New ARA report significantly upgrades U.S. rental industry growth.

The American Rental Association (ARA) has upgraded its forecast of 2026 industry growth from 02.3 percent to 2.8 percent, writes International Rental News magazine.

The report, presented at the ARA Show in March, was prepared by the ARA and research consultant S&P Global. It forecast 3.7 percent growth in 2027 and 4.2 percent in 2028.

International Rental News says the ARA rental penetration index rose to 59.5 percent for the fifth consecutive year of growth. The penetration index is the proportion of rental equipment in the active total fleet in the market.

Tom Doyle, ARA vice president, program development, said: “Our rental penetration model hit a new record as contractors, construction firms and other users continue to recognise the value of renting. Our 2026 forecast and the results from our quarterly member survey calls for another year of moderate growth for the equipment rental markets.”

Among the sources propelling the expected growth are positive economic conditions, continuation of rental penetration increases and expansion of specialty rentals.