabled tracking equipment—and recently, the emergence of AI.

We truly live in an era of disruption. And while we have an idea what’s coming our way in the next 12 months—maybe even 24 months—we don’t know for certain what’s around the next corner. We can only speculate.

So we keep our fingers on the pulse and our ears to the ground to identify how our client needs are changing, and how we need to adapt in line as a business.

Deploying new technology in our fleet

Part of our adaptability is identifying and delivering on the best transport equipment hire options that keep up to speed with our customers’ evolution. To deliver on this, we have made sure to integrate exciting new technologies into our fleet.

The latest vehicles

Take our vehicle range. What was current and modern 10 years ago has been far surpassed by what’s available today. To continue to meet these changes, we update our vehicles regularly to ensure they remain in top condition and continue to deliver operation efficiencies.

For example, all of our dual cab utes are late model Nissan Navara 4x4s. With turbo diesel engines, full mine spec, and internal roll over protection systems, they deliver the power and safety you’d expect from a modern hire vehicle. But compare this with 10 or 15 years ago, and they’re far more advanced and efficient than what we used to have in our fleet.

Integrating new technology

The recent arrival of 12 new Terberg YT200EV fully-electric terminal tractors was a step change for our business.

We recognise that electric vehicles are the future, so are introducing them for our customers where they make the most sense.

After all, terminal tractors spend most of their time operating in freight yards and warehouses. And these short, sharp trips aren’t particularly fuel efficient. And the spaces they work in get loud, and busy.

Including electric vehicles into our fleet helps our clients to reduce their ongoing fuel consumption per machine, while reducing ongoing engine maintenance. Their electric engines generate less noise, creating a more comfortable working environment.

Our aim is to introduce technologies that improve our customers’ operating processes, while driving their projects and delivering success.

Supporting growing markets

Listening to what our customers need ensures we continue to have a high volume of vehicles and equipment to support their evolving business requirements.

We’ve recently seen an uptick in infrastructure and mining projects around the country. They’ve needed extra transport equipment hire to support their delivery—and Rentco has been able to accommodate.

The Fast Moving Consumable Goods segment has been booming in recent months, too. And with our range of trucks and trailers, we’ve been able to keep up with demand, and support these businesses to grow.

Listening to the market also means keeping a look out for niches that we don’t currently service, but may require transport equipment rental hire.

For example, as part of the nationwide Performance Based Standards scheme, we’ve seen more call for lower carbon emissions and higher productivity vehicles. The scheme aims to achieve higher productivity and safety through innovative and optimised vehicle design, so our customers are looking for vehicles that are better designed, more efficient, and up to date with future emissions requirements.

And we’re delivering on this. As well as our shift towards an electric fleet, we’ve also recently introduced the Volvo FH 500 Prime Mover into our fleet, too. This latest model combines power, safety, comfort, and efficiency into a future-fit vehicle, with a range of exciting technologies in the cab that support the operators on their long hauls.

Rentco will continue to deliver innovation in the transport equipment hire industry

At Rentco, we’re committed to supporting our clients in the way that they need, and adapting and evolving to changes as they come.

By continuing to champion the latest efficient and cleaner technologies, remaining open to market changes, and changing direction to capitalise on new markets, we’re continuing to deliver robust, reliable transport equipment hire to ensure our clients’ business thrive.

Looking for vehicles or equipment to support your business as it grows? Contact us today to enquire about transport equipment hire for your evolving needs.