How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Forklift? (2026 Prices)
Last updated: February 15, 2026
A complete breakdown of forklift rental costs in 2026, including daily, weekly, and monthly rates by forklift type, capacity, and location.
The average cost to rent a forklift ranges from $150 to $375 per day, $450 to $1,100 per week, or $1,200 to $3,500 per month. The exact price depends on the forklift type, lift capacity, power source, and your location.
Forklift Rental Prices by Type
| Forklift Type | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushion Tire (3,000-5,000 lbs) | $150 - $250 | $450 - $750 | $1,200 - $1,800 |
| Cushion Tire (6,000-10,000 lbs) | $200 - $325 | $600 - $950 | $1,500 - $2,500 |
| Pneumatic Tire (5,000 lbs) | $175 - $285 | $525 - $850 | $1,400 - $2,200 |
| Pneumatic Tire (8,000-10,000 lbs) | $225 - $375 | $675 - $1,100 | $1,800 - $3,000 |
| Electric Forklift (3,000-5,000 lbs) | $185 - $300 | $555 - $900 | $1,400 - $2,400 |
| Electric Forklift (6,000-10,000 lbs) | $225 - $350 | $675 - $1,050 | $1,800 - $2,800 |
| Reach Truck | $200 - $325 | $600 - $975 | $1,600 - $2,600 |
| Order Picker | $175 - $300 | $525 - $900 | $1,400 - $2,400 |
Prices are national averages for 2026. Your actual rate will depend on location, rental duration, and availability.
Estimated Pricing
| Type | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushion Tire Forklift (5K lb) | $150 – $250 | $750 – $1,250 | $2,700 – $4,500 |
| Pneumatic Tire Forklift (5K lb) | $175 – $285 | $875 – $1,425 | $3,150 – $5,130 |
| Electric Forklift | $185 – $300 | $925 – $1,500 | $3,330 – $5,400 |
| Reach Truck | $200 – $325 | $1,000 – $1,625 | $3,600 – $5,850 |
| Rough Terrain Forklift | $225 – $375 | $1,125 – $1,875 | $4,050 – $6,750 |
Factors That Affect Forklift Rental Cost
Lift Capacity
Forklift capacity is the single biggest cost driver. A standard 5,000-lb warehouse forklift rents for significantly less than a 15,000-lb heavy-duty unit. Most general warehouse and construction applications are well served by 5,000-8,000 lb capacity forklifts.
Power Source
Electric forklifts cost slightly more to rent but have lower operating costs (no fuel) and produce zero emissions, making them the only option for indoor use in many facilities. Propane and diesel forklifts are more common on construction sites and outdoor applications.
Rental Duration
Daily rates are the most expensive per-day. Weekly rentals typically discount the daily rate by 30-40%, and monthly rentals discount by 50-60%. If you need a forklift for more than 3-4 days, a weekly rental almost always makes more financial sense.
Delivery and Pickup
Most rental companies charge $100 to $300 for delivery and the same for pickup. Some waive delivery fees for monthly rentals or for customers within a certain radius.
Insurance and Damage Waiver
Rental insurance or damage waiver programs typically add 10-15% to the rental cost. Your existing business insurance may cover rented equipment — check before paying for duplicate coverage.
Operator Training
OSHA requires all forklift operators to be trained and certified (29 CFR 1910.178). If your operators are not certified, some rental companies offer on-site training for $150 to $300 per person.
Forklift Types: Which One Do You Need?
Cushion Tire Forklifts
Best for: smooth indoor surfaces like warehouse floors. Cushion tires provide a tight turning radius, making them ideal for narrow aisles. They cannot be used on gravel, dirt, or uneven outdoor terrain.
Pneumatic Tire Forklifts
Best for: outdoor use and rough surfaces. Pneumatic (air-filled) tires handle gravel, dirt, and uneven terrain. These are the most versatile forklifts for construction sites and lumber yards.
Electric Forklifts
Best for: indoor warehouses, food facilities, and any environment where emissions and noise are concerns. Electric forklifts are quieter, produce zero exhaust, and have lower operating costs, but require charging infrastructure.
Reach Trucks
Best for: narrow-aisle warehouses with high racking. Reach trucks can extend their forks forward to access deep rack positions and lift to heights of 30+ feet.
Rent vs. Buy: Forklifts
A new forklift costs $20,000 to $100,000+ depending on type and capacity. Used forklifts range from $10,000 to $50,000. Renting makes financial sense if you need a forklift for less than 3-5 years, need different types for different projects, or want to avoid maintenance and repair costs. Most rental agreements include maintenance, which alone can save $2,000-5,000 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a forklift for a day?
A standard 5,000-lb forklift costs $150 to $300 per day depending on type (cushion, pneumatic, or electric) and your location. Delivery fees of $100-300 are typically charged separately.
How much does a forklift rental cost per month?
Monthly forklift rental rates range from $1,200 to $3,500, with most standard warehouse forklifts falling in the $1,200 to $2,000 range. Monthly rentals offer the best per-day value.
Do I need a license to rent a forklift?
You do not need a license to rent a forklift, but OSHA requires all operators to be trained and certified before operating one. Certification training takes 4-8 hours and costs $150-300 per person.
Does forklift rental include fuel?
No. For propane forklifts, you are responsible for fuel (propane tanks cost $25-40 each). Electric forklifts require your own charging station. Diesel forklifts run on standard diesel fuel.
Is forklift rental insurance required?
Most rental companies require proof of insurance or offer a damage waiver program (10-15% of rental cost). Check with your business insurance provider — many commercial policies cover rented equipment.