CRA eJournal
EPIC Brokers
EDCO, Inc.
Rental Center News
Workers’ compensation insurance is an essential tool to keep your employees healthy and working at their jobs. As with all tools, it must be used correctly and thoughtfully in order to get its job done. The following steps will help to improve your workers’ comp related results and, at the same time, save you money.
The OSHA compliant forklift operator training workshop conducted by CRA member ForkliftSafety.com is a two-hour class. It is designed for experienced forklift operators only. The course includes a training kit valued at $300, Forklift Certification Cards and many other benefits. It is important to sign up for this workshop early as space is limited.Click the Learn More link for more information about the January 24th workshop.

For information about setting up your own training class, please contact:
Jeff Ord
ForkliftSafety.com
Jeff@ForkliftSafety.com
(702) 294-3970 or (800) 494-3225
Regrettably, the phone numbers for ForkliftSafety.com were misprinted in the 2018 CRA Resource Directory, these are the correct phone numbers.
 
  
California Portable Event Equipment Sales Inc. (CPEES) carries tables, portable dance floors, chairs, Toro Dingo products, heaters, and more. They have warehouses in California, Washington, and Pennsylvania and can ship locally, nationally or globally; and often, can ship within 2 business hours of the order being placed! Founder John Frantz has been in the event equipment industry for over 20 years and is dedicated to making your business successful by providing the best products. If you are a rental or hospitality business, or an event planner, and you want quality and reliability of product and service, CPEES, Inc. should be your first call. CPEES now has special offers available.
Allied Insurance Brokers, Inc.
Vendor News

Approval Code
Kirk Moore
1880 Delaware St., Suite 1070, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(800) 535-6233, www.ApprovalCode.com

ASV Holdings
Bruce Jackson
840 Lily Lane, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
(800) 205-9913, www.ASVI.com

Mecalac North America, LLC
Frederic Laborde
944B Main St. Room 6&8, Walpole, MA 02081
(508) 921-3076, www.Mecalac.com

MEC Aerial Work Platforms 
Steve Gooding
1401 South Madera Ave., Kerman, CA 93630
(206) 948-4187, www.mecawp.com

Scott Equipment
Richard Scott
14635 Valley Blvd., Fontana, CA 92335
(909) 822-2200, www.ScottEquip.com

Shelter Structures America
Robert Kraak
405 Via Chico Suite 1, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

Triple E Equipment, Inc.
Alex Berg
540 NE 26th Court, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
(954) 978-3440, www.EEEequipment.com

  
An affiliate of Stratford- Cambridge Group (SCG), www.scgequity.com, recently acquired Custom Equipment, LLC, (Custom), www.hybridlifts.com, headquartered in Richfield, WI, with an additional manufacturing facility in West Bend, WI. Founded in 1981 as a welding and fabrication business, Custom first developed lifts for the cemetery and mausoleum markets and evolved into a full product range of scissor lifts and aerial work platforms for the construction and industrial markets featuring an electric drivetrain, low weight and high maneuverability.
  
CRA’s 2018 Equipment and Party Rental Rally Tradeshow will be held at the South Point Casino Hotel & Convention Center and will feature 80,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, allowing for 353 10 x 10 foot booths. The South Point is a great venue choice with the convenience of having the convention center and hotel on the same property! The complete list of Rental Rally Exhibitors to date is available on the Rental Rally website. Thank you also to our sponsors who help make our show possible! Special thanks goes to EPIC Insurance Group and Chicago Pneumatic, our Gold Level Sponsors; Kubota Tractor, our Silver Level Sponsor; and American Pneumatic Tool, our Bronze Level Sponsor. The complete list of show sponsors is also on the website.
  
Headquartered in San Francisco, EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has nationwide presence with a depth of industry expertise across key lines of insurance, including commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, unique specialty program insurance and private client services. EPIC is CRA's service valued provider for insurance services, with special programs for association members.
  
Since decades, Chicago Pneumatic has a heart for the general industry and matches your highest demands with the right solutions. First of all, you will be introduced to the Chicago Pneumatic way of working. While our history and general product offer provides you with a general background of our brand, the principles and technologies section will familiarize you with the practical side of our products. This gives you the right know-how and confidence to take your business to the next level.
  
Kubota has affiliates and facilities across the United States that support customers in a variety of areas, ranging from engine and tractor manufacturing to assembly and distribution to financial and insurance services for Kubota equipment and more. Supporting a network of more than 1,100 dealerships in running a prosperous business is a top priority at Kubota. Kubota's alliances with high-performance equipment brands like Echo and Smart Guided add quality, efficiency and convenience to the buying process by giving customers the option of purchasing a complete equipment package from one dealer in one location.
  
