What to Look for When Hiring a Crane Lorry in Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset

When your project involves heavy or awkward loads, choosing the right crane-assisted haulage provider can mean the difference between a clean handover and a very expensive problem.

In Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset, there are operators who'll give you a price over the phone without asking about the access, the ground conditions, or the overhead cables. There are others who've been doing this for 25 years and know the difference between a site that looks straightforward on Google Maps and one that needs a visit before anyone commits to anything.

Here's what to look for — and what questions to ask before you book.

Experience That Goes Beyond the Brochure

Don't be dazzled by a shiny website. The real test of a crane-assisted haulage provider is what they've actually lifted, where, and under what conditions.

Have they tackled tight residential drops as well as industrial moves? Do they understand rural access — the weight-limited bridges, the soft ground, the lanes that tighten without warning? Are they used to working alongside contractors, councils, architects, and private homeowners equally?

At C.P. Duck Haulage, we've been crane-assisted haulage specialists in Somerset since 1999. In that time we've positioned bronze sculptures in historic courtyards, placed hot tubs into gardens with no rear access, delivered shepherd huts to remote Dorset fields, lifted shipping containers onto Wiltshire farms, and supported renewable energy installations across the South West.

There's not much we haven't faced. Or lifted.

In-House RAMS, Movement Orders & Lift Plans

Compliance matters. Whether your site needs a full RAMS package, a Movement Order for an over-width delivery, or a site-specific Lift Plan - the right provider should handle the paperwork with the same care they handle your load.

At C.P. Duck Haulage, we offer:

Generic RAMS on request
Site-specific RAMS from client detail or photographs
Comprehensive RAMS & Lift Plans following a site visit
Local Authority Movement Orders for vehicles/loads over 2.9 metres

No scrambling for documents. No last-minute gaps in compliance. Just peace of mind.

ALLMI-Certified Operators & LOLER-Tested Equipment

Always ask: Are your operators certified? Is your tackle LOLER-tested?

If the answer isn’t an immediate “yes,” keep looking.

Our operators hold ALLMI (Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers) certification - the UK benchmark for lorry loader safety and competence. All lifting gear is LOLER-tested and traceable, including slings, chains, mats, and frames.

This isn’t just about meeting regulations. It’s about making sure your load - and everyone around it - stays safe.

Fleet Fit for Purpose

The right equipment makes all the difference. But so does knowing it’s cared for.

Does your haulage provider have the reach, capacity, and configuration to meet your site’s access needs - and the right maintenance regime to back it up?

At C.P. Duck Haulage, we operate a FASSI 66 tm rear-mounted crane capable of lifting 3.1 tonnes at 16 metres. It’s mounted to an 18-tonne rigid for tight access work, or a 40-tonne articulated lorry with urban trailer for longer loads and increased reach. This gives us the flexibility to handle everything from city-centre drops to countryside manoeuvres with confidence.

Just as crucially, our fleet is maintained to exacting standards:

We partner with a trusted vehicle maintenance specialist
All vehicles and trailers undergo 6-weekly inspections
Our cranes are LOLER-tested every six months
Lifting accessories are routinely checked and individually certified
Daily walkaround checks ensure readiness before every lift

It’s not just about capacity - it’s about consistency, compliance, and care. Because when you’re lifting valuable assets into precise positions, you need a fleet (and team) you can rely on.

People You Can Actually Speak To

There's nothing worse than being stuck in a call queue when your site is on a tight deadline.

When you call C.P. Duck Haulage, you speak to Chris or Gemma — the people who plan the lifts and drive the trucks. No call centres. No account managers who've never been on a site. Just fast, straight answers from people who know Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset and know the job.

If you're in Taunton, Salisbury, Sherborne or anywhere in between and you need a crane-assisted lift, you'll get a direct answer within the hour — not a form to fill in and a three-day wait for a quote.

Industry Memberships That Mean Something

Don’t be afraid to ask: Are you a member of RHA? Are you ALLMI-approved?

These accreditations signal a provider committed to industry standards, continuing development, and best practice.

We’re proud to be members of both:

RHA – Road Haulage Association
ALLMI – Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers

They keep us accountable - and you protected.

A Family Ethos with Commercial Standards

C.P. Duck Haulage is family-run from Evercreech in the heart of Somerset. We operate with professional-grade rigour across everything we do — but we're still the kind of business where the person who answers the phone knows your name the second time you call.

That means:

£10 million public liability cover
Full goods-in-transit insurance
Accurate paperwork, delivered promptly
RAMS and lifting documentation as standard
Tailored solutions — not one-size-fits-all pricing

We're big enough to lift serious loads. Small enough to care about every single one.

How to Choose with Confidence

When selecting a crane-assisted haulage provider, consider the full picture:

Can they demonstrate real experience?
Are they fully certified and compliant?
Do they handle everything in-house - lifting plans, movement orders, paperwork?
Will they take the time to understand your needs?

If any of those answers feel uncertain, it might be time to look elsewhere.

If you're looking for a crane-assisted haulage provider in Somerset, Wiltshire or Dorset that ticks every box, give us a call.

Ready to Plan Your Lift?

Whether you're moving a hot tub, installing public art, relocating plant and machinery, or managing a complex site delivery across Somerset, Wiltshire or Dorset, we'll work with you to plan a safe, compliant, and efficient lift from start to finish.

📞 07977 060487

✉️ chris@cpduckhaulage.co.uk

C.P. Duck Haulage Ltd — Crane-Assisted Lifting & Logistics, Evercreech, Somerset. Est. 1999.

Frequently Asked Questions — Choosing a Crane-Assisted Haulage Provider

Look for ALLMI certification (Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers) — the UK benchmark for lorry loader operators. All lifting equipment should be LOLER-tested and all lifting accessories individually certified. The company should carry public liability insurance and be able to provide RAMS documentation on request.
ALLMI is the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers — the UK's industry body for lorry loader crane safety and competence. ALLMI-certified operators have been trained and assessed to the national standard for lorry loader operation. It's the first thing to check when hiring a crane lorry operator.
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. It requires that all lifting equipment — including crane lorries and all associated tackle — is thoroughly examined at regular intervals by a competent person. A reputable crane-assisted haulage provider will have current LOLER test records for their crane and all lifting accessories. Always ask.
For any job with restricted access, soft ground, overhead hazards, or precise placement requirements — yes. A site visit protects you and the operator. It takes 20–30 minutes and prevents the kind of problems that take days to resolve. At C.P. Duck Haulage, we always recommend a site visit for complex jobs across Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset.
At minimum: a RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement). For CDM-notifiable sites or complex lifts: a project-specific RAMS and a formal lift plan. For loads or vehicles over 2.9 metres wide: a Movement Order from the relevant local authority. A good provider handles all of this in-house without you having to chase.
Be wary of quotes given without any questions asked — a provider who doesn't ask about access, ground conditions, load weight, and overhead obstacles hasn't properly assessed the job. A fair price reflects the actual complexity of the lift, not just the distance. At C.P. Duck Haulage, we ask the right questions first and then give you a clear, honest number.
Yes. C.P. Duck Haulage is a member of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) — the trade body representing the UK road haulage industry. RHA membership signals a commitment to industry standards, legal compliance, and professional conduct.
Since 1999. Twenty-five years of crane-assisted haulage across the South West, from our base in Evercreech, Somerset. Many of our earliest clients are still with us today.