If you’re involved in the construction or manufacturing industry, you likely have a firm understanding of what a rigging company does. If you are not, and you are faced with the challenge of moving enormous objects—such as shipping containers, heavy machinery, and even buildings—finding the right rigging company can be intimidating.

Learning about this practice will help you understand the role of a rigging company, as well as how to choose the right one. Luckily, A&M Crane and Rigging of High Point, NC, has been on the job since 1980. Here, they share the basics of the rigging business and some key considerations for your hiring process.

A rigging company’s duties can be broken down into three categories: load movers, truckers, and crane operators. Load movers perform the staging, calculating, and initial moving—they are the hands-on team initiating the rigging process. Then, truckers take the object to your desired destination. Once it has arrived, crane operators will lift the object into its final position.

Some rigging companies specialize in only one aspect of this process, so it’s important to research the company you are thinking of hiring. Some companies, like A&M Crane and Rigging, specialize in all three tasks, enabling them to complete your project from start to finish. Ultimately, this makes the whole process quicker and less expensive.

Lifting heavy items is an incredibly specialized task, and not every company has the equipment or manpower for every job. For example, the gear used for a building relocation differs from that of an emergency tree removal. Common equipment includes cranes, forklifts, chain ropes, lifting bars, and steel plates, so identifying a company with a broad variety of rigging equipment will offer some measure of versatility. Before hiring a rigging company, make sure their capabilities complement the task at hand.

Rigging accidents can result in fatal injuries, and safety is the primary concern of every reputable rigging company. It’s crucial to ask the company you hire if they follow OSHA safety protocols and adhere to all safety standards regarding equipment inspection, overhead and ground clearance, and load securing. Also, ensure the team is well-trained, educated, and certified.

By educating yourself on the rigging process, you can make an informed hiring decision. If you have any other questions, call A&M Crane and Rigging at (336) 889-6000, or visit them online. To see what their 30 years of experience can bring to your project, like them on Facebook and browse their extensive gallery.