American Pneumatic Tools (APT) is a leading provider of outstanding tools for the construction and industrial markets; the brand has been synonymous with quality since 1938. APT’s product line now offers a complete range of pneumatic tools, hydraulic tools, light compaction equipment, concrete finishing products and portable power. Superior performance, excellent product reliability, competitive pricing, ergonomic designs and a great warranty make American Pneumatic Tools an industry leader.
  
AEI Corporation offers Patio Heater/Vert Fire Features. Founded in 1966, AEI has operated under a consistent premise: provide the finest in innovative outdoor cooking and patio heating products to discriminating consumers and commercial customers. We were there in 1958 when the gas grill was invented; we were there in 1968 when the first production patio heaters were fabricated and have been innovators in both of these industries ever since. Today AEI is the only single source for all aluminum gas grills (our A Series), all stainless steel gas grills (our Legacy Series) and fully commercial gas grills (our T Series). AEI is also the only single source of quartz electric, horizontal gas, umbrella domed, Natural and Propane Gas heaters.
  
AP Equipment Financing finances anything you buy or sell. Since 1998, thousands of businesses across the United States have relied on Allegiant Partners. Financing millions of dollars in business essential equipment, Allegiant has helped our small business clients grow throughout the years. Businesses just like yours are looking at Allegiant Partners for their equipment financing needs. With a focus on providing fast, flexible and competitive equipment financing solutions, Allegiant is prepared to be a partner in your company's success.
  
Tenting, Liners, Replacement Fabric, and more! Rentals for Every Occasion. Our extensive inventory of top quality tent rental products makes Avalon Tent & Party your one-stop source for your event. Whether you need a custom tent for your next event or a standard tent for your rental inventory; our in house manufacturing center in Anaheim, CA, welcomes the opportunity to become your tent and canopy supplier. Avalon Tent’s highly dedicated staff has an unparalleled level of experience with tenting & event structures. Our renowned customer service reputation ensures your event will be a success.
  
Block & Roll System allows for easy and safe handling of heavy cement blocks with or without a forklift. Staking tents is not always an option. Our goal was to develop a system for ballasting tents that offered speed in installation, safety, easy storage and transportation. Our innovative and versatile design features blocks that offer forklift friendly, pallet-free moving and storage as well as a sleek, lightweight hand truck that provides hand-moving for up to 700lb weights. Recent ballast studies (done by the IFAI Tent Rental Division) have given the tent industry an awakening in successful and safe ballasting. In consideration of these studies, we have included details in the block design such as multiple tie off points, considerations for various terrains and adaptability with stacking at multiple points. These thoughtfully designed accessories include the ballast plates, which provide a base for increasing a single point ballast up to 2800lbs, a cart for stacking weights when a forklift is not available, and an all-terrain cart for moving weights on grass.
  
Dump Trailers and Equipment Trailers--Best Trailer, Inc., has been manufacturing a line of high quality, heavy-duty, industrial trailers specifically engineered for the rigorous demands of the rental industry for 25 years. The company founder had worked for the rental industry for 18 years prior and was inspired to manufacture a better quality, stronger, long-lasting trailer using only the best materials. In 1999, Best Trailer relocated to a new production facility in Grass Valley, with room to expand their line of trailers to include an affordable Pro Line built for the everyday user and light commercial use. In addition, they have room to manufacture parts and perform contract manufacturing and private labeling for other industries and they added a powder-coating department to provide a long lasting finish to their trailers. Each trailer built has the option to be hot-dipped galvanized for added protection. In 2016, Best Trailer took the initiative to go green, installing a state-of-the-art solar panel awning as part of a renovation and expansion project, making Best Trailer both efficient and environmentally friendly.
  
Propane Sales--Blue Star Gas is enjoying its 80th successful year in business under the management of the Stewart family. In 1938, Dwight Knapp, the owner of the Knapp Family Restaurant, installed an underground propane pipeline to provide gas to his restaurant. Over time, Knapp began connecting neighbors in the downtown area to the underground gas system and started selling propane to the general public. In 1945, Paul Stewart purchased the business from the Knapp family. The underground utility, which is still in service today, is the oldest propane utility service registered with the P.U.C. in the State of California, serving many of its founding customers to this day. Blue Star has grown to cover a service area of over 70,000 square miles and currently serve 14 unique markets throughout Washington, Oregon, California, Utah and Arizona. Through developing technologies and improved practices, Blue Star Gas is transforming the industry standard for customer service.
  
