Frequently asked questions

 
  • How do I become a member?

    Companies involved in the equipment and event rental industry...

    Companies involved in the equipment and event rental industry may apply for membership online or download an application or call us at 1-800-334-2177.
  • What is the difference between general and associate membership?

    General members are rental operators who rent...

    General members are rental operators who rent equipment to the end user. Associate members are manufacturers and suppliers who sell equipment and/or provide a service to the rental industry/channel.
  • Are there different membership levels?

    Yes, ARA general membership is dependent on your company's...

    Yes, ARA general membership is dependent on your company's rental revenue. Please give us a call at 1-800-334-2177 to learn more.
  • How often do I need to renew my membership?

    ARA membership remains active for a full twelve...

    ARA membership remains active for a full twelve months. You will begin to receive membership renewal communicatios 60 days from your expiration date. Many members choose to set up auto-renew in order to continue enjoying ARA member benefits without interruption.
  • Do I have to be a member to attend The ARA Show?

    You do not need to be a member in order to...

    You do not need to be a member in order to attend The ARA Show. Simply be able to prove you work in and/or support the rental industry. However, ARA members receive preferred pricing and access to additional events at The ARA Show, as well as hundreds of free products and services year round.
  • Who can support and join the Women in Rental events and initiatives?

    This is an inclusive group, so anyone ...

    This is an inclusive group, so anyone who wishes to participate and support women in rental is more than welcome to participate.
  • What does the Women in Rental Committee do?

    Committee members volunteer their time ...

    Committee members volunteer their time to guide and support the initiatives under the Women in Rental initiative.
  • How do I get to serve on the committee?

    Please let us know you’re interested ...

    Please let us know you’re interested and we’ll add you to the list for consideration in the upcoming years.
  • How do I join ARAPAC?

    Simply complete the authorization form ...

    Simply complete and return the prior approval authorization form..
  • What is a PAC?

    Political action committees (PACs) are ...

    Political action committees (PACs) are separate, segregated funds established and maintained by organizations for the sole purpose of collecting and distributing funds to candidates for Federal office. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
  • How much can an individual contribute?

    An individual can contribute up to $5,000 each year...

    An individual can contribute up to $5,000 each year. ARA cannot accept corporate checks from "C" corporations; however, those set up as "S" corporations or "pass-throughs" can make contributions by check. Contributions are NOT tax deductible.
  • How does ARAPAC make money?

    ARAPAC solicits contributions from ...

    ARAPAC solicits contributions from ARA general members who have given prior approval for the solicitation. Those who consent join ARAPAC's restricted class and can be solicited at any time.
  • How do ARA members give consent to ARAPAC solicitations?

    The ARA provides members with the ...

    The ARA provides members with the prior approval authorization form.. Once this form has been signed, the member has joined ARAPAC's restricted class and can be solicited.
  • Who manages ARAPAC?

    ARAPAC is managed by the ARAPAC Council ...

    ARAPAC is managed by the ARAPAC Council, which answers to the ARA Board of Directors. Council members are appointed by the president-elect. The council includes general members, the CEO and the vice president of government affairs.
  • Does ARA lobby?

    Yes, ARA is registered to lobby ...

    Yes, ARA is registered to lobby the U.S. Congress and the Administration.
  • Does ARA ever combine forces with other organizations when lobbying on issues?

    Yes, ARA often works in coalitions with other ...

    Yes, ARA often works in coalitions with other organizations on issues. Currently, the association is involved in the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, Stop the HIT Coalition, and the Prior Approval Reform Coalition as well as other non-profit entities.
  • Does ARA have lobbyists at the state level?

    Yes, please contact us ...

    Yes, please contact us. ARA has access to highly qualified and experienced lobbyists in all state capitols and will assist in coordination of state lobbying activities.
  • Why does ARA need to have a government affairs program?

    Local, state and federal laws and regulations play ...

    Local, state and federal laws and regulations play an increasing role in our private and business lives every year. The equipment and event rental industry is no exception. Whether its pushing for passage of a law that will benefit the industry, like tax relief or workforce development or fighting against laws that slow and stop business growth, member involvement in ARA’s advocacy at all levels is vital to the health and growth of the industry.
  • What kinds of things does ARA government affairs get involved with?

    ARA works at both the federal and state levels on legislation ...

