Hauling Success
flooring for strength under heavy loads, removable outriggers, a manual exhaust valve, recessed load-bearing bolsters and a 12-volt LED sealed light system.
The 55CC trailer also has six tie-down rings on each side of the deck and eight tiedown rings between the deck’ s main beams. Two sections of expanded metal baskets are mounted under the center of the deck to store chain and other items.
Successfully Addressing Challenges
The heavy haul business is not without challenges, Aber noted.“ We’ re successfully addressing the costly need for drivers that is being felt across all types of transport operations with excellent benefits and top pay for our industry and location,” he said.“ At the
Above: Aber’ s Towing & Crane Service primarily operates Talbert Manufacturing trailers, including 55CC models. The four-axle unit has three axles with a close-coupled pin-on fourth axle at the rear.
Left: Aber’ s Towing & Crane Service uses its heavy haul fleet to support the company’ s full-service crane rental operation with six cranes from 5- to 225-ton capacities and booms up to 270 feet.
same time, like many trucking companies, increased insurance costs are a growing issue.
“ We’ ve experienced increases in premiums of as much as 50 % while our safety performance hasn’ t changed or has improved,” Aber continued.“ Insurance carriers are concerned about exposure to risk so they’ re passing on the cost while more tightly monitoring safety and driver records for violations.
“ Our response has been to mitigate insurance cost increases by tightening up in-house safety programs and using technology to protect ourselves and our drivers,” Aber continued.“ For example, we’ ve installed forward-facing Samsara dash cameras and have worked with our drivers so they have a better understanding of how safe practices help deter cost increases. We’ ve also increased deductibles.”
Another industry wide challenge for Aber’ s is having state agencies issue correct permits and routes.“ We work with permitting entities and conduct route surveys, hire bridge monitors, field or hire pilot cars and highway patrol escorts and adhere to curfews affecting heavy haul equipment,” Aber said.“ Still, especially with multi-state, multi-day hauls, getting permits for oversize and overweight loads in different jurisdictions to match up can be difficult and very frustrating.”
Meeting Heavy Haul Needs
Despite the challenges, Aber is clear about what makes for a successful specialized transport haul.“ Number one is having properly trained and well-motivated employees,” he said.“ In addition, we field quality, safe and reliable equipment that is well maintained and supported by our in-house maintenance operation, dealers and manufacturers. We also keep a close eye on the fleet and driver performance with our Towbook management and telematics software.”
Founded in 1950 with a one-ton truck and a small crane, Aber’ s Towing & Crane Service has grown considerably over the years to include its specialized transport operation, an expanded wrecker fleet to provide towing services and a maintenance and repair shop for all makes of trucks.
Aber’ s also has a full-service crane rental operation with six cranes from 5- to 225-ton capacities and booms up to 270 feet. Their crane services, offered on an hourly, daily, weekly or long-term basis, are available with rigging, spreader beams and straps.
Now operated by a third generation of the Aber family, Aber’ s Towing & Crane Service has been successful for the past 74 years because it remains dedicated to paying attention to the details.“ No job is too small, large, short or long for our qualified team of professionals who bring their experience and know-how with them on every job,” Aber said.“ It’ s about accommodating every need, no matter the magnitude of the project.
“ What really sets our services apart is our receptiveness to the unique needs of each client,” Aber continued.“ By understanding that providing quality service stems from understanding the challenges a customer faces, and turning their challenges into solutions, we can take the burden off of them.”
www. cranehotline. com • December 2024 CRANE HOT LINE ® 11