HIAB

Streamline your heavy lifting and delivery with HIAB transport from Caldow Builders. Serving the North Island, we combine lift and haul in one efficient service. With over 40 years of experience, we deliver safe, reliable results—so you get faster turnarounds and fewer delays.

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Safe and Efficient HIAB Lifting and Transport

Caldow Builders delivers trusted HIAB transport services to both commercial and private clients who need safe, efficient lifting solutions. With over 40 years in the construction and transport industry, we understand how to move and position large, valuable loads — without delays or damage. Our truck-mounted cranes are ideal for lifting cabins onto sections, unloading site materials, placing air conditioning units, and more.

We operate a fleet of well-maintained HIAB vehicles, each run by experienced, fully certified drivers who understand site safety and efficient delivery. Whether you’re working on a residential build in Wellington or handling heavy gear in New Plymouth, our team provides end-to-end support — from pickup to final placement. For businesses like Minus21, scaffolders, or rural property owners, Caldow Builders is the HIAB transport company trusted to deliver on time, every time.

When to Use HIAB Transport

HIAB trucks are more than just a lifting tool — they’re a practical fix for common challenges on busy, remote, or under-equipped worksites.

Sites Without Lifting Equipment

Not every site has a forklift or crane available—especially in rural areas, on new builds, or for one-off trucking deliveries. That’s where a HIAB truck comes in.
It can lift, transport, and unload heavy items without needing extra gear or labour on site. This saves time, reduces costs, and keeps things moving without delays.

 

Deliveries With Heavy Loads

Oversized or heavy items can’t always be moved with standard trucks. HIAB units are built for awkward loads like steel frames, tanks, timber packs, and machinery. They carry, lift, and place the load in one trip—no separate crane needed. This means less handling, lower risk of damage, and fewer people involved, which keeps your project running smoothly.

 

Jobs Needing Precise Placement

Some jobs need more than just dropping gear on site — they need it placed exactly right. HIAB trucks have the reach and control to lift into tight, elevated, or obstructed areas without damaging nearby structures. This reduces manual handling and speeds up the job. It’s ideal for placing containers, sheds, beams, or any structural item where accuracy matters.

 

One-Off or Short-Notice Jobs

When timing matters, HIABs save you from waiting on multiple contractors or crane hire. They’re ready to transport, lift, and place in one go, making them perfect for short-notice jobs or sites with limited access. Whether you’re relocating equipment, delivering materials, or completing a small install, we can be in and out quickly with minimal disruption or set-up time.

 

Move Heavy Loads Without the Hassle

Got something that needs moving, lifting, or placing? Caldow Builders brings the right HIAB truck, skilled operator, and sharp coordination to handle the job from start to finish. No delays, no stress—just reliable service that gets it done right.

HIAB Transport vs Traditional Trucking

Standard transport gets the job done—but when lifting’s involved, HIAB trucks can make it faster and easier. Here’s how they compare.

Lifting and Delivery in One Trip

HIAB trucks combine transport and lifting in one unit. That means no separate crane hire or coordination between crews. We handle the full job in a single visit. It’s quicker, easier, and more cost-effective.

 

Fewer Site Delays

Standard delivery often leads to downtime waiting on lifting equipment. HIAB trucks avoid this by doing it all at once — delivery and placement. With one operator handling everything, the job moves faster. It also reduces the chance of scheduling conflicts.

 

Safer Gear Handling

HIAB operators are trained to lift safely and accurately. That means fewer accidents and less chance of damaging expensive or fragile materials. Everything stays under control from start to finish. This is especially helpful when working in busy or tight sites.

 

Better for Hard-to-Reach Locations

Some sites are hard to access with large cranes or forklifts. HIAB trucks are more flexible and can work in tight driveways, paddocks, or uneven ground. They’re often the best choice for rural or off-grid deliveries. No need to prep the site with extra gear.

 

Tired of delays, double handling, or juggling multiple contractors? With HIAB, you get lifting and delivery in one go—no extras, no hold-ups. At Caldow Builders, we bring the right truck, operator, and experience to keep your job running smoothly.

Common HIAB Jobs We Handle

We keep things simple, efficient, and well-organised — here’s how we handle HIAB jobs from start to finish.

Rooftop Aircon and HVAC Lifts

We regularly work with contractors and HVAC specialists to lift air conditioning units, chillers, and ventilation gear onto rooftops. Jobs are pre-planned to ensure safe access, lifting clearance, and minimal site disruption. Our team coordinates directly with site managers and installers for smooth delivery
and placement.

 

Cabin and Portable Building Delivery

Sloped sections, narrow driveways, and limited site access make cabin delivery a job for professionals. Our HIAB trucks lift and place cabins or portable buildings accurately, with minimal disturbance to the site. We assess access, verify base readiness, and ensure every lift is completed safely.

