Forklift Rental Market Booms USD 10.90 Bn in 2034 at 5.44% CAGR

Forklift Rental Market Growth Drivers, Challenges, Opportunities and Leading Players

Analysts project the forklift rental industry to expand from USD 6.42 billion in 2024 to USD 10.90 billion by 2034, marking a CAGR of 5.44% through the decade. The forklift rental market is led by Asia Pacific (35%) and dominated by electric forklifts (55%), below 3 tons capacity (50%), warehouse & logistics (40%), indoor operations (36%), and long-term rentals (65%), while MEA, e-commerce, 3–5 tons, and monthly rentals show fastest growth.

The forklift rental market is forecasted to expand from USD 6.77 billion in 2025 to USD 10.90 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.44% from 2025 to 2034. The growing demand for flexible material handling solutions along with rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector has boosted the market expansion. Also, rise in number of logistics warehouses coupled with increasing popularity of forklift rental services is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape.

The increasing adoption of electric forklifts in the manufacturing sector as well as integration of IoT in forklifts is expected to create ample growth opportunities for the market players in the upcoming days.

Forklift Rental Market Growth and Trends 2025

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Introduction

The forklift rental market is a prominent branch of the automotive industry. This industry deals in providing forklift rental services different parts of the world. There are numerous types of equipment rented by this sector including electric forklifts, internal combustion engine forklifts, warehouse forklifts, heavy-duty forklifts and some others. These forklifts come with different load capacity consisting of below 3 tons, 3-5 tons, 5-10 tons, above 10 tons and some others. It is used in various types of industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace and defense, warehouse & logistics, retail, manufacturing, e-commerce, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and some others. This market is expected to rise significantly with the growth of the manufacturing sector around the globe.

Highlights of the Forklift Rental Market

  • Asia Pacific generated highest revenue of the forklift rental market with a share of around 35%.
  • Middle East & Africa is expected to rise with the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By equipment type, the electric forklift segment led the market with a share of around 55%.
  • By equipment type, the warehouse forklift segment is expected to rise with a significant CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By load capacity, the below 3 tons segment led the market with a share of around 50%.
  • By load capacity, the 3-5 tons segment is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By end use industry, the warehouse & logistics segment dominated the market with a share of around 40%.
  • By end use industry, the e-commerce segment is expected to rise with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By application, the indoor operations segment dominated the market with a share of around 36%.
  • By application, the specialized application segment is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By rental duration, the long-term rentals segment dominated the market with a share of around 65%.
  • By rental duration, the monthly segment is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

The major trends in this market consists of partnerships, advancements in battery technology and rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector.

Partnerships

  • Numerous real estate companies are partnering with material handling brands for launching forklift rental services. For instance, in July 2025, SILA partnered with Nilkamal. This partnership is done for launching a forklift rental service in India.

Advancements in Battery Technology

  • Various battery manufacturers are investing heavily for developing high-quality batteries to cater the needs of forklifts. For instance, in March 2025, Green Cubes Technology launched a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. These batteries are specifically designed for electric forklifts.

Rapid Expansion of the E-Commerce Sector

  • The rapid growth in the e-commerce industry has increased the demand for advanced material handling equipment to enhance the delivery procedure. According to the International Trade Administration, the global e-commerce industry is expected to reach US$ 36163 billion in 2026.

Equipment Type Insights

How did the Electric Forklift Segment Led the Forklift Rental Market in 2025?

The electric forklift segment led the forklift rental market with a share of around 55%. The growing demand for eco-friendly material handling equipment from the e-commerce sector has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, rapid investment by battery manufacturers for developing high-quality forklift batteries is contributing to the industry in a positive manner. Moreover, numerous government initiatives aimed at lowering industrial emission coupled with technological advancements in electric counterbalance forklift is expected to propel the growth of the forklift rental market.

  • In September 2024, Crown Equipment launched a new range of electric forklifts. These forklifts are equipped with several features such as AC traction control, roomy floorboards, easy grip handles and some others.