    ARA works at both the federal and state levels on legislation and regulations. Federal level – Industry Workforce, Infrastructure spending, business taxes and relief, healthcare. At the state levels, associations are involved in ad valorem tax relief, sales and use tax, theft of equipment and services, inflatable and tenting regulations.
  • I’m not “political” … can’t someone else just deal with government affairs?

    Individual ARA member involvement in advocacy is vital to the health ...

    Individual ARA member involvement in advocacy is vital to the health of the industry and it doesn’t matter if you consider yourself ‘political’ or not. ARA works to affects policy decisions, which is different from politics. While politics do play a role in the eventual passage or failure of a measure, you are needed to educate and inform those who represent you at the local, state and national levels about your business and industry. You and your employees are tax paying, voting constituents at the state and national level and therefore are the most persuasive advocate for your industry.
  • Do I need to be a member of ARA to be insured by ARA Insurance?

    Yes. As a wholly-owned subsidiary, membership in ...

    Yes. As a wholly-owned subsidiary, membership in the association is required to take advantage of the benefit.
  • Why should I choose ARA Insurance over any other provider?

    Our staff members are required to work in rental stores ...

    Our staff members are required to work in rental stores to understand the everyday challenges you face. We use this information to enhance our offering of safety and risk management products.
  • Who serves on the ARA Insurance board of directors?

    The board is comprised of ARA rental business owners, ARA Insurance staff members and independent ...

    The board is comprised of ARA rental business owners, ARA Insurance staff members and independent agents so you can be assured that the voice of the member is represented.
  • Do I have to be a member of ARA to purchase ARA Rentalytics?

    Yes, membership is required. If you ...

    Yes, membership is required. If you’re not affiliated with a rental store or a manufacturer/supplier but have financial interest in the equipment and event rental industry click here form more information.
  • What is the cost of ARA Rentalytics?

    Annual subscriptions start at $495 ...

    Annual subscriptions start at $495. Click here to subscribe today or click here to download a one-page PDF.
  • What data is available?

    Data is available for all ...

    Data is available for all 50 US states the District of Columbia, 7 Canadian provinces and 370 metropolitan statistical areas.
  • Who is eligible?

    Employees in the U.S. and Canada who are currently working in the equipment rental industry ...

    Employees in the U.S. and Canada who are currently working in the equipment rental industry are eligible to receive a grant. They must have a minimum of 1,000 hours of service with their rental business employer. Business owners can set additional guidelines or requirements for their employees
  • Who can apply?

    Employers must apply ....

    Employers must apply for the grants on behalf of their employees.
  • How can the grant be used?

    Grants are designed for technical training ...

    Grants are designed for technical training that is offered through a seminar, school or other continuing education program. Training must support a career in the equipment rental industry (construction, general tool or party and event markets). Each grant will cover up to 50 percent of the cost of training, with a maximum award of $1,000. Travel, tool or supply expenses are not covered.
  • What types of training does the grant cover?

    Grants cover a wide variety of technical training that supports a career in the rental industry ...

    Grants cover a wide variety of technical training that supports a career in the rental industry, including, but not limited to: mechanical, carpentry, electrical, welding, commercial driving, tenting, hospitality services, the Certified Event Rental Professional (CERP) program and accounting/administration.
  • How are the grants awarded?

    Grants will be awarded quarterly...

    Grants will be awarded quarterly. Grant funding will be sent to the employer following the completion of the training. A certificate of completion is required for reimbursement. There is a six-month time limit for completion of the training. Any exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • How are the applications reviewed?

    A subcommittee of the ARA Foundation board of directors has been established ...

    A subcommittee of the ARA Foundation board of directors has been established and they will review and award the grants quarterly. All decisions of the committee are final.
  • When do you need to apply for the grants?

    Because grants are awarded quarterly, business owners must apply for grants ...

    Because grants are awarded quarterly, business owners must apply for grants by the following dates for consideration for that quarter’s grant distribution: March 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
  • How many grants may a business receive?

    Each business can receive a maximum of two grants per year. ...

    Each business can receive a maximum of two grants per year.
  • Who is eligible?

    Students in the U.S. and Canada who are planning a career in the equipment ...

    Students in the U.S. and Canada who are planning a career in the equipment rental industry and working in or affiliated with a rental business or manufacturer/supplier of rental equipment may apply. Employees and immediate family members of the business owner (son, daughter, spouse) also are eligible.
  • When should I apply?