 

Scaffolding and Equipment Transport

We support scaffolding companies and construction teams by transporting full gear sets between job sites. We also handle site boxes, timber packs, steel frames, and other bulky items. Secure loading and careful placement ensure your gear arrives ready for work.

 

Farm and Industrial Equipment Moves

Our HIAB services are used to relocate farm machinery, tanks, generators, and other industrial items. Whether it’s a single lift or a series of equipment moves, we handle the job with precision and care. Our trucks and operators are prepared for rural, urban, or industrial environments.

Need something lifted, delivered, or placed with precision? Our HIAB team is ready to handle your next job safely and efficiently — just get in touch to book your lift.

Our HIAB Transport Process

We keep things simple, efficient, and well-organised — here’s how we handle HIAB jobs from start to finish.

Job Assessment and Site Check

We start by checking what needs lifting, where it’s going, and any access or space limits. Our team confirms the right HIAB truck and lifting setup. If needed, we’ll visit the site to check access or ground conditions.

Planning and Scheduling

Once confirmed, we book your job and prep the right gear. We schedule around your site crew or delivery times and keep you updated on when we’ll arrive and where the lift will happen — no surprises.

Safe Lifting and Delivery

Our certified operator shows up with the right truck, crane gear, and restraints. We lift and place your item with care, adjusting for slope, tight access, or tricky angles. Every lift is done safely and efficiently.

Handover & Follow-Up

After the lift, we confirm placement with you or your crew. If you need a second lift, repositioning, or future moves, we’ll help plan it. We leave the site clean and safe — and we’re just a call away if you need us again.

Reviews from Our Clients

What Sets Caldow Builders Apart

At Caldow Builders, we bring decades of lifting experience, a capable fleet, and a team that knows how to get the job done safely and without delays.

40+ Years of Experience

We know how to get lifting and transport jobs done properly. Every job is carefully planned, safely carried out, and finished without shortcuts.

Skilled Operators

Our HIAB operators are experienced, practical, and careful with every load. We understand how to move awkward or oversized items safely, with minimal disruption to your site.

Reliable Fleet and HIAB Equipment

Our HIAB trucks are well-maintained, purpose-built, and ready to go. You won’t be left waiting on hired gear or rushed setups — we bring the right truck for the job.

End-to-End Capability

With our own transport, civil, and commercial construction teams, we can support more than just the lift. If your job ties into site work or building, we’ve got it covered under one roof.

Looking for Reliable HIAB Transport?

Caldow Builders handles heavy lifts and awkward loads with skill and care. Our HIAB trucks are ready to deliver, lift, and place—on time, with no stress or hold-ups. Let’s get your gear moving.

frequently asked questions

Got questions about how HIAB services work? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about our HIAB transport services.
How much does HIAB transport cost in New Zealand?

HIAB transport in New Zealand typically costs between $150 and $250 per hour, depending on the truck size, lifting requirements, and travel distance. Some jobs may also include additional charges for setup, long reach lifts, or rural access. For short, local lifts, a minimum call-out fee often applies. At Caldow Builders, we offer fair, competitive rates and maintain our fleet with quality HIAB parts to ensure safe, reliable performance on every job.

No, you don’t need a crane or forklift on-site when using a truck-mounted crane. HIAB trucks combine lifting and transport in one unit, making them a cost-effective solution for sites without unloading equipment. This is especially useful for rural areas, civil construction, or hard-to-access locations. At Caldow Builders, our truck-mounted HIAB cranes are fully equipped to lift and place your load exactly where it needs to go—no extra gear required.

Yes, most HIAB transport providers in New Zealand have a minimum charge — usually covering 1 to 2 hours of work, even if the job takes less time. This helps cover travel, setup, and operator time. Rates can vary depending on distance and job type. At Caldow Builders, we’re upfront about minimum charges and will give you a clear cost breakdown before the job is booked.

Yes, a HIAB can lift over fences, walls, or small buildings—depending on the reach and weight of the load. Most HIAB cranes have an extensive range of up to 10–15 metres, though lifting capacity decreases with distance. Site access and ground conditions also need to be assessed beforehand. At Caldow Builders, our experienced operators assess every site and use a full range of well-maintained HIAB units to get the job done safely
and efficiently.

Yes, HIAB trucks can operate on sloped or uneven ground, but the site must be stable and safe for lifting. Outriggers are used to level the truck, though steep or soft terrain may limit lifting capacity. That’s why ground conditions need to be checked beforehand. At Caldow Builders, our experienced team inspects each site and uses the right HIAB setup—whether it’s a standard unit or a recycling crane—to get the job done safely
and properly.