Durable, commercial grade equipment and solutions for Water Damage, Environmental Control, Maintenance, Cleaning and more. Dri-Eaz manufactures a broad range of dehumidifiers, airmovers, structural drying systems and air scrubbers used by water damage restoration professionals and in industrial drying, cleaning, and maintenance work. Dri-Eaz works with partners such as GE Sensing to offer the industry’s best moisture detection instruments. Dri-Eaz recently joined with Microban-Unsmoke, a premier provider of antimicrobial and cleaning applications, to form Legend Brands.
  
Electric Hi-Tip Dumpers--Ecovolve designs and manufactures compact electrical/green machinery. The electric dumper range (ED800, ED1000 and ED1500) from Ecovolve are versatile new machines, capable of operating both indoors and out. The largest of the ED range (the ED1500) is still less than 1.2 meters/47 inches wide with a turning circle of just 1.6 meters/63 inches. All of the Ecovolve electric dumper range has been designed with tight spaces in mind. Its battery pack will provide power for a typical working day on just a 8-hour charge. The electric dumper is perfect for use where operating levels must be low while the compact size and turning circle means the ED can go where others can’t.
  
Fluid Handling Equipment, Paint Sprayers, Texture, Pressure Washers, Fine Finish, Pavement Maintenance--Since 1926, Graco Inc. has been a leading provider of premium pumps and spray equipment for fluid handling in the construction, manufacturing, processing and maintenance industries. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Graco works closely with distributors around the world to offer innovative products that set the quality standard for spray finishing, paint circulation, lubrication, sealant and adhesives dispensing, process application, and contractor power equipment. These best-in-class products are manufactured in the U.S. and China and supplied through Graco's distribution centers in Minnesota, Belgium, Japan, Korea, China and Australia. What sets us apart from our competitors is our history, a focus on highly-engineered, quality products, industry-leading innovation and the solid partnerships we form with customers and suppliers around the world.
  
A wide range of tent structures from 10’ to 200’ wide--Every company in the Losberger De Boer Group is among the leaders in its market, setting standards in quality, technology, handling, design and service. About 1,100 employees at many locations worldwide guarantee, together with partner companies, competent advice, reliable, flexible service and delivery just-in-time. From the simple party tent, temporary tent ensembles for large events through temporary space solutions for civil and military applications to halls and tents for storage, sales and production. For your safety, all our products are produced to the strictest international standards and permanently checked.
  
Leading manufacturer of Folding Tables, Chairs, Dance Floors and Transport Carts--McCourt Manufacturing strives to provide the strongest, longest lasting tables and chairs for events, classrooms, meeting rooms and sanctuaries at affordable prices. We offer a wide range of folding chairs and tables, stacking chairs, pedestal tables, and now our portable dance floors in a variety of sizes, colors and finishes. Our friendly, knowledgeable customer service assistants would love to visit with you and assist with your needs.
  
Aerial Work Platforms, Direct Electric Drive--MEC Aerial Work Platforms is a manufacturer of a line of Aerial Work Platforms in Kerman, California. For 40 years and counting, MEC machines carry the tradition of quality and innovation. MEC’s portfolio of Aerial Work Platforms ranges from DC drive slab scissors to rough terrain booms with patented and award winning design features. See for yourself how a MEC machine is A Better Solution – full featured value for high performance, productivity and safety.
  
Innovative construction equipment for urban job sites--Mecalac is an international manufacturer of wheel excavators, crawler excavators and wheel loaders. Innovative and compact machines adapted to the wide range of construction sites that shape our urban landscape and exchanges with our customers inspire Mecalac every day in its constant quest for intelligent solutions for its customers of today and tomorrow. Designing and producing innovative construction machines for urban construction is our goal.
  
Brush Cutters, Rear-tine Tiller, Transporter--From outdoor power equipment designed to overcome the challenges of professional landscaping and gardening to the conquering the tough demands of the equipment rental, trail maintenance and organic farming industries, Orec America produces high quality products designed to meet the highest of standards. Our loyal customers inspire us every day to continuously improve and innovate our products to best serve their changing needs. We know our customers are outside tackling tough projects. We want our outdoor power equipment to save our family of outdoor professionals precious time and energy, which ultimately saves them money.
  
Eleven industry-leading brands with one united purpose...to make the world’s most powerful attachment tools. Whether you face a large construction project or some handyman work at home, rental companies can get you the equipment you'll need for the time you need it. Downtime costs everyone time and money, so having dependable attachments that are designed and built to withstand the rigors of daily rental use is essential to be successful. Paladin works closely with rental companies of all sizes to make sure their customers have the best, most powerful attachments for the job. Paladin is your one-stop shop for maximum productivity.
  
