where to hire a roofing flatbed with forklift

Introduction

In the roofing and construction industry, efficient material handling represents a critical operational challenge. The transportation of heavy roofing materials—from asphalt shingles and metal panels to insulation and underlayment—requires specialized equipment that combines long-haul capability with on-site maneuverability. The roofing flatbed with mounted forklift, commonly known as a Moffett-equipped truck or truck-mounted forklift system, has emerged as the gold standard solution for contractors who need to deliver materials directly to job sites without relying on external unloading equipment.

This technical guide examines where to hire these specialized vehicles, what specifications to consider, and how to optimize your rental strategy for maximum operational efficiency.

Understanding the Equipment: Technical Specifications

Before exploring rental options, it's essential to understand what constitutes a roofing flatbed with forklift. These specialized vehicles combine three critical components: a heavy-duty flatbed chassis (typically 24-53 feet in length), a mounting system for the forklift, and the truck-mounted forklift unit itself—most commonly a Moffett Mounty, though Palfinger and other manufacturers also produce comparable systems .

The Moffett system, invented over 40 years ago, revolutionized last-mile delivery by allowing a single operator to transport and unload materials without additional equipment . Modern Moffett models include the M4, M5, and M8 series, with lifting capacities ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 pounds. Advanced units feature lift assist technology, extending forks, and pantograph extensions enabling one-side offloading—crucial for tight urban job sites or residential areas with limited access .

For roofing applications specifically, flatbed configurations often include specialized features such as conveyor systems for shingle delivery, stake sides for securing loads, and reinforced decking to handle concentrated weight from palletized materials . The combination of flatbed transport with mounted forklift capability eliminates the need for separate delivery and unloading equipment, reducing labor costs and project timelines significantly.

Major Equipment Rental Companies

National and Regional Rental Chains

United Rentals operates one of North America's largest equipment rental fleets, offering telehandlers and material handling equipment suitable for roofing applications. While they primarily stock traditional forklifts and telehandlers ranging from 5,000 to 35,000-pound capacities , many locations can source flatbed trucks with mounted forklifts through their specialized logistics division or partner networks. Their telehandler lineup includes models with 16-50 foot reach capabilities, ideal for lifting roofing materials to elevated work areas .

Herc Rentals provides comprehensive roofing equipment solutions including telehandlers, carry deck cranes, and boom lifts specifically configured for roofing applications . Their fleet includes material handling equipment designed for exterior building projects, with specialized attachments for roofing material transport. Herc's advantage lies in their industry-specific expertise—they understand that roofing contractors need equipment capable of navigating residential streets while handling heavy, bulky materials .

Custom Truck One Source offers perhaps the most specialized solution for roofing contractors, with dedicated building supply trucks for rent including IMT and Fassi drywall cranes, Load King roofing conveyor trucks, and Prowler and Navigator truck-mounted forklifts . Their flatbed trucks feature forklift mounting systems specifically designed for heavy pallet loads, 6×4 pusher axles for enhanced stability, and 24-foot steel flatbeds optimized for construction material transport .

Specialized Truck Rental Providers

Maun Motors (UK) maintains one of the largest self-drive Moffett Mounty hire fleets globally, offering short and long-term rental options . Their comprehensive inventory includes Moffett M4, M5, and M8 models mounted on various truck configurations including curtain-side trucks, rear-steer dropside trucks, and 40-foot tri-axle trailers. For roofing contractors, they provide flatbed and curtain-side trailers with Moffett mounting kits installed, allowing seamless integration of transport and material handling capabilities .

Falcon Equipment (Canada) specializes in truck-mounted forklift sales, service, and rental, with particular expertise in roofing, lumber, and drywall applications . They offer Palfinger truck-mounted forklifts mounted on custom-designed truck decks, creating integrated systems specifically engineered for roofing material delivery. Their technical team can configure truck-forklift combinations to match specific operational requirements, ensuring optimal safety and productivity standards .

Transcope (New Jersey/New York region) maintains a diverse fleet including Moffett trucks specifically for deliveries requiring on-site forklift availability . Their equipment is particularly valuable for elevator, escalator, and roofing equipment handling in the mid-Atlantic region, with specialized capabilities for navigating limited dock access, active construction sites, and upper-level building entrances .

Industry-Specific Rental Solutions

Roofing Material Suppliers and Logistics Companies

Many roofing material manufacturers and distributors have developed specialized delivery fleets that contractors can access through partnership programs. TMC Transportation operates dedicated flatbed Moffett routes for major home improvement retailers, utilizing 36-foot flatbed trailers with trailer-mounted Moffett forklifts for curbside construction site deliveries . These operations demonstrate the industry standard for roofing material logistics, with drivers earning specialized training in Moffett operation and load securement.

Trans-Ontario Express offers Moffett flatbed configurations specifically designed for businesses requiring efficient handling of palletized cargo at both ends of the journey . Their fleet includes open deck flatbeds for oversized roofing materials and roll-tite flatbeds with retractable tarps for weather-sensitive cargo—essential for protecting asphalt shingles and underlayment from moisture during transport .

