A Plain-English Guide for Crane-Assisted Projects in Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset"

Whether you're a homeowner planning a hot tub delivery in Somerset, a project manager coordinating a building site in Wiltshire, or a contractor arranging a specialist lift in Dorset, at some point you'll hear the words RAMS, LOLER, or movement order.

They sound complicated. They're not.

At C.P. Duck Haulage, we've been handling the paperwork behind crane-assisted haulage and lifts across the South West since 1999. Here's what each document is, when you need one, and how we take the administration off your plate entirely.

What Are RAMS?

RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It's the core compliance document for any crane-assisted lift, and it's required on virtually every commercial site job we do across Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset., RAMS typically cover:

The risks involved (to people, property, and public spaces)
The method of work (how the load will be lifted, transported, and placed)
The safety controls in place (PPE, operator qualifications, signage, etc.)

At C.P. Duck Haulage, we offer:

✅ Generic RAMS – Suitable for standard or low-risk lifts. Provided free upon request.
✅ Project-Specific RAMS – Tailored to your job using site photos, access notes, or plans you provide.
✅ Site Visit & Full RAMS – For higher-risk, restricted-access, or compliance-heavy jobs. Ideal when your principal contractor or CDM coordinator requires a formal pre-assessment.

This tiered approach means we match the level of documentation to the complexity of your lift - no unnecessary red tape, just the right paperwork to keep your project moving and compliant.

Do I Need a Lifting Plan?

A Lifting Plan is often required alongside RAMS for more complex or high-risk lifts — especially under LOLER regulations (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998).

You’ll likely need one if:

The load is unusually shaped or heavy
The lift takes place over buildings, fencing, or public areas
The job forms part of a larger CDM-regulated project

Our solution:

We can provide a formal lifting plan where required, complete with:

Load and lifting details
Crane position and setup
Signaller/banksman roles
Safety zones and emergency protocols

All created by experienced operators and supported by ALLMI-compliant practices.

What Is a Movement Order?

A Movement Order is a formal permission required when a vehicle or load exceeds standard legal dimensions on public roads, or when operating in controlled or protected spaces. In practice, across Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset, these are most commonly needed for loads over 2.9 metres wide or for lifts on or over public highways.

You may need one if:

Your load exceeds 2.9 metres in width
You’re operating a crane on or over a public highway or footpath
The job site requires documented permissions for oversized or specialist access

At C.P. Duck Haulage, we can apply for and obtain a movement order on your behalf when required.

We handle:

Direct communication with local authorities
The full documentation process
Scheduling to comply with access restrictions or escort requirements

By working with us, you’ll save time and ensure full compliance - all without the administrative burden.

Compliance Without Complication: How We Help

We understand that every project is different - but every project deserves to be safe, seamless, and properly documented.

Here’s how we make that happen:

Free Generic RAMS on request
Tailored RAMS from client-supplied photos or access details
Site Visit + Full RAMS available when required
LOLER-compliant Lifting Plans for complex or regulated jobs
Movement Order Support for jobs on public or protected sites

And we keep the jargon to a minimum - so you know exactly what to expect, what’s included, and how we’re keeping your project compliant and stress-free.

Not Sure What Your Lift Needs?

If you're based in Somerset, Wiltshire or Dorset and you're not sure whether your job needs a RAMS, a lifting plan, or a movement order, give us a call. We'll talk you through it in plain English, assess the job, and tell you exactly what documentation is required.

One call. One clear answer.

📞 07977 060487

✉️ chris@cpduckhaulage.co.uk

We cover Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and beyond from our base in Evercreech, Somerset.

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

Frequently Asked Questions — RAMS, Lifting Plans and Movement Orders

For most commercial site deliveries in Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset — yes. Even for relatively straightforward jobs, a principal contractor or CDM coordinator will ask for RAMS before allowing a crane lorry on site. At C.P. Duck Haulage, we provide generic RAMS free on request and project-specific RAMS for more complex jobs.
A RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) covers the overall safety approach to the job — the risks, the controls, and the method of work. A lifting plan is a more detailed document specifically about the lift itself — crane position, load weight, reach, safety zones, and roles. You may need both on CDM-notifiable or high-risk sites. We produce both in-house.
The crane-assisted haulage contractor — that's us. At C.P. Duck Haulage, we provide RAMS as standard on every job. You don't need to produce them yourself or source them from a third party.
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Yes, it applies to crane lorries and all associated lifting tackle — slings, chains, shackles, frames and mats. Under LOLER, all lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined at regular intervals by a competent person. Our crane is LOLER-tested every six months and all accessories are individually certified.
You may do, depending on the vehicle and load dimensions. Movement orders are typically required when the vehicle or load exceeds 2.9 metres in width, or when operating on or over a public highway with specific restrictions. We handle movement order applications directly with the relevant local authority — Somerset Council, Wiltshire Council, or Dorset Council — so you don't have to.
CDM stands for the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. CDM applies to most construction projects and sets out responsibilities for managing health and safety throughout. On CDM-notifiable projects, principal contractors require formal RAMS and lifting plans from every contractor on site — including crane-assisted haulage operators. We're experienced in producing CDM-compliant documentation across construction sites in Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset.
Generally no — RAMS are primarily a requirement for commercial and construction site work. For a residential hot tub delivery or shepherd hut placement, we carry out a risk assessment internally as part of our standard planning process, but you won't need to request or review a formal RAMS document. We'll flag it if anything about your specific job changes that picture.
For generic RAMS, usually same day on request. For project-specific RAMS based on site information you provide, typically 24–48 hours. For full site visit and lifting plan, we'll agree a timeline when we book the visit. We never hold a job up over paperwork.

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