Is it permissible to take money designated for the wages of a laborer who carried goods if the friend who performed the task did not take a wage?

The questioner acts as an agent for his company in this work. Therefore, it is not permissible for him to take the amount he was entrusted to pay as rent for the equipment, even if its owner refused to accept it because he is a friend of the questioner. He must return the amount to the company, or seek permission from them to take it after its owner has relinquished it. If they permit him, then it is permissible; otherwise, it is not.