Use this list before you ask for quotes.
Know the job
- What is being lifted, and how much does it weigh? Use the manufacturer's or shipping weight, not a guess.
- How high does the load go, and how far is it from where the crane will stand to the building and to the set-down spot?
- What date do you need, and how long do you expect the lift to take?
Check the site
- Can a crane truck reach the setup spot, and is there room for it?
- What is the ground like where the crane will sit? Ask whether it needs mats or blocking.
- Are there overhead hazards, such as power lines or trees?
- If a power line is close, the crane company may need its voltage. The utility must provide it within two working days of the request. Required clearance depends on the voltage, for example 10 feet for lines up to 50 kV.
Ask about the price
- What is the hourly rate, and what is the minimum number of hours?
- Is travel billed from the company's yard and back, or as separate delivery and pickup fees?
- Are fuel, permits, riggers, extra crew, support trucks or overtime charged separately?
- Is it an operated service, or a bare rental? A bare rental makes you responsible for a qualified operator, inspections, maintenance and insurance.
- Can you get the minimum charge for the crane and crew you need in writing? Do not multiply an hourly rate by eight to guess a project total.
Ask about people and paperwork
- Who confirms the crane and setup from the load chart for your lift?
- Who supplies the riggers and the signal person, you or the crane company?
- What insurance is included? You can ask for a certificate.
Before the lift
- Settle access, firm ground support, permits and any power line conflicts before the crane arrives.
- Have the load's weight information ready for the operator.
- Under OSHA's crane rule, an operator must not be required to lift more than the crane's rated capacity.
More detail: What size crane do I need? and How much does crane rental cost in South Carolina?
Sources
- Crane Compare, Crane Rental Services South Carolina (setup notes, bare and operated service)
- RiggingForce, How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Crane for a Day?
- Alltracon, How Much Do Industrial Rigging Services Cost? A Complete 2026 Pricing Guide
- OSHA, 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (paragraph (o))
- OSHA, 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety
General information, not safety, legal or engineering advice.