Rental customers today, whether big or small, can take a project from the groundbreaking stage to its ribbon cutting using only a single vendor. This ability was practically unheard of in the days when specialized equipment came from a fragmented array of local rental operators. Years ago, contractors and builders turned to a variety of sources for their rental equipment needs. A project manager, for instance, would rent a bulldozer from one location to break ground on a project, then months later rent aerial lifts from another local shop to install the building's lighting and make finishing touches.

The benefits of the "one-stop-shopping" approach are limitless - it streamlines the rental process, provides quality merchandise and superior service, and cuts operating costs. In the year 2000 and beyond, rental customers will turn to a select group of vendors who can handle all of their rental needs.

We live by this approach at NationsRent and act as a full-service rental solution for our customers in more than 26 states. We offer a full range of construction and industrial equipment, and the breadth of equipment, experience and services customers need to keep their costs down and operations running smoothly.

Like our customers, we have also chosen a few select suppliers to provide the company's rental equipment. With national scope and greater buying power, NationsRent is able to offer brands of equipment they know and trust such as John Deere, New Holland, JLG, JCB, Volvo, Ingersoll-Rand, Vermeer, Case and Omniquip. By providing only top-of-the-line brands, we guarantee our customers the very best in equipment.

In the construction industry, time is money. A broken piece of equipment equals a stalled project and wasted employee hours. It is important to minimize downtime by providing the best, most reliable equipment. Smaller rental operations frequently have older fleets that are more susceptible to breakdowns and service problems. By keeping a relatively new rental fleet, a larger company can minimize service issues. And when equipment breaks down, we offer 24-hour on-site repair or quick replacement from a nearby location. Smaller vendors cannot guarantee the same degree of service, and the customers suffer as they wait for parts and service.

The trend toward one-stop shopping applies to both small and large rental customers. A large company that looks for one national source to handle its equipment needs can free up valuable capital from equipment for utilization elsewhere. For smaller construction companies and contractors, owned fleets are smaller, and rental equipment allows them the opportunity to handle a broader range of jobs. In addition, the market is more competitive for localized, smaller contractors, and the right rental equipment at the right price can provide a competitive edge.

Service will be a key issue in the next decade, as the one-stop shops provide a broader scope of service. Both large and small contractors will outsource their service departments to the same rental companies that provide their equipment.