We've all been there—you just landed after a long flight, eager to hit the road and get your vacation or business trip started. But instead of getting your rental car smoothly and quickly, you're faced with a long line, a mix-up with your reservation, or a surprise fee. And when you finally do get the keys, the car isn't even what you thought you were getting. It's frustrating, it's inconvenient, and it feels like the big rental car companies just don't care. This is the very problem Jeff Hogg set out to solve with Southern Rental Cars.
Southern Rental Cars is changing how people rent cars by focusing on what truly matters—getting the right car, exactly when and where customers need it, without the usual hassle. Unlike large rental companies that treat customers like just another number, Southern offers a personalized experience that puts customer needs, time, and convenience first.
"It's simple, really," says Jeff Hogg, the company's founder. "People are tired of feeling stuck in the rental car system, where they never know what they'll get. We wanted to give people control over their experience and make it easy for them."
One of Southern's biggest strengths is that you get to choose the exact car you want. If you're after a specific make or model, Southern ensures that's what you'll drive, rather than the typical "or similar" category you find with bigger companies. This kind of transparency is a huge breath of fresh air for anyone who's ever been let down by not getting the car they expected.
But it doesn't stop there. Every car in the Southern fleet is held to the highest standards when it comes to maintenance and cleanliness. "We make sure each car is thoroughly cleaned and checked after every rental," Jeff explains. "We want our customers to feel comfortable the moment they step in."
And they're not just giving you a clean car—they're making it easier for you to get on the road faster. Instead of waiting in line at a rental counter, Southern offers delivery right to your doorstep or the airport. Need access to the car without having to meet someone in person? They've got you covered with remote unlocking technology, meaning you can unlock your rental with just a few taps on your phone and get going without any extra hassle.
On top of that, Southern offers all the little things that make your trip smoother—like seasonal packages, child seats, unlimited mileage, and prepaid fuel options. These added conveniences are about giving you a stress-free experience, whether on vacation with your family or traveling for work.
Originally, Jeff didn't set out to disrupt the rental industry. However, after using a car-sharing platform and seeing firsthand how much better the experience could be compared to the traditional rental companies, he realized there was a real opportunity to fix the pain points that customers face.
"I was using Turo a lot," Jeff says. "It was better than the big rental companies, but it still had its own limitations. That's when I started thinking: Why aren't rental car companies doing more to make this process easier and more reliable?"
Starting the company wasn't without its challenges. Building up a fleet of vehicles, finding the right staff, and figuring out how to provide that personal touch on a larger scale took time. However, for Jeff, it was always about making sure the customers had a better experience, and that focus is what helped Southern Rental Cars stand out from the competition.
"Sure, we faced some hurdles," Jeff says, "but we were determined to create something better. When people use our service, they can feel the difference. That's what keeps us going."
Looking ahead, Jeff has big plans for Southern Rental Cars. He's ready to take the brand to new heights, with expansion plans that include key cities across the southern U.S., like Austin, Dallas, and major areas in Florida and Nevada. However, even as the company grows, Jeff is committed to maintaining the same level of personal service that customers have come to expect.
"We're going to keep growing, but we'll never lose sight of what makes us different," Jeff says. "At every location, customers will still get that great service, the exact car they want, and a hassle-free rental experience."
Southern Rental Cars isn't just another rental option—it's a better way to rent, one that actually works for you. By putting the customer first and focusing on convenience, transparency, and personalized service, Jeff and his team are transforming an industry that's long been in need of a shake-up. To learn more, visit www.southernrentalcars.com.
Join the Conversation