Crane Truck Capability Grows at Direct Logistics

OVERVIEW

Direct Logistics worked with TRT to expand its crane truck capability for precision construction site delivery.

The new custom HIAB crane trucks support Gib board delivery to tight building sites, with added reach, lift capability and access flexibility.

Direct Logistics is a fast-growing third-party logistics provider in New Zealand.

The business operates seven warehouses and a fleet of 16 trucks, including specialised crane vehicles.

Its crane truck division began in April 2024 to support one customer.

Since then, Direct Logistics has been replacing older crane trucks while using the existing units for other flat deck and crane truck work.

Direct Logistics needed crane trucks suited to complex construction site delivery.

The work includes delivering Gib board to houses and commercial buildings, then placing product where it is needed on site.

The service can involve craning product through windows in multi-storey buildings.

It also requires crews to work around scaffolding, stairs, other contractors and limited site access.

TRT supplied custom HIAB crane truck units using UD cab chassis and Hiab crane packages.

An earlier TRT project used a UD CG32-460 8X4 with a rear-mounted Hiab X-HiPro 358E-6 crane.

Direct Logistics later approached TRT for a new crane truck, and that platform matched the specification required.

TRT extended the crane reach for Direct Logistics by adding hydraulic extensions and a manual pullout extension.

After several weeks using the first machine, Direct Logistics confirmed further builds on the UD platform with the Hiab 358E-8.

The builds include a mix of front-mounted and rear-mounted crane configurations to suit different sites and loads.

Some rear-mounted units also include a dual-function hose reel system for hydraulic pallet forks.

Direct Logistics now has new crane truck units supporting its construction delivery work.

The units give the business up to 23m reach, 360 degree rotation and better accessibility on difficult building sites.

The first unit was received at the end of February.

The second and third units have also been received, with the fourth on its way at the time of the article.

The crane truck programme supports Direct Logistics as it grows its capability beyond the original customer requirement.

Older crane trucks remain in use for other work, helping the business expand into more flat deck and crane truck services.