Gasoline, Pneumatic, and Hydraulic Post Drivers, Pullers and Tent Stake Drivers--Rhino Tool Company has been a leading manufacturer of pneumatic post drivers as well as manual and hydraulic post pullers since 1975. Rhino’s products are designed, produced and assembled in the United States. Rhino Tool Company currently maintains distribution in 47 countries and works with hundreds of dealer locations throughout the United States and Canada.
  
Data Collection Software for remote monitoring--Our founder was the GM then CIO of a major manufacturing company for many years. They manufactured and rent light towers, generators, pumps and other high capital investments. He quickly became frustrated at the countless hours of driving to job sites, downtime, and destruction of equipment that with some form of data collection, could have saved the company thousands. When he looked for possible solutions he found most companies offered GPS track and trace technology but that was not enough data. Determined to find a solution, our team was built. As systems integrators, mobile and web developers, and with experience within the industrial space for years, our job is to help you use technology to simplify your operations and increase profit.

  
New Holland Skid Steer & Mini Excavator--Scott Equipment Company is a leading processing and industrial equipment manufacturer and global provider of custom processing equipment for the agricultural and industrial markets. Driven to produce custom, quality products for a diverse range of industries, Scott Equipment has grown to successfully supply processing equipment in numerous industries throughout the United States and many foreign countries. Additionally, we are pleased to offer a network of technical support and consulting services to address each customer's unique needs.
  
Clearspan Tent Manufacturer with products ranging from 3m to 60m wide--Shelter Structures is a major manufacturer of high quality cost effective European Style Clearspan Tent Structures. Our product range includes A-Frame, Arcum, Solution and Double Decker Structures. Our clients are among the most discerning tent and special event rental companies in the event industry. We also distribute tent structures for long term, industrial, warehousing, military or disaster relief applications. Clear Tent Fabric, Glass Panels, Tent Doors, ABS Hardwalls and Cassette type Flooring Systems complement our product range.
  
Magnesium Asphalt Lutes--Established in 1960 in Riverside, California, the Surfa Slick Magnesium Asphalt Lute was designed to meet the needs of our customers and provide a long-lasting lute. Providing the right equipment will help prevent operator fatigue and accidents and help lower overhead expense. With that in mind, our asphalt lute was designed to be both lightweight and rugged. Note the advantages: our asphalt lutes have the strength and spring of steel and yet are one-third lighter than aluminum; our magnesium handles and bars are resistant to abrasion and dissipate heat; the heavy duty casting connecting the handle to the bar creates a rigid connection superior to weaker braced connections; the lute bar’s serrated edge is formed with slightly blunted points and rounded notches to permit material to pass through without jamming; and our lutes are easily recycled.
  
Construction Equipment Auction Company--Vantage Auctions is a full service heavy construction equipment and commercial truck and trailer auction company operating in the Southwest. It is a live auction venue with Internet bidding provided in partnership with Proxibid, the world’s largest online bidding platform. Robert LaMarsh, President of Vantage Auctions, and Vice President, Brian Moening, combined have worked in the equipment industry for over 50 years, 30 of which were in the Heavy Construction Equipment Auction Industry. Together, Robert and Brian have put together an elite team of individuals with over 70 years within the Heavy Construction Auction Industry. Vantage Auction’s focus is on creating positive auction results for our Sellers and Buyers with comprehensive Asset Management, and unbeatable Customer Service.
Business News
In 2016, Governor Brown signed SB 3, a bill that increases the minimum wage in California to $15 per hour by 2022. The governor’s action made California the first state in the nation to commit to raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour statewide. Large businesses with 26 or more employees began complying on January 1, 2017, and will reach $15 per hour in 2022. Small businesses with 25 or fewer employees had a one-year delay and will see their first increase on January 1, 2018. Small businesses have until 2023 to reach the $15 per hour rate.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment. Click on "Learn More" to see recent gas and diesel prices and a comparison with last year's prices.
Calendar
  
RSIF Scholarship Deadline
• December 31, 2017 - RSIF Scholarship Applications Due More...

CRA's Rental Rally Trade Show
• January 22-24, 2018: CRA's Rental Rally Trade Show, Las Vegas, NV
Survey Results
Thank you to all those who take time to participate in our surveys. CRA utilizes the information we gather to better serve you. If you have an idea for a survey for CRA members, please send your request to CRA at Info@CalRental.org for consideration. This month we are interested in your holiday hours and pay.
Rob Dickey from All Valley Rental in North Hills, CA, is the winner of the December Survey Raffle. Congratulations, Rob!