The warehouse forklift segment is expected to expand with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growing use of reach trucks and order pickers in warehouses to efficiently lift and move pallets of goods at high altitudes has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, rapid investment by logistics companies for integrating advanced material handling equipment in modern warehouses is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, the rising application of stackers and pallet jacks in smart warehouses for moving heavy loads across short distances is expected to foster the growth of the forklift rental market.

  • In August 2024, Clark launched a new range of pallet trucks. These pallet trucks are designed for operating numerous tasks in modern warehouses.

Load Capacity Insights

What Made the Below 3 Tons to be the Most Dominant Segment of the Forklift Rental Market in 2025?

The below 3 tons segment dominated the forklift rental market with a share of around 50%. The growing use of low-capacity forklifts in the retail sector for moving small goods from one place to another has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, the increasing emphasis of e-commerce brands to adopt electric forklifts (below 3 tons) for lowering emission is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, rapid investment by forklift manufacturers and rental companies to deploy low-capacity forklifts in residential sector is expected to foster the growth of the forklift rental market.

The 3-5 tons segment is expected to expand with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing application of 3-5 tons forklifts in the logistics sector for transporting bulk shipments in warehouses has driven the market growth. Also, the growing use of heavy-duty forklift in the construction industry along with its numerous operations in the automotive sector is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, surge in demand for high-capacity forklifts from the manufacturing sector is expected to drive the growth of the forklift rental market.

  • In May 2025, HD Hyundai launched a new range of electric heavy-duty forklifts in South Korea. This new range of forklifts are designed to carry loads of around 4 tons.

End Use Industry Insights

What Made the Warehouse & Logistics Segment to Lead the Forklift Rental Market in 2025?

The warehouse & logistics segment led the forklift rental market with a share of around 40%. The growing emphasis of logistics companies to deploy advanced material handling equipment in their storage facilities has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, rapid investment by logistics brands for constructing smart warehouses is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, partnerships among logistics operators and forklift rental companies is expected to boost the growth of the forklift rental market.

The e-commerce segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The rapid expansion of the e-commerce industry in several countries including the U.S., Canada, China, India and some others has boosted the market expansion. Also, rising investment by e-commerce brands such as Amazon, Walmart, Flipkart and some others to deploy electric forklifts in their storage facilities is contributing to the industry in a positive manner. Moreover, collaboration among online shopping platforms and forklift rental companies is expected to drive the growth of the forklift rental market.

Application Insights

Why did the Indoor Operations Segment Held the Largest Share of the Forklift Rental Market in 2025?

The indoor operations segment led the market with a share of around 36%. The growing use of forklifts in modern warehouses for transporting bulk goods from one place to another has driven the market expansion. Additionally, the increasing application of heavy-duty forklifts in e-commerce storage facilities coupled with numerous advantages of forklifts in indoor operations is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, joint ventures among logistics brands and rental companies to deploy electric forklifts in smart warehouses is expected to boost the growth of the forklift rental market.

The specialized application segment is expected to rise with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The rising use of heavy-duty forklifts in cold storage warehouses has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, the deployment of electric forklifts for handling automated guided vehicles (AGVs) is contributing to the industry in a positive manner. Moreover, the increasing emphasis of chemical brands for handling hazardous materials is expected to propel the growth of the forklift rental market.

Rental Duration Insights

Why did the Long-term Rentals Segment Held the Largest Share of the Forklift Rental Market in 2025?

The long-term rentals segment led the industry with a share of around 65%. The rising emphasis of logistics companies to adopt long-term forklift rental services has driven the market expansion. Additionally, numerous advantages of long-term rental services including low maintenance cost, less regulatory scrutiny, potential tax benefits, less management effort and some others is expected to drive the growth of the forklift rental market.

The monthly segment is expected to rise with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing adoption of monthly forklift subscription services by SMEs has boosted the market growth. Also, numerous benefits of monthly services including flexibility, predictable costs, high income potential and some others is expected to boost the growth of the forklift rental market.

