Hertz joins SmartEquip network

SmartEquip provides an online portal linking rental companies with suppliers allowing them to order parts over the internet. The system helps rental companies reduce the costs associated with fleet management and procurement.

Gerry Plescia, HERC president, said; "SmartEquip is the benchmark for equipment fleet support and streamlined service, parts procurement and inventory management in the industry. SmartEquip technology will support Hertz's company-wide focus on efficiency, as we also strive to deliver the highest level of service and equipment reliability to our customers."

HERC plans to go live in all of its US and Canada-based locations toward the end of 2009.

Vendors such as John Deere, JLG and Wacker are all SmartEquip participants and rental companies using the system include United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals and Acme Lift.

"Hertz has always distinguished itself by setting the highest standard in operational workflow and procurement," said Alexander Schuessler, chairman and chief executive officer of SmartEquip. "We are very pleased to have become part of this culture, and to help raise fficiency levels, especially during these challenging economic times."