How Do You Transport Cranes? Steps for Safe, Legal Hauling

Cranes are heavy machinery used in a variety of construction applications. In most cases, as with tall buildings, they are necessary to the building process. But how do you safely get the crane to the building site with the least hassle?

Whether you want to ship a small crane or larger crane equipment, read on to learn more about the relocation process.

In this post, we will examine different factors influencing the transportation of cranes and outline steps to ensure the crane arrives at its final destination in working order.

Logistics of Crane Transportation

Transporting cranes involves meticulous planning and coordination. Before initiating the move, assessing the crane's dimensions, weight, and configuration is essential to determine the appropriate transportation method. For instance, mobile cranes can often be driven to the site, but larger components like counterweights may require separate transport. In contrast, tower cranes must be disassembled into sections, each transported individually and reassembled on-site. This process necessitates careful scheduling to minimize downtime and ensure safety.

• Crane transport costs vary significantly by type and distance; multi-axle lowboy or flatbed trailers are required, with tower cranes disassembled into mast sections, jibs, and counterweights shipped separately.
• Disassembly, permitting, route surveys, and escort coordination mean crane moves typically require several days of pre-transport planning before any load departs for its destination.
• State-by-state oversize and overweight permits are mandatory for every route segment; loads exceeding height or width thresholds also require DOT-compliant cargo securement and utility coordination clearance.

Different Types of Cranes

You can choose between three of the most common crane types depending on what you need a crane for.

Mobile cranes

Mobile cranes are smaller, making them much easier to transport over short distances.

While they do not offer the height and carrying capacity of a larger crane, mobile cranes, due to their flexibility and mobility, offer a wide variety of uses.

Some applications of mobile cranes include assisting with uploading and unloading containers for shipping purposes, building large steel structures, and moving oversized objects from one spot to another.

Mobile cranes can be taken apart and assembled fairly quickly, and they are designed for straightforward hauling to and from sites.

Tower cranes

At construction sites, tower cranes are large lifting mechanisms anchored at the site to a concrete block.

When relocating a tower crane, the different parts must be disassembled and reassembled on-site. As such, time is a necessary factor when shifting. Factor in how long it will take to take the crane apart and put it back together during transport.

Overhead cranes

Overhead cranes, commonly found in warehouses or spaces that require industrialized machinery, move heavy items in a set area. They are mounted onto an overhead runway system that allows them to move left, right, up, and down.

Several overhead cranes exist, including bridge, gantry, and workstation cranes. These cranes have three main parts: the bridge, the trolley, and the hoist. Like the tower cranes mentioned above, these components should be disassembled for relocation.

Crane Shifting Steps to Follow

Before moving a crane from one location to another, one must know and understand what it takes to move a crane.

Follow these tips below to increase your understanding of hauling so that you can safely, securely, and legally move your crane.

Know The Dimensions of The Crane

Depending on the type of crane you wish to ship, there are several ways to determine its size. This will then inform the kind of transport to use when shifting.

First, consult the crane's manufacturer for the size dimensions, which include the crane's height, length, width, and weight.

The crane's reach is also significant, as it will indicate the length of the span. The crane span is determined by measuring the center-to-center distance between the beams.

Once you have the numbers, you can see whether you need a flatbed truck or a heavy-load vehicle to relocate the crane.

Mobile cranes, a more compact crane setup, can likely be moved using a small truck. However, larger cranes, such as tower and overhead cranes, will need a much larger vehicle to relocate.

Plan Your Route

With the mode of haul decided, you can move on to the next step, planning your shift route in detail. A reasonable shipping and logistics company will be able to handle this for you by checking the following:

• Any bridges or overhead passes that could restrict relocation
• Weight and height limits on roads
• Anything that could obstruct or hinder the safe delivery of the crane.

Securing the necessary permits is a critical step in crane transportation. Oversized loads often require special permits, which vary by jurisdiction and depend on factors like weight, dimensions, and travel routes. Additionally, route planning must account for road conditions, bridge clearances, and traffic patterns to avoid obstacles and delays. Engaging with local authorities and transportation agencies early in the planning process can facilitate smoother operations and compliance with regulations.

Secure The Paperwork

Whether shipping a crane over a short distance or moving it internationally, there are several permits to apply for and regulations to follow.

Once again, with the assistance of a reputable carrier, this process will be a breeze. However, here are some considerations to take into account.

Engineer-approved roads are safe for crane shipping once you have the required permits. At times, this may mean getting a self-issued permit.

If you are planning a different route that has not been approved, you would need to obtain permission from the Department of Motor Vehicles in each respective state. This is usually done in conjunction with an engineer.

Depending on the method of transport and the size of the crane, escort vehicles may be needed to get from point A to point B. This is another consideration to bear in mind, as it could considerably increase the overall cost of hauling.

When hauling internationally, it's necessary to consult the relevant governing body at the destination site to comply with the country's overweight and oversized vehicle relocation regulations.

Safety Before, During, and After Relocation

While relocating heavy equipment, securing the load correctly and according to standards is vital. This ensures the safety of the expensive equipment and contributes to the well-being of the highway network and other road users.

The materials most commonly used to tie a crane onto a hauling vehicle include chains, polyester or nylon straps, steel cables, and ratchet straps or load binders. The latter prevents excessive movement while relocating, preventing damage to the crane.

Dunnage materials are also required to facilitate equal weight distribution and increase safety during shifting.

Before setting off, ensure the crane and all components, including the extending parts, are safely secured on the hauling vehicle.

If the crane is disassembled for hauling purposes, all stakeholders need to note the different parts of it. This will help prevent any loss of the crane during transit.

Effective and timely communication between the different parties is also paramount throughout the shifting process. Your trusted logistics company will also be able to keep you in the loop about where your crane is and when it's expected to arrive at the final destination.

Upon delivery, all parts need to be checked for damage or loss. Once this is complete, the assembly process can begin.

If the crane is to be placed and operated at a construction job site, specific regulations must also be followed to ensure there are no risks to buildings or people nearby.

The loading and unloading phases are among the most critical in crane transportation. Properly securing the crane to the transport vehicle using appropriate restraints, braces, and supports is essential to prevent shifting during transit. Upon arrival, unloading must be executed with precision to avoid damage to the crane and ensure the safety of personnel. Utilizing experienced rigging crews and adhering to established safety protocols can mitigate risks and contribute to a successful transport operation.

Addressing these key aspects, logistics, permitting, and safety, can help you navigate the complexities of crane transportation effectively. Whether moving a mobile crane across town or relocating a tower crane to a new construction site, thorough preparation and attention to detail are paramount for a successful operation.

Wrapping Up

Specialized equipment, such as a crane, requires careful planning, effective communication, and extensive process knowledge.

Due to their sheer size and the frequent need to disassemble and reassemble them for shipping, the safe hauling of cranes can be challenging if you are not clued up about what is required. We hope that the tips above, such as how to determine the crane's measurements and which permits to obtain, have helped to ease some of the stress associated with relocation.

Moving a crane from one place to another becomes much more manageable with the professional help of a reputable company like us. Get a free quote on your next crane shipping.