What is a Hiab?

A lorry with its own loading crane

HIAB is a brand name and registered trade mark of Hiab AB. In the UK, “Hiab” is commonly used to describe a lorry-mounted crane, also called a crane lorry or loader crane, including makes such as Palfinger and Fassi. HiabHub uses the term in that general sense and is not connected with Hiab AB.

This type of transport can be useful when a supplier or receiving site has no suitable forklift. You can request crane loading at collection, unloading at delivery, or both. A movement within one yard may need lifting without a road journey.

Containers, machinery and construction deliveries

Common enquiries include storage containers, portable offices, welfare cabins, workshop machinery, generators and building materials. Some operators also handle specialist work such as boat transport or lifting steel into position. Check the services on the individual profile and ask about experience with your particular load.

A crane lorry is not automatically suitable for every heavy item. Include the item’s weight and dimensions, along with any contents or attachments, so the provider can assess the complete movement.

Rigid and articulated Hiab vehicles

A rigid Hiab carries its load and crane on one vehicle. An articulated combination uses a tractor unit and trailer, which may be useful for longer loads or different carrying requirements. Vehicle configurations vary, so neither description gives a fixed payload or lifting capacity.

Let the operator recommend the vehicle from your load details and the two addresses. A larger lorry is not always the answer when the available working space is limited.

Lifting weight and crane reach

The weight a crane can lift changes with its working radius. Unloading beside the vehicle is different from reaching further across a yard or over a boundary. A quoted maximum reach does not mean the crane can lift its maximum weight at that distance.

Send photographs showing the intended collection and placement positions. The operator can check the required lift against its particular equipment and decide whether further information is needed.

Find a Hiab operator for your job

Browse your local area on HiabHub, review the listed businesses and contact an operator directly. Provide both postcodes, the load details, your preferred date and whether lifting is required at one or both ends. The operator confirms suitability, availability and price; HiabHub does not take the transport booking.