Friday roundup: aviation milestones, mega hauls, trucking reforms

It’s Friday, and we’re closing the week with a look at projects and policy shaping aviation, transport, and trucking. From National Aviation Day to OXBO’s mega-haul and federal actions for drivers, here are the highlights:

LTM 1060-3.1 in action, precisely placing rotor blades onto a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Photo: Sterling Crane

MONDAY 

Observed each year on August 19, National Aviation Day recognizes the groundbreaking achievements of the aviation and aerospace sectors. As these industries continue to scale up in both size and sophistication, the demand for heavy-lifting precision is rising in tandem. From hoisting massive aircraft components to installing delicate propulsion systems, cranes play a critical role in aviation’s most ambitious projects.

One example is NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project, which is testing hybrid-electric propulsion systems on modified aircraft like the Saab 340B and Dash 7. Supporting such innovation on the ground requires precision lifting of high-voltage components, engines and test equipment—all of which depend on careful crane operation and ground support logistics.

With the global aerospace market projected to top $1 trillion by 2026, crane services are becoming essential to safe, efficient progress in this sector. National Aviation Day is also a timely reminder of the importance of airside permitting, safety near aircraft and comprehensive lift planning around sensitive, high-value equipment.

Photo: OXBO Mega Transport

WEDNESDAY 

OXBO Mega Transport Solutions successfully hauled a 525,000-pound (238t) amine contactor nearly 900 miles (1,448 km) from Houston to a natural gas processing facility near Mentone, Texas, USA. The 16-axle Goldhofer THP/CA configuration stretched 272 feet (82.9 m) long, 18 feet (5.5 m) wide and 18 feet 10 inches (5.7 m) tall, weighing in at 940,000 pounds (426t) when fully loaded. Careful planning ensured compliance with Texas DOT weight restrictions.

Route planning proved challenging, with OXBO evaluating 13 potential paths before settling on one that required a creative solution at a low railroad crossing near Abilene. In coordination with a private rail services provider, crews temporarily removed and reinstalled signal arms “just-in-time” to allow the transporter to pass safely. Engineers also cleared the load to cross an onsite bridge at the facility, confirming no structural damage.

The convoy averaged 150 miles (241 km) per day, supported by escort vehicles, police officers, bucket trucks and a matting crew that built temporary driving surfaces at seven tight corners. In total, the project demanded more than 1,100 man hours, including 200 hours of planning and 80 hours of bridge engineering.

Photo: AI-generated via ChatGPT

THURSDAY 

The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have announced a package of actions designed to support truck drivers, balancing long-overdue relief with new modernization efforts.

Highlights include more than $275 million in federal grants to expand truck parking – with nearly 1,000 new spaces coming to Florida’s I-4 corridor – and the withdrawal of the proposed speed limiter rule. FMCSA is also piloting flexible hours-of-service options, renewing its crackdown on double brokering and updating digital resources to improve transparency and compliance.

The moves mark progress on long-standing industry challenges, while signaling that smarter regulation and driver support remain top federal priorities.