HIAB Crane

HIAB CRane Shipping Container Transport

This delivery method uses a truck mounted crane. The vehicle pictured has the crane mounted on the rear, some vehicles have the crane mounted just behind the cab, but for container deliveries it is best to use rear mounted. This method is best suited where there is limited space in front or behind the truck where the container is to be located. It is also the best way to position a container at an angle to the delivery truck (e.g. 90 º, 45°, etc. See picture 3 & 4) or up on a platform/raised area, over colourbond/chain wire fences etc. The truck can off load the container to either side or the rear of the truck.

When the container is being offloaded, the truck needs to extend outrigger legs to either side of the truck for stability (picture 2). The vehicle in these photos is able to deliver 10’ & 20’ containers, 40’ containers can be delivered in the same method, but with a semitrailer/articulated truck rather than a rigid body truck. Due to the extra weight and reach, there are more restrictions when delivering 40’ containers.

There are several points that need to be considered when using this type of truck for delivery:

• The height of the container on the truck is 4.2m. You need to allow at least this height when going under powerlines/trees, eves of houses/factories or through doorways.
• Even though the container is 2.44m wide, the truck and mirrors etc. need an opening of at least 2.9m.
• The lifting arm needs approx. 6.5m in height while unloading. This needs to be considered when unloading near/under powerlines, trees or inside factories.
• The truck will need at least 3 to 4 metres clear space in front to manoeuvre to drive away after unloading.
• The land where the truck parks to unload needs to be relatively level, slightly sloping is okay.
• Most transport companies don’t like to take their vehicles off road. If delivery is into an area where the ground isn’t sealed or compacted / hardstand, the driver will inspect the area and make a judgement whether or not to proceed. If the vehicle becomes bogged / stuck you will be liable for the recovery cost. So it’s a good idea to make sure you identify any soft or wet areas, old rubble drains, recently excavated / filled areas etc. then advise the driver of their location. Also have an alternate site to place the container in case the driver won’t go off the compacted surface.