A Hiab freight service uses a truck-mounted crane to lift, move and place heavy or awkward freight where forklifts, docks or tail-lifts are unavailable. This guide explains how Hiab trucks work, what they can handle and when a Hiab delivery is the safest option.
Home Freight Blog What Is a Hiab Freight Service?
A Hiab freight service uses a truck fitted with a hydraulic crane to load and unload freight directly from the vehicle. While Hiab is a crane brand name, the term is widely used in Australia to describe crane-equipped trucks.
Hiab trucks allow freight to be delivered and positioned in locations without forklifts, loading docks or suitable ground access, making them essential for construction, industrial, rural and residential deliveries.
A Hiab truck can be a rigid, flatbed, tray or pantech vehicle fitted with a hydraulic crane mounted behind the cab or at the rear of the truck.
The crane is operated using manual controls or a remote system, allowing the operator to lift, rotate and precisely place freight without additional on-site equipment.
Hiab services are used when freight cannot be safely unloaded using pallet jacks, forklifts or tail-lifts. Common freight types include:
A tail-lift lowers freight from truck height to ground level but cannot lift items from the ground or place freight into position.
Hiab services are required when freight:
Hiab trucks are available in multiple configurations depending on lifting capacity and reach.
Hiab lifting capacity depends on crane size and boom extension. Important considerations include:
Hiab trucks are often required where access or unloading equipment is limited.
QFM coordinates Hiab deliveries through experienced crane-truck carriers and ensures the correct vehicle is allocated for each job.
Before confirming a Hiab service, QFM assesses:
Hiab deliveries provide major advantages for heavy or awkward freight:
To avoid delays or unsafe lifts, QFM recommends providing:
QFM provides nationwide Hiab freight solutions for heavy, oversized and difficult-to-handle freight. We assess each job individually to ensure the safest and most efficient crane-truck setup is used.
From one-off machinery lifts to ongoing construction deliveries, QFM delivers compliant, reliable Hiab services across Australia.
If you need a Hiab freight service for heavy, long or awkward freight, QFM can organise the correct crane truck and manage your delivery from planning through to placement.