The Safer, Smarter Way to Lift and Deliver

When a load is too heavy to lift by hand and too awkward for a forklift, crane-assisted haulage steps in. Also known (colloquially) as “HIAB hire,” this specialist service combines a heavy-goods vehicle with its own hydraulic loading crane - giving you transport and lifting power in one neat package.

Below, we break down exactly what crane-assisted haulage is, how it differs from standard haulage, and why it can save time, money, and headaches on your next project.

The Short Answer

Crane-assisted haulage is the movement of goods or equipment using a lorry that carries its own hydraulic loader crane. The crane loads the cargo onto the vehicle, transports it, then unloads or positions it at the destination - no separate crane hire or forklift required.

HIAB, FASSI & Friends - Clearing Up the Name Game

HIAB may be the household name, but it’s not the only player in the game. Just as “Sellotape” became shorthand for any sticky tape, “HIAB hire” is often used to refer to all lorry-mounted cranes - even when they’re not made by HIAB.

In reality, there are multiple major brands in the market, including FASSI (our crane of choice), Palfinger, PM, and Cormach.

So when you see “HIAB haulage” or “HIAB truck,” remember: it’s the service that matters, not the badge on the boom. Terms you will see associated with Crane Assisted delivery and what they really mean:

The Swedish brand Hydrauliska Industri AB, founded in 1944 by Eric Sundin. HIAB invented the first truck-mounted hydraulic crane and the name stuck.
The generic term for any truck-mounted hydraulic crane, regardless of manufacturer.
eading modern manufacturers producing cranes with different lifting capacities and reach specifications.

At C.P. Duck Haulage, our flagship unit carries a FASSI 66 tm crane - proof that “HIAB hire” often involves a fleet built from multiple manufacturers.

How Crane-Assisted Haulage Differs from “Normal” Haulage

Crane-assisted haulage differs from standard haulage in one essential way: it combines both transport and lifting into a single, integrated service. Traditional haulage providers typically offer transport only, leaving clients to arrange loading and unloading separately - usually via forklifts or site-based cranes. This setup assumes that the delivery location has suitable offloading equipment, which isn’t always the case, especially in rural, remote, or residential settings. In contrast, crane-assisted haulage brings a lorry fitted with its own hydraulic crane and a trained operator, making it possible to collect, transport, and lift loads without relying on additional subcontractors. This not only simplifies logistics but also reduces the need for multiple RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statements), extra insurance policies, and separate scheduling. With a single point of contact, clients benefit from clearer communication, faster turnaround, and a streamlined chain of responsibility - especially valuable under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations). For projects requiring precise, secure, and efficient lifting and transport, crane-assisted haulage is often the smarter, safer choice.

Why It Often Beats Hiring a Haulage Firm and Crane Separately

Hiring a haulage company and crane operator separately may seem like a straightforward option, but it often leads to more complexity, not less. It introduces multiple points of contact, conflicting schedules, and duplicated costs - not to mention the additional paperwork, risk assessments, and insurance policies required. There’s also no guarantee that the crane provider will be familiar with the delivery or collection site, or that the haulage firm will have experience working alongside external lifting teams. This can slow things down and create gaps in responsibility.

With crane-assisted haulage, you get an all-in-one solution: the same experienced team handles the entire process from planning the lift to final placement, all with fully integrated RAMS, LOLER-certified equipment, and specialist lifting accessories like frames, road mats, and skates. It’s not just more convenient - it’s more efficient, more compliant, and in many cases, more cost-effective. You get peace of mind knowing the lift and logistics are handled by one team, with one goal: getting the job done safely, precisely, and without surprises.

Typical Loads We Handle

Renewable energy components – solar inverters, small wind-turbine hub
Modular buildings & welfare cabins
Machinery moves – CNC machines, compressors, generators
Art & heritage pieces – bronze sculptures, stone monuments
Hot tubs & swim spas – direct over fences into gardens

How the Technology Has Evolved

1940’s - 60’s – HIAB pioneers the first truck-mounted cranes; manual levers, limited reach.

1970’s - 90’s – Telescopic booms, remote hydraulics, and increased lifting charts expand capacity.
2000’s - Today – Radio remote controls, stability control, slewing sensors, and higher strength-to-weight steel allow cranes like our FASSI 66 tm to lift 3.1 t at 16 m—once unthinkable for a road-going truck.

Modern loader cranes rival small mobile cranes for many tasks, but with the benefit of rolling straight back onto the motorway.

Where Crane-Assisted Haulage Excels

Crane-assisted haulage truly shines when projects demand precision, versatility, and access to hard-to-reach or restricted sites. Whether it’s lifting hot tubs over garden fences, manoeuvring sculptures into galleries, installing telecoms or signage in tight urban environments, or delivering heavy plant and machinery to construction sites with minimal access - a crane-mounted lorry brings both the muscle and finesse needed to get the job done. It’s especially well-suited to rural deliveries, city centre drops, and residential jobs where forklifts or tower cranes simply aren’t practical or permitted.

At C.P. Duck Haulage, we regularly support industries from renewable energy to art and design, thanks to our ability to handle awkward lifts, varied terrain, and time-sensitive deliveries with minimal disruption. Our fleet and operators are equipped to lift with accuracy and confidence, ensuring assets arrive not just safely, but exactly where they’re needed.

Some FAQ’s

Mobile cranes are standalone lifting machines, often requiring a second vehicle to transport the load. Crane-assisted haulage combines both into one - ideal for deliveries, installations, and precision lifts in tight or rural spaces.
Not always - we’ll assess based on photos and your project details. But for complex lifts or limited access, a site visit ensures everyone’s on the same page.
Not necessarily. At C.P. Duck Haulage, we can provide full RAMS and lift plans tailored to your project. For more complex lifts, we also offer site visits to ensure every safety and logistical detail is covered.
Crane-assisted haulage supports a wide range of industries including construction, events, renewable energy, public art installations, landscaping, infrastructure, local authorites, and modular buildings - anywhere heavy or awkward items need lifting and placing with precision.
Yes. Our loader cranes can lift over fences, walls, or other obstacles, and are designed for tricky access jobs. We regularly deliver to gardens, construction sites, city centres, and restricted rural locations.
Not always - in fact, combining haulage and lifting into one service can often reduce your overall costs by removing the need for separate crane hire, operators, and multiple contractors.

Working With C.P. Duck Haulage

Family-Run Reliability – The same people who pick up the phone plan the lift and drive the truck.
ALLMI-Certified Operator – Safety and competence backed by the UK’s crane-loader authority.
RHA Membership & £10 m Public Liability – Compliance you can hand straight to your CDM or site manager.
Fleet Flexibility – 18-tonne rear-mount for tight spots, 40-tonne artic with urban trailer for long-reach heavy lifts.

Need a Lift?

If you’re weighing up separate crane hire versus an integrated solution, let’s talk. We’ll evaluate your load, access and timings, then give you a clear quote - no jargon, no hidden extras.

Call 0977 060487 or email chris@cpduckhaulage.co.uk

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