Renting a forklift in Columbia offers flexibility for warehouse operations, construction projects, and industrial tasks without a long-term equipment commitment. The Columbia area has several established rental providers serving Richland and Lexington counties.
Rental Cost Estimates for Columbia
Forklift rental rates in Columbia follow national averages and tiered pricing structures . Standard 5,000 lb warehouse forklifts typically run $150 to $300 per day, with weekly rates from $450 to $900 and monthly rates from $1,200 to $2,400 depending on fuel type, capacity, and attachments .
Forklift Type Daily Rate Weekly Rate Monthly Rate
5,000 lb Cushion Tire (Indoor) $150 $393 $1,007
5,000 lb Electric Cushion Tire $182 $468 $1,248
5,000 lb Pneumatic Tire (Outdoor) $154 $442 $1,040
8,000 lb Pneumatic Tire $182 $442 $1,248
8,000 lb Cushion Tire $269 $624 $1,560
Quad Mast (High Lift) $234 — $1,248
Source: BigRentz pricing data
Key Pricing Insights:
The industry follows a 1-4-13 rule: weekly ≈ 4× daily rate; monthly ≈ 13× daily rate
Daily rates assume 8 engine hours; multi-shift operation incurs overtime charges ($8–$18/hour)
Most monthly rentals include 176 hours; excess hours are billed separately
Delivery fees typically range $100–$150 each way within a 25-mile radius
Damage waiver (optional but recommended) costs approximately 15% of the rental total
Factors That Affect Rates:
Peak Seasons: Prices increase during high-demand construction seasons
Tire Type: Pneumatic tires cost more than cushion tires
Power Source: Electric forklifts typically rent for more than propane/diesel models
Lift Capacity: Higher capacity forklifts command higher rates
Major Forklift Rental Providers in Columbia
United Rentals
Address: 1500 Bluff Rd, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 771-0037
Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed weekends
Equipment: Forklifts, telehandlers, aerial lifts (boom lifts, scissor lifts), earthmoving equipment (skid steers, excavators), tools, and jobsite support
Used Equipment Sales: Genie, SkyTrak, CASE
Service Area: Construction, industrial, and infrastructure projects throughout the Columbia area
Certified by United Rentals as of May 2026
G&W Equipment
Location: Columbia, SC (local branch)
Specialties: Locally owned and operated lift truck company; new and used forklift sales, rentals, parts, service, and repair
Brands: Backed by the best brands in the industry
Training: Optional forklift training available when renting or buying
Service Area: Columbia and surrounding South Carolina regions
G&W has nine locations across NC, SC, and GA
CMH Services
Address: 151 Greenlawn Dr, Columbia, SC 29209
Phone: (803) 695-0149
Founded: 1968
Specialties: New and used forklift sales, forklift rentals, service, repair, and parts supply
Service Area: Material handling solutions for Columbia and the surrounding region
Source: CB Insights company profile
Atlantic Forklift Services
Address: 1009B Ferguson St, Columbia, SC 29201
Specialties: Forklift sales, service, parts, repairs, and rentals
Service Coverage: North and South Carolina
Technical Capability: Technicians service all forklift makes and models
Additional Services: Full warehouse solutions provider
Source: MapQuest business listing
Carolina Industrial Trucks
Address: 3004 Charleston Hwy, West Columbia, SC 29172
Specialties: Forklift sales, rentals, service, parts, repairs, operator training, and warehouse products
Brands: Authorized dealer for Hyundai, Komatsu, and UniCarriers (formerly Nissan)
Operations: Charlotte-based, 100% locally owned with full-service locations in Columbia, Greenville, Charlotte, Statesville, and Monroe
Source: MapQuest business listing
Herc Rentals
Address: 131 Cort Rd, Columbia, SC 29203
Phone: (803) 786-2900
Equipment: Forklift trucks, aerial lifts, air compressors, bulldozers, cranes, dump trucks, excavators, generators, hoppers, and industrial equipment
Source: Chamber of Commerce listing
BigRentz (Online Rental Marketplace)
Service Area: Columbia and West Columbia, SC
Phone: (855) 837-9124
Specialty: Online equipment rental marketplace sourcing from a network of local suppliers in Richland and Lexington counties
Advantage: Single-source supplier for multiple equipment types; can source from multiple suppliers to get the best rates
Equipment: Warehouse forklifts, counterbalance forklifts, industrial forklifts, telehandlers, rough terrain forklifts, pallet jacks
Source: BigRentz website
Thompson Rentals & Sales
Address: 6165 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
Customer Review: "I needed a forklift to lift 3000 pounds. I asked to have it by 9 am. It was there by 7 am! The BEST SERVICE ever!" — Anna Paige D. (2 reviews)
Rating: Positive customer feedback for timely delivery and friendly service
Source: MapQuest customer review
Equipment Types Available
Through Columbia providers, you can rent the following forklift classes :
Class Best For Daily Rate Range
Class I — Electric Counterbalance Indoor warehouse, zero emissions, quiet operation; ideal for food, retail, pharma $175 – $275
Class IV — LP Cushion Tire Indoor, smooth floors, high-throughput distribution; propane-powered, faster refuel $165 – $260
Class V — Diesel Pneumatic Outdoor lumber, construction, yard work; pneumatic tires handle rough surfaces $225 – $425
Class VII — Rough Terrain Construction sites with mud, gravel, or uneven grade; 4WD, high ground clearance $325 – $550
Telehandler Extended reach up to 55 ft for masonry, framing, roofing $400 – $700
Quick Selection Guide
Your Application Recommended Forklift Estimated Daily Cost Recommended Provider
Indoor warehouse, pallet handling 5,000 lb cushion tire $150 – $180 United Rentals, BigRentz
Indoor, zero emissions required 5,000 lb electric $182 – $275 CMH Services, G&W Equipment
Outdoor, gravel or uneven ground Pneumatic tire forklift $154 – $182 Carolina Industrial Trucks
Heavy loads (8,000+ lbs) Heavy duty forklift $182 – $269 Atlantic Forklift Services
Narrow aisles, high stacking Reach truck Contact provider Herc Rentals
Construction/rough terrain Rough terrain or Telehandler $325 – $700 United Rentals, BigRentz
The Bottom Line
Columbia has multiple established forklift rental providers with strong local reputations:
For national chain with extensive fleet: United Rentals (1500 Bluff Rd) offers forklifts, telehandlers, and aerial lifts with convenient Columbia hours
For locally owned material handling: G&W Equipment and CMH Services (since 1968) provide personalized service and rental options
For authorized dealer brands: Carolina Industrial Trucks offers Hyundai, Komatsu, and UniCarriers forklifts with operator training available
For quick online comparison: BigRentz sources from multiple Columbia suppliers to find the best rates
For positive customer service reviews: Thompson Rentals & Sales receives excellent feedback for timely delivery
Pro Tip: Always request an all-in quote including delivery, fuel, and damage waiver—not just the base daily rate . Get quotes from at least three providers to compare pricing, and ask each to itemize charges separately to ensure an apples-to-apples comparison. For projects lasting more than two weeks, monthly rentals offer the best value with savings of 50-60% compared to daily rates.