Booking a Hiab? Here's Everything We Need to Know Before Dispatch To Make The Job Run Smoothly 🚚

If you’re booking a Hiab truck with Swanson Transport, having the right information up front helps us send the best-suited vehicle for the task — and keeps your job on schedule. To ensure the job goes smoothly the below items are what makes the difference.

Pick-up & drop-off location, Load Dimensions & Weight

To choose the right truck and equipment we need:

  • Pick up location and delivery location.

  • Date and time required.

  • Estimated or known weight of the load(s).

  • Length, width and height (overall dimensions).

Whether you’re moving spa pools, timber packs, machinery, tanks, signage or containers — accurate details help us avoid re-bookings, delays, or incorrect equipment.

Site Access, Lifting & Placement Requirements

To plan the delivery and lift safely and efficiently, it helps to know:

  • If there are tight driveways, steep driveways or tricky approaches.

  • Tell us about any overhead obstacles (e.g. low-hanging trees, power lines).

  • If possible, send photos of the site — this helps us assess which truck works best.

  • Where it needs to go (placement point).

  • Approximate reach required (how far the crane needs to reach to place the load)

Because load capacity reduces as reach increases, knowing the load placement distance, obstacles and truck access helps us pick the right crane — front-mounted or rear-mounted — based on your needs. If you’re unsure we can provide a site check to come up with a plan.

Site Conditions & Ground Stability

Crane safety depends on stable ground. Please let us know if the site surface is:

  • Grass, gravel, asphalt, concrete, or soft/unstable ground.

  • Sloping or uneven.

  • Surrounded by obstacles limiting outrigger extension.

  • Underground services that we need to avoid (e.g. berried water tank).

If needed, we can plan and organize to bring ground-protection pads or consider a different truck configuration.

Timing & Job Coordination

To avoid unnecessary delays or charges:

  • Tell us your preferred date and time for the job.

  • Confirm if the load will be ready on-site when we arrive.

  • If the job requires a booking slot (e.g. crane booking, loading bay booking).

  • Inform us if other trades (e.g. installers, electricians) will be present and need to coordinate.

  • Release dockets or references if picking up from a warehouse or distribution center.

Our dispatch center will work with you to align schedules and make sure we send the right crew and vehicle.

Special Requirements & Compliance

If your project involves anything out of the ordinary, let us know up front:

  • Whether the load requires special rigging for lifting.

  • Oversized or over-dimensional loads requiring permits or pilot vehicles

  • Multiple lifts, delivery points or complex placements.

  • Site-specific health, safety, or logistical requirements.

  • Any dangerous goods or hazardous materials.

All our operators are qualified with US16617 (Use a truck loader crane to place loads) and US30072 (Sling loads safely) as well as being members of Sitesafe, SiteWise, Totika, Construct safe, ISN, NZ heavy Haulage Association, Crane Association NZ and National Road Carriers (inc).

Why Giving Us the Right Info Matters

When you take the time to give us full details before booking:

  • You get the best crane/truck for the job.

  • Your load is lifted and placed safely and efficiently.

  • Will avoid delays, re-bookings or extra charges for idle wait time.

  • Our team arrives prepared for your site’s conditions and requirements.

If there are elements where you are unsure we’re happy to help by coming out and visiting the site to come up with a plan.

At Swanson Transport, we’ve spent decades delivering reliable Hiab and transport services across the Greater Auckland region — and with your help, we’ll keep every job running smoothly.

Nick Longuet-Higgins