FAQ
Crane Rental FAQ
Straight answers to the questions people ask most before renting a crane or boom truck in Southeast Texas.
About Beaumont Cranes
What is Beaumont Cranes?
Beaumont Cranes connects customers with local crane and rigging providers in Southeast Texas. When you call, your call is forwarded to a provider that serves Beaumont and the Golden Triangle. You get your quote from them and they do the work.
What areas do you cover?
Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange, plus Nederland, Port Neches, Groves, Vidor, Bridge City, Mauriceville, Lumberton, Silsbee, Sour Lake, Winnie and Hamshire. Nearby communities are often covered too, so call and ask if your town isn't listed.
Does it cost anything to call?
Beaumont Cranes doesn't charge you anything. Any price is between you and the crane provider, and you're under no obligation to book.
Do you work on overhead or bridge cranes?
No. The services here are mobile cranes, boom trucks, operated crane rental and rigging. Overhead and bridge crane inspection and repair is a different trade.
More on how it works and the areas covered.
Choosing a crane
What size crane do I need?
It depends on three things together: the weight of the load including rigging, the distance from the crane to where the load is set (the radius), and the height. A crane's capacity drops as the radius increases, so a light load placed far away can need a bigger crane than a heavy load placed close. Give the provider all three and they will check it against the crane's load chart.
What is the difference between a boom truck and a crane?
A boom truck is a truck with a crane mounted on it, usually with a flatbed that can carry the load. It's quick to set up and suits lighter lifts. A mobile crane is a dedicated lifting machine with more capacity and reach, used for heavier loads, longer reaches and bigger projects.
What does operated crane rental mean?
The crane comes with an operator who runs it on your job. It's the most common way to rent a crane for a single job, because you don't need to supply or certify your own operator.
Can I rent a crane without an operator?
Some providers rent certain cranes bare, without an operator, usually to companies with their own qualified operators and insurance. For most one-off jobs an operated rental is simpler. Ask the provider what they offer.
Related: mobile crane rental, boom truck rental, crane rental with operator, and the guides what size crane do I need, boom truck vs crane and operated vs bare rental.
Cost and booking
What information do I need for a crane quote?
The load weight and size, the distance from where the crane can park to where the load goes, the height, the site address and access, and your date. Photos help for tricky sites.
How much does crane rental cost?
An operated crane runs est. $1,000–$4,000 per day, and published rate sheets show est. $155–$595 per hour, with $465–$3,200 minimums. Local quotes vary with crane size, hours, travel, rigging and permits. Sources: CraneCompare and RiggingForce.
Is there a minimum charge?
Usually, yes. Short jobs are typically billed with a minimum number of hours to cover travel, setup and breakdown. Ask what the minimum is and whether travel time counts toward it.
Does the price include travel and rigging?
Not always. Some quotes include travel, rigging gear and riggers, and some list them separately. Ask for an itemized quote so you can see what's included.
How far ahead should I book a crane?
As early as you can, especially for larger cranes or jobs that need permits or street closures. Smaller boom truck jobs can sometimes be scheduled quickly, but availability changes week to week, so call to check.
Can I get a crane today?
Sometimes. Same-day availability depends on what equipment and operators are free. For urgent jobs, call and ask what can be done today.
Related: crane rental cost, crane rental cost per hour and emergency crane service.
Permits, site prep and weather
Do I need a permit to use a crane?
It depends on the job. Crane work in a public street may need a city permit or lane closure, oversize crane transport may need state permits, and lifts near an airport may need an FAA notice. Your city and the crane provider can tell you what applies.
What should I prepare before the crane arrives?
Clear the access route and the setup area, make sure the ground is firm, identify overhead power lines, have the load ready to rig, and keep people out of the lift area. The provider will tell you anything specific to your site.
What happens if it's windy or raining?
The crane operator decides whether conditions are safe. High wind is the most common reason to stop or postpone a lift. Ask the provider how weather delays are handled in your quote.
Related: rigging services, industrial crane services and HVAC rooftop unit lifts.