Construction Equipment Specialists

PALFINGER, a leading manufacturer of truck-mounted forklifts, works with a network of rental partners to provide roofing-specific solutions. Their equipment is engineered to deliver roofing materials across rough terrain, featuring all-wheel drive and enhanced stability systems for navigating unpaved job sites . PALFINGER's industry focus includes specialized attachments and configurations for roofing material handling, making their rental partners valuable resources for contractors.

Aspen Equipment (through their Upfits by Aspen Equipment division) provides custom flatbed truck configurations including Moffett rear-mounted forklifts on galvanized platform bodies with drop stake sides . These utility-focused configurations are ideal for roofing contractors who need versatile equipment capable of handling various material types beyond standard pallets.

Rental Considerations and Specifications

Licensing and Operational Requirements

Operating a roofing flatbed with mounted forklift requires specific certifications. In the United States, drivers typically need a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake endorsements . Additionally, Moffett or truck-mounted forklift certification is essential—most rental providers require proof of prior experience or offer training programs .

From a regulatory perspective, these vehicles often exceed standard weight classifications, requiring compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations including medical certification, hours-of-service tracking, and vehicle inspection protocols . Rental agreements typically specify that operators maintain current DOT medical cards and clean driving records, with many providers conducting background checks and pre-employment drug screening .

Load Capacity and Configuration Selection

Selecting the appropriate equipment requires careful analysis of your roofing project's material handling requirements. Key specifications include:

Flatbed Length and Configuration: Standard options range from 24-foot straight trucks to 53-foot semi-trailers. For urban roofing projects with tight site access, shorter 24-26 foot flatbeds with rear-steer capabilities offer superior maneuverability. For high-volume commercial roofing, 48-53 foot trailers maximize payload capacity .

Forklift Capacity: Moffett M4 models handle 2,500-3,500 pounds, suitable for standard shingle pallets. M5 and M8 models offer 5,000-8,000-pound capacities, necessary for commercial roofing materials, HVAC units, and heavy insulation packages . For specialized roofing applications, models with pantograph extensions enable one-side unloading—critical when job site constraints prevent rear access.

Mounting Systems: Trailer-mounted systems (piggyback configuration) offer flexibility, allowing the forklift to be detached and operated independently. Truck-mounted systems provide integrated stability but less operational flexibility. Tri-axle trailers with Moffett mounting kits are recommended for heavy commercial roofing loads .

Rental Duration and Cost Structures

Rental providers typically offer several pricing models:

Short-term rentals (daily/weekly) suit specific project needs or equipment breakdowns. Daily rates for truck-mounted forklift systems typically range significantly based on region and equipment specifications, with weekly rates offering 15-25% savings over daily rates .

Long-term rentals (monthly/yearly) provide cost advantages for ongoing roofing operations. Many providers offer reduced rates for commitments exceeding 30 days, with maintenance and insurance packages included .

Lease-purchase programs appeal to growing roofing contractors. These arrangements require no credit checks, include maintenance programs, and allow walk-away flexibility if operational needs change . For contractors processing $1,000-$1,500 daily in material deliveries, lease-purchase programs can generate annual earnings of $240,000-$340,000 .

Geographic Availability and Market Variations

The availability of roofing flatbed rentals varies significantly by region. In major metropolitan areas—New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, London—specialized providers offer extensive fleets with immediate availability. Rural and secondary markets may require advance booking or transportation of equipment from regional hubs.

In the UK and Europe, Maun Motors and similar providers dominate the Moffett rental market, with comprehensive fleets available from multiple depots . North American markets feature more fragmented providers, with regional specialists like Transcope in the Northeast  and national chains like United Rentals and Herc providing broader coverage .

Emerging markets, including the UAE and Middle East, are seeing increased availability through providers like Liftmax Pro, which offers telehandler and material handling equipment rental specifically configured for regional construction practices .

Safety and Compliance Considerations

Roofing flatbed operations involve significant safety considerations. The combination of heavy vehicle operation, elevated load handling, and construction site navigation requires comprehensive safety protocols. Reputable rental providers include:

OSHA-compliant training and certification programs

Site-specific lift planning and safety orientation

Equipment inspection protocols and maintenance records

Insurance coverage verification and liability protection

24/7 technical support and emergency response capabilities

Before hiring, verify that the provider maintains current safety certifications, conducts regular equipment inspections, and provides adequate insurance coverage for your operational scope.

Conclusion

Hiring a roofing flatbed with forklift requires understanding your project's specific material handling requirements, regulatory compliance needs, and operational constraints. National rental chains like United Rentals and Herc Rentals provide broad availability and standardized equipment, while specialized providers like Custom Truck One Source, Maun Motors, and Falcon Equipment offer roofing-specific configurations with advanced technical capabilities.

When selecting a rental provider, prioritize those with demonstrated expertise in roofing material logistics, comprehensive safety programs, and flexible rental terms that align with your project timeline. The right equipment partner transforms material handling from an operational constraint into a competitive advantage, enabling efficient, safe delivery of roofing materials to even the most challenging job sites.

For contractors establishing long-term operations, lease-purchase programs and partnership arrangements with material suppliers offer pathways to equipment ownership while building operational expertise. Regardless of your rental strategy, investing in operator training and safety compliance ensures that your roofing flatbed operations contribute to project success rather than creating liability exposure.