The crane rig helps streamline the process of transporting large loads in heavy equipment shipping and logistics. However, not all mating equipment is created equal. Most types of crane rigging vary based on tasks that primarily involve moving objects, loads, and other equipment.
The use of proper rigging equipment is essential for efficient handling of objects and cargo. In addition, some objects and shipping projects require various crane assembly devices and tools.
Types of crane devices
Crane equipment in transportation and logistics facilitates the safe lifting, lifting and shipping of heavy loads. Understanding the different types of crane rigging or transport helps you choose the most suitable and efficient one for your project.
Also, before choosing and setting up your equipment, you may need to determine the weight and size of your oversized cargo shipment to improve safety and efficiency. Fortunately, most loads come with their weight and dimensions marked, or the manufacturer provides a catalog showing weight and dimension specifications.
To understand the types of crane rigging, here is a detailed and comprehensive guide that explores the eight broad ranges of crane rigging equipment used in the heavy haulage industry.
1. Pulleys and Blocks
Sheaves and blocks are the most common accessories and essential equipment of crane rigging in the shipping industry. Heavy haulage companies use both of these types of equipment to lift and move heavy, oversized objects with little force. There are different types of blogs, such as:
- Tiltable blocks
- Rotating blocks
- Start Blocks
- Square blocks
Pulleys include single and double types.
2. Hooks
Hooks are another type of crane rigging equipment that are usually attached to a block or pulley system. The configuration allows multiple lines to be connected, increasing the lifting or lifting capacity of the crane, giving you more control over your load.
The hook is essential when lifting heavy loads with multiple attachment points or when additional mechanical advantage is required. Hooks come in a variety of styles including:
- Swivel hooks
- Eye hooks
- C hooks
Although they are all hooks, each serves a specific purpose; for example, the swivel hook allows rotation of the load without twisting the cable or sling.
3. Synthetic slings
Synthetic slings offer an alternative to metal slings and are primarily used for lighter weights. Materials used for slings mainly include polyester, polypropylene and nylon. They are reliable for handling objects with delicate surfaces and irregularly shaped loads.
Synthetic slings are also preferred for their strength, corrosion resistance and flexibility. They are color coded, indicating their load capacity, making it easy to choose the right sling to carry your haul.

4. Chain slings
Chain slings are another type of crane rigging equipment suitable for transportation that can be adjusted to various lengths and are often preferred for lifting extremely heavy equipment. These sling types come in single, double, and multiple configurations, such as cable slings.
5. Wire rope slings
Wire rope slings are the most versatile and common crane rigging equipment, including single, double and multiple leg configurations for carrying oversized and super heavy loads. The single-leg sling, for example, is preferred for vertical hoists, and the multi-leg sling is ideal for equipment with multiple attachment points.
Due to their strength and resistance to abrasion, they are the most suitable for heavy applications. Various steel strands are broken to develop a flexible and durable lifting tool and solution.
6. Lifting beams
This crane rigging equipment is designed to distribute the load evenly, especially when lifting long, awkward or irregular loads. As the name suggests, the equipment has a horizontal beam with multiple attachment areas for hooks and slings.
In the shipping and logistics industry, lifting beams prevent heavy loads from bending or overturning when lifted. They improve safety when loading or unloading heavy, oversized and irregularly shaped cargo.
7. Handcuffs
In crane rigging equipment, shackles connect lifting or lifting hooks, slings, and other tools to the load. We have different types of tackle shackles which mainly include:
- Round handles
- Screw handles
- Bolt type handles
Although they perform different functions in the heavy cargo transportation industry, they mainly provide additional safety and efficiency.
8. Tensors
Heavy load hauling experts use this rigging equipment to adjust the tension of chains, ropes and other rigging. They also secure rigging components while adjusting the tension and alignment of slings and cables.
Final thoughts from heavy haulers
Only an expert hauling company like Heavy Haulers can help you choose the right crane rigging equipment for your shipping project. These reliable and trustworthy oversize cargo experts have over a decade of experience and understand the types of crane rigging used in shipping.