We are not just pretty faces

Phoenix cranes are often booked to move office trailers to and from jobsites throughout the lower mainland. Although we do this regularly, the work is not always straightforward, depending on the weight, dimensions, lifting points, and location accessibility.

Last Wednesday, our crane operator #1104 was dispatched to work at Lougheed Mall, to remove a small empty 8-foot by 14-foot unit, which was anticipated to take approximately thirty minutes, but everything doesn’t always go as planned. The office trailer may have been small and light, but it was also in an area that was not accessible, stuck between two large containers. It also was missing the picking points necessary to use our container hooks (container lifting lugs or pins) used to attach chains to the piece. At this point, our operator used his expertise and years of experience, to come up with a plan that was both effective and safe. The operator chose to use his slings that he carries on his truck to, which he slid underneath the conta

iner and then attached them to the chains before hoisting the container. It took a little more time than expected but worked well to complete the job.

Once the rigging was sorted and the container was safe to hoist, the office trailer was placed on the trucks deck in less than five minutes and relocated in a timely manner. Problem solving minds, experience and a ‘yes’ attitude go a long way in our industry and certainly helps us ensure happy and returning customers.