Geographical Insights

Why Asia Pacific Dominated the Forklift Rental Market in 2025?

Asia Pacific dominated the forklift rental market with a share of around 35%. The growing development in the e-commerce sector in several countries such as India, China, Japan, South Korea and some others has boosted the market expansion. Also, rise in number of logistics warehouses coupled with technological advancements in the automotive sector is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, the presence of numerous market players such as XCMG Group, ZPMC, Hyundai Construction Equipment, Doosan Bobcat and some others is expected to drive the growth of the forklift rental market in this region.

  • In February 2024, Bobcat Company launched a new range of forklifts in South Korea. These forklifts are designed for the logistics sector of this nation.

Middle East & Africa is expected to expand with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The rapid growth in the oil and gas industry in various nations such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and some others has boosted the market growth. Also, rapid adoption of electric forklifts in the manufacturing sector coupled with rise in number of forklift rental companies is contributing to the industry in a positive manner. Moreover, the presence of various market players such as Linde Material Handling, GENAVCO, Liftstein, CHL Material Handling and some others is expected to boost the growth of the forklift rental market in this region.

  • In November 2024, Linde Material Handling launched Linde 1251 electric forklift in the Middle East. This forklift is designed for the e-commerce sector of this region.

Industry Leader Announcement

  • In July 2025, Andrei Geikalo, the founder and CEO of MyCrane made an announcement stating that, “From day one, MyCrane has sought to simplify and modernize the crane rental process, With the introduction of our auction module, we’re taking another big step forward, offering customers complete visibility of supplier pricing in real time, while helping our partners compete on a level playing field."

Competitive Landscape

The forklift rental market is a rapidly developing industry with the presence of several dominating players. Some of the prominent companies in this industry consists of SANY Group, XCMG Group, Toyota Industries Corporation, KION Group (Linde, Baoli), Jungheinrich AG, Crown Equipment Corporation, Mitsubishi Logisnext, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Doosan Bobcat, Hangcha Group, Lonking Holdings Limited, Komatsu Ltd., Clark Material Handling Company, UniCarriers Americas Corporation, Hyundai Construction Equipment, Manitou Group, Moffett Forklifts, Kalmar (Cargotec), ZPMC (Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries), Nissan Forklift Corporation and some others. These companies are constantly engaged in providing forklift rental services and adopting numerous strategies such as acquisitions, collaborations, launches, partnerships, business expansions, joint ventures and some others to maintain their dominance in this industry.

  • In May 2025, Hangcha Group announced to inaugurate a new outlet in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. This new outlet is opened to enhance the forklift rental and sales operations across the South East Asia.
  • In April 2025, Kalmar announced to open a new heavy forklift manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China. This new production facility is inaugurated to enhance the production of forklifts for the consumers of China.

Kion Group Revenue in Million Euros (2023-24)

  • According to the annual report of Kion Group, the revenue of the company in 2023 was 1163.60 million euros that increased to 1190.3 million euros in 2024.

Recent Developments

  • In January 2025, United Rentals acquired H&E Equipment Services, Inc. This acquisition is done for launching a material handling equipment rental service across the U.S.
  • In December 2024, Jungheinrich launched a forklift subscription service. This new service is designed for the small and large logistics companies in Germany.
  • In September 2024, Bacon launched Bacon Rentals. Bacon Rentals is a forklift rental platform designed to cater the needs of consumers across Hawai.

