  A rate equation formalism is used to determine the effect of electron-phonon
coupling on the conductance of a molecule. Interplay between the phonon-induced
renormalization of the density of states on the quantum dot and the
phonon-induced renormalization of the dot-lead coupling is found to be
important. Whether or not the phonons are able to equilibrate in a time rapid
compared to the transit time of an electron through the dot is found to affect
the conductance. Observable signatures of phonon equilibration are presented.
