March OLV index values for used equipment across the fourteen major rental category indices tracked by Rouse increased 0.3% from February values. For the six months ending March 31st, 2013, average index values are up 0.9%. Eight out of fourteen category indices recorded one-month value increases ranging from 0.2% for Loader Backhoes to 2.0% for Scissor Lift Aerial Work Platforms and Skid Steer Loaders.
March auction sales of rental & construction equipment tracked by Rouse averaged 3.9% higher than Rouse February FLV values. Rouse recorded 3,443 units that sold at 27 separate auction sales conducted across North America. The units represented a combined FLV (as of February 28th) of $82.9 million and generated $86.1 million of gross auction proceeds.
During January, achieved rental rates decreased 0.4% on average for the rental companies participating in the Rouse Analytics Rental Metrics Benchmark Service. Rates are up 6.8% relative to January 2012. Rouse Analytics calculates rate change weighted by prior period activity in accordance with the ARA Rental Market Metrics standard.