Top Forklift Rental Market Players

Forklift Rental Market Top Key Players

  • Toyota Industries Corporation
  • KION Group (Linde, Baoli)
  • Jungheinrich AG
  • Crown Equipment Corporation
  • Mitsubishi Logisnext
  • Hyster-Yale Materials Handling
  • Komatsu Ltd.
  • Clark Material Handling Company
  • UniCarriers Americas Corporation
  • Hyundai Construction Equipment
  • Manitou Group
  • Moffett Forklifts
  • Kalmar (Cargotec)
  • SANY Group
  • XCMG Group
  • ZPMC (Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries)
  • Nissan Forklift Corporation
  • Doosan Bobcat
  • Hangcha Group
  • Lonking Holdings Limited

Forklift Rental Market Segments

By Equipment Type

  • Electric Forklifts
    • Lead-Acid Battery
    • Lithium-Ion Battery
  • Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
    • Diesel
    • Gasoline
    • LPG/CNG
  • Warehouse Forklifts
    • Reach Trucks
    • Order Pickers
    • Stackers
    • Pallet Jacks
  • Heavy-Duty Forklifts
    • Counterbalance
    • Rough Terrain
    • Telescopic Handlers

By Load Capacity

  • Below 3 Tons
  • 3–5 Tons
  • 5–10 Tons
  • Above 10 Tons

By End Use Industry

  • Construction
  • Automotive
  • E-commerce
  • Food & Beverage
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Chemicals
  • Aerospace & Defense
  • Warehouse & Logistics
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing

By Application

  • Indoor Operations
    • Warehousing
    • Storage
    • Inventory Management
  • Outdoor Operations
    • Construction Sites
    • Ports & Terminals
    • Yards & Depots
  • Specialized Applications
    • Cold Storage
    • Hazardous Materials Handling
    • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

By Rental Duration

  • Short-Term Rentals
    • Daily
    • Weekly
  • Long-Term Rentals
    • Monthly
    • Quarterly

By Region

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
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  • Insight Code: 1795
  • No. of Pages: 150
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 19 August 2025
  • Report Covered: Revenue + Volume
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Ajit Bansod is a skilled and research-driven analyst at Towards Automotive, with over 3 years of experience specializing in the intersection of automotive innovation and intelligent communication technologies.

Learn more about Ajit Bansod

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years of experience in automotive market research, specializes in tracking trends across vehicle technologies, mobility solutions, and materials innovation. She delivers accurate, actionable insights that drive excellence in the automotive sector—fueling strategies around electrification, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

FAQ's

Growth is driven by the e-commerce boom, demand for flexible and cost-effective material handling solutions, and the shift towards electric forklifts to meet sustainability goals. Additionally, the need for advanced warehouse automation and IoT-enabled forklifts is shaping market expansion.

Asia Pacific leads with around 35% market share due to strong e-commerce and manufacturing activity, while the Middle East & Africa is set to grow at the highest CAGR, supported by oil & gas expansion, rising logistics infrastructure, and increasing adoption of electric forklifts.

Electric forklifts dominate with a 55% share due to emission regulations and eco-friendly demand. Meanwhile, warehouse forklifts (reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks) are expected to grow rapidly, fueled by smart warehouse and e-commerce adoption.

Forklifts with a below 3 tons capacity account for ~50% share, largely used in retail and e-commerce. However, the 3–5 tons segment is expected to grow fastest, especially for bulk shipments in logistics and construction applications.

The warehouse & logistics industry (40% share) dominates due to rising automation and storage demand. The e-commerce sector is the fastest-growing, with players like Amazon and Flipkart adopting electric forklifts to improve efficiency and meet sustainability goals.

Key trends include partnerships between logistics and rental firms, advancements in battery technologies (e.g., lithium iron phosphate batteries), and the expansion of subscription-based forklift rental models targeting SMEs.

Integration of IoT, telematics, and automation in forklifts is improving fleet efficiency, predictive maintenance, and safety. Additionally, electric and lithium-ion battery forklifts are replacing diesel units, driven by regulations and corporate sustainability mandates.

Major players include Toyota Industries Corporation, KION Group, Jungheinrich, Crown Equipment, Mitsubishi Logisnext, Hyster-Yale, Komatsu, Hyundai Construction Equipment, Doosan Bobcat, and Hangcha Group. They are expanding via partnerships, acquisitions, and new product launches.

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