    You should apply between Nov. 1, when the scholarship applications become available, and the first Monday in March....

    You should apply between Nov. 1, when the scholarship applications become available, and the first Monday in March. Use school breaks to start working on the essays and gathering letters of reference. To qualify for the 2023-2024 school year, online, applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST Thursday, March 2, 2023. Mailed transcripts and references must be postmarked by that same date. Do not wait until the last minute because that makes it more difficult to offer well-reasoned answers to the essay questions and collect your letters of reference.
  • What scholarships are available?

    Scholarships worth a total value of $100,000 ...

    Scholarships worth a total value of $100,000 are available for the 2023-2024 school year. Scroll up to see available scholarships.
  • Who am I competing with for scholarships?

    If you apply for the ARA Foundation Trade scholarships, you are competing with other applicants ...

    If you apply for the ARA Foundation Trade scholarships, you are competing with other applicants for those scholarships. If you apply for the ARA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships, you are competing with fellow undergraduates. If you apply for the Graduate Scholarships, you are competing with fellow students who are applying for that scholarship. In addition, if your state or provincial association offers affiliate scholarships, you are competing with fellow students in your state or province for those scholarships.
  • Can I receive more than one scholarship?

    Yes...

    Yes, many students receive multiple scholarships, making the financial assistance even more significant.
  • If I receive a scholarship one year, can I apply the next year?

    Yes. Each scholarship is available for one year. You may reapply...

    Yes. Each scholarship is available for one year. You may reapply for up to five years. Many students have received scholarships every year of their college or trade school education.
  • How are applications judged?

    The Scholarship Committee reviews the applications ...

    The Scholarship Committee reviews the applications, essays, school-documented transcripts and letters of reference that each applicant submits. Each area is judged using a point system that relies solely on the strength of the information given. Applicants’ names and identifying information are removed to ensure anonymity and confidentiality.
  • When will the recipients be selected?

    The Scholarship Committee will review the applications in spring 2023. Scholarship recipients ...

    The Scholarship Committee will review the applications in spring 2023. Scholarship recipients will be notified by telephone by mid-May. Non-selected applicants will receive a letter by May 22. Recipients will be announced in ARA publications. All decisions are final.
  • How are the funds distributed to my college/university?

    Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the ...

    Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the college/university of the recipient's choice by July 31, 2023. The scholarships are valid for that academic year only and cannot be held over without approval of the ARA Foundation board of trustees.
  • How long does it take to become a CERP?

    You have 18 months from enrollment ...

    You have 18 months from enrollment to complete. It is a self-study at your own pace program.
  • What counts as a professional credit?

    Professional credits are issued for things such as your ...

    Professional credits are issued for things such as your company's membership, your education level and years of experience, training you have completed or lead, and your involvement in community service projects. 25 credits are required to earn your certification.
  • Who should become a CERP at my company?

    Anyone who is committed to gaining a competitive edge ...

    Anyone who is committed to gaining a competitive edge and learning industry best practices.
  • What is required to recertify?

    To recertify requires earning 35 professional credits within ...

    To recertify requires earning 35 professional credits within the 5 year time-frame and completion of the application with fee.
  • How much does it cost?

    $50 ...

    Once launched all users will pay $50.00 for each course. ARA Insured members recieve a 10% discount.
  • How long does it take to complete?

    The course consists of nine different modules that are 30-45 minutes each. ...

    The course consists of nine different modules that are 30-45 minutes each. Each section has a quiz and there is an overall comprehensive exam which requires an 80% or better to pass.
  • Do you have to renew your certification?

    The course consists of nine different modules that are 30-45 minutes each. ...

    The Professional Driver Education Program is a certificate program. There are no renewal requirements for PDEP but individuals can take the course again as a refresher.
  • Are there any additional costs to attend a meeting?

    Costs are determined by ...

    Costs are determined by the state or local association and vary based on program content and venue.
  • I am traveling, can I attend another state or local association meeting?

    Yes. For additional...

    Yes. For additional information please contact ARA.
  • Can I host a meeting at my location?

    Yes, please contact your...

    Yes, please contact your state or local association leader for more information.
  • How do I volunteer to serve at the state level?

    State associations are always looking for volunteers ...

    State associations are always looking for volunteers. Contact your state association leader or ARA for more information

Questions

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