HIAB.
HIAB.
HIAB
The “Lift and Shift” Solution for Complex Cargo
Most haulage stops at the kerb. But when you’re moving high-value marine gear, oversized electrical cabinets, or 6-metre fabrications, you need a solution that goes further. We provide a specialist HIAB service for the jobs a standard truck simply can’t handle. It’s not just about moving weight; it’s about the precision needed to place your product exactly where it needs to be.
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SPECIALIST SECTOR EXPERTISE
Marine & Boatyards
Moving hulls, masts, and engines into tight cradles where there is no room for error.
Utilities & Power
Delivering heavy electrical gear and cabinets to substations and remote sites.
Manufacturing
Handling long, awkward fabrications and industrial doors that require a steady crane arm and a flatbed.
Construction & Plant
Positioning machinery and materials exactly where the fitters need them.
WHY THE SECTOR TURNS TO US
Precision Handling
We know a boat hull or a custom control panel is a masterpiece, not just a load. We use soft-sleeved strapping and specialist edge protection to ensure your cargo arrives in showroom condition.
Professional Presence
We act as a seamless extension of your brand. Our specialist team brings the professional conduct and technical authority needed to represent your business on high-stakes sites.
FORS Silver Accredited
We have the “keys” to the UK’s most restricted sites. From major utility infrastructure to high-security construction zones, our compliance is your peace of mind.
THE “PUZZLE-SOLVING” MINDSET
Every HIAB job is a logic problem. If you’ve got a site with a tight squeeze, a height restriction, or a load that seems “impossible” to move, we’re the team that figures it out.
We don’t do “computer says no.” We look at the geometry of the site, the specs of the gear, and we find the fastest, safest way to get the job done. We handle the heavy lifting, the coordination, and the compliance—so you don’t have to.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a HIAB, and when do I need one?
A HIAB is a lorry-mounted crane that allows us to lift and move heavy or oversized items directly from the vehicle. You’ll need a HIAB if your load is too heavy for manual handling, too awkward for a forklift, or if it needs to be lifted over an obstacle like a fence, wall, or onto a raised platform.
What is the maximum reach and lift capacity of your HIABs?
Our fleet includes a range of specifications, from Standard HIABs to Long-Reach “Hi-Ab” Cranes.
- Lifting Capacity: This varies based on the distance from the vehicle. For example, a crane might lift 5 tonnes at 2 metres, but only 1 tonne at 12 metres.
- The “Golden Rule”: To give you an accurate quote, we need the weight of the item and the distance it needs to be placed from the side of the lorry.
Are your HIAB operators fully certified?
Safety is non-negotiable. Every one of our HIAB operators is ALLMI or CPCS accredited. They are experts in site-specific risk assessments and lift planning, ensuring every job complies with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations).
Can a HIAB lift over a house or a high wall?
In many cases, yes. Our long-reach cranes are designed to “fly” loads over obstacles. However, this depends entirely on the weight of the item and the total distance (radius). If you’re unsure, we can often carry out a site survey to ensure the vehicle we send is capable of the job.
What kind of items do you typically move with a HIAB?
If it’s heavy and awkward, we can move it. Common HIAB loads include:
- Shipping Containers (20ft and 40ft units).
- Portable Cabins & Welfare Units.
- Plant Machinery & Generators.
- Building Materials (timber packs, steel beams, or oversized glass).
- Industrial Transformers & HVAC Units.
