are no chargebacks at the end of the project for mats that are decayed or broken; all costs are upfront costs. Logistically, renting averts the need to transport mats from one jobsite to another and pay to store them between projects, as mat rental vendors typically handle delivery, placement and pickup. When rental mats are available near the project location, companies can realize considerable savings on transportation costs, especially compared to transporting owned mats to and from jobsites that sit hundreds of miles apart.
Leveraging rental mats also removes the burden of maintaining the mats and replacing them when they degrade. Finally, renting offers the flexibility to change mats based on the application and jobsite, whereas purchasing commits companies to one type and brand of mat.
Choosing a Provider
An experienced matting provider who understands crane operations and the permitting landscape can help crane companies work more safely and efficiently by recommending mat types based on the required ground bearing pressure, the terrain and the project length. They will advise on mat placement and provide an engineered mat layout if needed to ensure even weight distribution under cranes and avoid damaging the ground.
Crane work is dangerous work, but tip-overs are largely preventable. The right mats and pads help crane operators lift with increased confidence. By pointing companies to ideal ground stabilization solutions, an experienced rental mat partner can help them reduce risk, ensure regulatory compliance, eliminate permit-related delays and preserve operational uptime.
Lawrence St. John, vertical sales specialist, Matting Solutions at United Rentals, is a ground protection matting industry expert with over 16 years of experience in sales, rentals and project management across the U. S. In his current role, he focuses on providing ground protection support to help clients navigate complex jobsite challenges.
14 • 515-955-1600 • September 2025