TRT Powers Precision Delivery

Transport specialist TRT has delivered a fleet of custom HIAB crane trucks to Direct Logistics, enabling the fastgrowing logistics provider to boost its capabilities in precision delivery for the construction sector.

The partnership is enabling Direct Logistics to expand its crane truck operations, with the new units offering superior reach, lifting power and adaptability for complex building site deliveries.

In May last year, TRT completed a custom project in partnership with CVC Christchurch, utilising a UD CG32-460 8X4, with a rear-mounted Hiab X-HiPro 358E-6 crane. C&C Engineering carried out the build.

TRT was later approached by Direct Logistics, which was in the market for a new crane truck – and the 358 on the UD fitted the specification of what it was after.

“The 358 originally had six extensions with 16.2m reach, but Direct Logistics wanted 23m, so we fitted two more hydraulic extensions, plus a manual pullout extension to this unit for them, which they were very happy with,” says Matthew Tabb, Hiab sales specialist at TRT.

The Hiab X-HiPro 358E-6 extends 23m.

After a few weeks of working with the machine, Direct Logistics found it worked well and suited its application – and the team began looking at replacing some of the older crane trucks in the fleet.

“The UD with the 358E-8 is a great platform for them and the work they do, so they confirmed doing four to five more builds on the UD cab chassis with the 358E-8 on them, with a mix of front and rear mounts to suit varying job sites and loads,” Matthew says.

Direct Logistics has rapidly grown into a major third-party logistics provider, operating seven warehouses and a fleet of 16 trucks, including a growing number of specialised crane vehicles.

Managing director Nathan Scott says its crane truck division is a real strength for Direct Logistics.

“We started with crane trucks in April 2024, solely for one customer. And over the past 12 months, we have been replacing some of the older crane trucks with new ones,” he says.

“The older ones still have life left in them. So we have started utilising them on other work and plan to expand into work for other customers requiring flat deck/crane truck work.”

Nathan says the new crane trucks are dedicated to delivering Gib board to building sites.

“Part of this service is providing additional labour to hand unload the Gib board inside houses and commercial buildings. This often involves craning up through windows in multi-storey buildings, and carrying board into specific areas of the construction sites. This takes a lot of planning, working around other contractors on sites, scaffolding, carrying up stairs, etc.”

He says the Hiab cranes from TRT allow them to lift more weight further.

The UD Quon has proved to be a great platform for the Hiab.

“We can go to circa 23m reach with a pull pack of product and the cranes can rotate 360 degrees, giving us more manoeuvrability and better accessibility to tricky construction sites,” he says.

Direct Logistics received the first unit, which is front-mounted, at the end of February. Features include the load stabilising system, automatic folding and unfolding, and the truck cabin protection system.

“This allows Direct Logistics to make the most out of loading the weight up on the rear axles and gives them versatility when doing jobs on sites with limited access,” Matthew explains.

The company has recently received the second unit, which is also front-mounted and identical to the first unit, and C&C Engineering is close to completing the next unit, which is rear-mounted on the UD cab chassis.

“This unit has a dual-function hose reel system on it, which allows Direct Logistics to operate hydraulic pallet forks to handle loads,” Matthew says.

It has also received the third unit, with the fourth on its way shortly. The fourth unit will also be rear-mounted with the dual-hose reel kit to run another set of hydraulic pallet forks.

For more information on crane trucks, get in touch with the team at TRT on 0800 878 695.