United Rentals in Atlanta: Locations, Services, and How to Rent Equipment Locally
If you’re searching for “United Rentals Atlanta”, you’re probably planning a construction project, home renovation, landscaping job, or an event somewhere in the metro area. Atlanta has multiple United Rentals locations, and knowing which one to use—and how the rental process works locally—can save you time and money.
This guide walks through where United Rentals is in and around Atlanta, what they typically offer, how rentals work, and practical tips tailored to Atlanta residents, contractors, and visitors managing projects here.
What Is United Rentals and How Does It Work in Atlanta?
United Rentals is a large equipment rental company that serves both contractors and individual consumers. In the Atlanta area, branches commonly support:
- Commercial construction in places like Midtown, Buckhead, and West Midtown
- Residential projects in neighborhoods such as East Atlanta, Kirkwood, and Sandy Springs
- Industrial and infrastructure work around Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, I‑285, and major distribution hubs
- Seasonal and event needs for festivals, film productions, and large gatherings
In Atlanta, you’ll typically find separate or specialized branches focusing on:
- General equipment and tools (for construction, home projects, and light industrial work)
- Trench safety and shoring (often used on utility projects and roadwork)
- Power and HVAC (for backup power and temporary climate control)
- Pump and fluid solutions (stormwater, large basements, and industrial sites)
You do not need to be a contractor to rent from most Atlanta-area locations. Many branches regularly work with homeowners and small business owners as well.
Common Types of Equipment Rented in Atlanta
While exact inventory varies by branch, United Rentals in Atlanta commonly offers:
For Construction and Renovation
- Aerial lifts: scissor lifts, boom lifts, manlifts – useful for work on mid-rise buildings in areas like Downtown or Atlantic Station
- Earthmoving equipment: skid steers, mini excavators, backhoes – popular for infill lots, backyard projects, and small developments inside the Perimeter
- Material handling: forklifts, telehandlers – often used in warehouses near I‑20, I‑75/85, and in industrial corridors
- Concrete tools: mixers, breakers, saws, vibrators
For Homeowners and Small Projects
- Floor care tools: floor sanders, grinders, polishers
- Lawn and landscape: tillers, aerators, stump grinders, trenchers
- Small tools: compressors, nailers, saws, generators
For Events, Film, and Seasonal Uses
Atlanta’s busy film/TV production and event scene means branches often handle:
- Generators and light towers for sets and outdoor festivals
- Climate control equipment: portable heaters, AC units, dehumidifiers (helpful in Atlanta humidity)
- Temporary power distribution
Film and large-event users typically coordinate through power and HVAC or specialized solutions branches.
How the Rental Process Typically Works in Atlanta
Whether you’re renovating a house in Grant Park or managing a job site in Doraville, the basic rental steps are similar:
1. Identify the Equipment You Need
Clarify:
- Type of project (e.g., interior renovation vs. grading a yard)
- Location (tight in-town lot vs. open suburban space)
- Access limits (steep driveway, narrow intown alley, overhead trees, etc.)
📌 Atlanta tip: Intown neighborhoods often have narrow streets and limited parking. When renting larger equipment, ask the branch which size machines work best for tight Atlanta lots and city streets.
2. Contact an Atlanta-Area Branch
You can typically:
- Call the branch directly to ask about availability, delivery, and pricing
- Visit in person to look at equipment and discuss options
- Arrange delivery to your project site or plan for pickup with your own trailer or truck (if appropriate and allowed)
Many Atlanta branches can transfer equipment between locations if something is not in stock locally, but that may affect timing and cost.
3. Provide Identification and Payment
Most customers in Atlanta should expect to provide:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Payment method (credit or debit card; business accounts may use purchase orders or lines of credit)
Some rentals may require:
- Business account setup for contractors or frequent renters
- Proof of insurance for certain large or high-value rentals
4. Arrange Delivery or Pickup
Atlanta traffic and street design matter:
- For intown sites (Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Midtown), confirm truck access and best delivery time, especially if parking is limited or you’re on a busy one-way street.
- For suburban/outer metro sites (e.g., near Norcross, Morrow, or Lithia Springs), there is often more flexibility, but you still want to coordinate around rush hours.
Many customers plan early morning deliveries to avoid the worst of I‑285 or Downtown Connector traffic.
5. Use, Maintain, and Return the Equipment
During the rental, you’re generally responsible for:
- Safe operation following instructions and safety guidelines
- Basic care, such as refueling equipment that runs on gas or diesel
- Returning equipment in reasonably clean condition, on time
Late returns, excessive damage, or missing fuel often result in additional charges.
What Affects Rental Pricing in Atlanta?
