THIS is the first Fleet Van Rental 10, which lists the largest van rental companies in the UK according to their sub 3.5-tonne fleet size.

Rental companies were asked to supply key details about their businesses for this guide, which includes contact information for every firm.

Each company has provided details about its total rental fleet size, its car fleet size and its van fleet size. The recent Fleet News Daily Rental Guide included a list of the top 20 rental firms ordered by their total fleet size. The FVR10 is intended to be an annual guide to van rental firms, which will provide further added value content each year.

If you have any comments on this year’s guide or requests for any additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us: fleetnews@emap.com.

1. Northgate Vehicle Hire
Van fleet size: 52,576
Total fleet size: 62,000
Rental locations: 112
MD: Phil Moorhouse
Owner: Northgate plc
HQ: Darlington
Tel: 01325 467558
Company summary:

Northgate provides flexible vehicle solutions, all delivered through a nationwide network of autonomous hire sites. Each site is wholly owned by Northgate. The group operates a total fleet of more than 100,000 vehicles throughout the UK, Ireland and Spain.

2. Sixt rent a car
Van fleet size: 20,000
Total fleet size: 36,000
Rental locations: 372
MD: Roger Freeman
Owner: Sixt AG
HQ: Chesterfield
Tel: 01246 506000

Company summary:
Figures include United Rental Group/Spiredrive. Sixt Kenning has expanded its network to more than 75 countries, including all Americas, providing more than 2,400 rental locations around the world. Sixt is continuing to expand upon its position.

3. TLS Vehicle Rental

Van fleet size: 17,000
Total fleet size: 20,000
Rental locations: 26
MD: Andrew Way
Owner: General Electric
HQ: Sale
Tel: 0870 4588588

Company summary:
TLS Vehicle Rental - part of GE - has more than 25 years’ experience of providing flexible, low-risk solutions for van fleets. One of the largest rental and leasing companies in the UK, with branches nationwide and more than 20,000 vehicles available.

4. National Van Rental

Van fleet size: 4,400
Total fleet size: 46,200
Rental locations: 171
Senior VP: John Leigh
Owner: Vanguard Rental
HQ: Uxbridge
Tel: 0870 4004581

Company summary:
We believe in listening to our customers and providing high quality, fit-for- purpose solutions to specific needs. This approach, our service capabilities and the loyalty of our customers has underpinned our standing as a leading provider of van rentals.

5. Thrifty Van Rental

Van fleet size: 4,000
Total fleet size: 16,000
Rental locations: 90
MD: Andrew Burton
Owner: Scot Group
HQ: High Wycombe
Tel: 01494 751500

Company summary:
Thrifty is a franchise system. Almost 80% of its outlets worldwide are owned by independent businesses that are licensed to use Thrifty’s names. Scot Group is the holder of the master franchises for both Thrifty Car/Van Rental and Dollar Rent a Car brands in the UK.

6. Arnold Clark Van Rental

Van fleet size: 4,000
Total fleet size: 11,000
Rental locations: 41
MD: Hugh Wallace
Owner: Arnold Clark
HQ: Stirling
Tel: 01786 468700

Company summary:
Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental runs a modern multi-franchised fleet of cars, MPVs, 4x4s, minibuses, light commercials and trucks. The company, firmly established at the forefront of Scottish motoring, expects continued growth throughout the UK.

7. Ryder Van Rental

Van fleet size: 3,350
Total fleet size: 3,500
Rental locations: 27
MD: Peter Backhouse
Owner: Ryder System Inc
HQ: Slough
Tel: 01753 735000

Company summary:
We have always taken pride in our levels of customer service, doing everything we can to make sure customers get the vehicles they want, exactly when and where they’re wanted. All vehicles are available to rent on a short or long-term basis.

8. Enterprise Van Rental

Van fleet size: 3,100
Total fleet size: 35,170
Rental locations: 290
MD: Brice Adamson
Owner: Privately-owned
HQ: Egham
Tel: 0870 3503000

Company summary:
Enterprise specialises in insurance replacement and fleet rentals. It has the sector’s largest branch network and a location within 10 miles of 91% of the UK population. Enterprise also offers industry-leading customer service and consultancy services.

9. Salford Van Hire

Van fleet size: 2,300
Total fleet size: 3,700
Rental locations: 4
MD: Rafaello Bacci
Owner: Privately-owned
HQ: Manchester
Tel: 0161 8330771

Company summary:
In the past five years, We have grown year upon year thanks to the continuing application of competitive pricing and excellent customer service. Last year the company celebrated its 40th anniversary and looks forward to continuing to serve both public and industry.

10. Ford Rental

Van fleet size: 1,823
Total fleet size: 10,323
Rental locations: 180
MD: Richard Bunn
Owner: Ford Motor Co
HQ: St Neots
Tel: 01480 222057

Company summary:
A dealer based rental network delivering local service nationwide. We offer a full range of vans, typically less than six months old. Our corporate accounts team offers competitive rates backed by online booking and a brand new reservation system.