While each branch sets its own rates, common factors influencing cost include:
- Type and size of equipment (a boom lift costs more than a small floor sander)
- Rental duration: hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly
- Delivery and pickup fees, which can vary based on distance and accessibility
- Fuel, environmental, and damage coverage charges
- Peak demand periods (for example, heavy construction seasons or severe weather events may impact availability)
In Atlanta, traffic patterns and distance from the branch can be a noticeable factor in delivery costs, especially for sites far from the nearest location or difficult to access.
Atlanta-Specific Considerations When Renting
Urban vs. Suburban Jobs
- Inside the Perimeter (ITP): Expect tighter spaces, older infrastructure, steeper driveways in certain neighborhoods, and more parking/scheduling complexity.
- Outside the Perimeter (OTP): More room to maneuver equipment, but longer drive times from some branches.
Weather and Terrain
- Clay soil and heavy rain: Equipment like trenchers and skid steers can be affected by mud and soft ground, especially after storms. Ask which tracks/tires and accessories are best for Atlanta’s soil and slopes.
- Heat and humidity: For interior work in summer, temporary AC or dehumidifiers can be essential, especially in older homes or warehouses without modern HVAC.
Permits and Local Rules
For projects in Atlanta, you may need to consider:
- City of Atlanta permits for road closures, sidewalk obstructions, or large dumpsters/equipment placed on public right of way
- Noise ordinances in residential neighborhoods, especially if you plan to use loud equipment early in the morning or late at night
For questions on city permits or public right-of-way issues, you can contact or visit:
- City of Atlanta Department of City Planning
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Always check specific requirements before blocking a street or sidewalk with rented machinery.
Typical United Rentals Branch Types Near Atlanta
The exact addresses and phone numbers can change over time, but you’ll generally find several types of United Rentals locations serving the Atlanta metro:
| Branch Type | What It Usually Focuses On | Who Commonly Uses It in Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| General Equipment & Tools | Lifts, earthmoving, small tools, homeowner rentals | Contractors, homeowners, property managers |
| Power & HVAC | Generators, temporary power, heating and cooling | Event planners, film crews, facilities, data centers |
| Trench Safety | Trench shoring, shields, slide rails, confined-space equipment | Utility contractors, civil construction, municipalities |
| Pump & Fluid Solutions | Pumps, hoses, tanks, dewatering systems | Industrial sites, flood control, large basements |
| Specialty Solutions | Larger or project-specific setups (e.g., full site services) | Large commercial/industrial projects |
When you call or visit, ask which branch type you’re talking to so you’re matched with the right equipment and staff expertise.
How to Decide Which United Rentals Location to Use
When choosing an Atlanta-area branch, consider:
Distance to Your Site
- Shorter distance often means lower delivery fees and faster response.
Type of Equipment Needed
- For complex trench work, a trench safety branch is often better than a general rental store.
- For major events or backup power, look for power/HVAC or similar specialty branches.
Pickup vs. Delivery
- If you have your own trailer and towing capacity, a closer general equipment branch may be easiest.
- If you need a large lift or excavator delivered to a site near Downtown, consider which branch can navigate city streets most easily.
Support and Service Hours
- Some projects (especially commercial jobs) may need extended or weekend access. Ask about hours, after-hours support, and emergency service when you call.
Safety and Training Considerations in Atlanta
Operating heavy or unfamiliar equipment in a dense, varied city like Atlanta requires extra caution:
- Ask for basic operating guidance when you pick up or receive delivery; staff can typically walk through controls and safety basics.
- Confirm whether certification or training is required for certain lifts or specialized machines, especially for commercial job sites.
- If you are working near busy roads, schools, or crowded areas, plan for cones, barricades, and safe pedestrian routing.
For broader safety questions or to understand local regulations impacting job sites, many contractors also stay familiar with guidelines from:
- Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for road and right-of-way work
- City of Atlanta Office of Buildings (within the Department of City Planning) for inspections and code compliance
Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors Renting Equipment
- Reserve ahead during peak seasons. Spring and early summer in Atlanta can be especially busy for both construction and landscaping equipment.
- Plan around traffic. When scheduling delivery or pickup, consider morning and evening rush hours on I‑75/85, I‑20, I‑285, and GA‑400.
- Ask about site conditions. Let the branch know if your property is on a steep hill (common in some intown neighborhoods) or has limited clearance.
- Confirm total costs. Ask for a clear breakdown: base rate, delivery, fuel, environmental, damage waiver, and any potential overtime charges.
- Document condition on arrival and return. Taking photos of equipment at delivery and pickup can help avoid disputes about damage or wear.
If you’re in or around Atlanta and need anything from a small tool for a weekend project to heavy equipment for a major job, United Rentals locations in the metro area are structured to support both. Calling the nearest branch, explaining your project location and constraints, and asking for recommendations is often the fastest way to get the right equipment for Atlanta’s unique mix of intown density, suburban growth, and challenging traffic.
