Milestones to honor

Sixty years ago, the group now known as the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association began as a handful of US companies that moved and, sometimes, erected bulky objects. After World War II, changes in business methods and decentralization brought about a remarkable transformation in the transportation of heavy machinery, other heavy objects and articles requiring the use of special equipment. Also changing were laws and regulations specifically affecting the transport of such loads.

To accommodate the segment of the transportation industry affected by these developments, the Local Cartage National Conference (LCNC) of the American Trucking Associations began the process of creating a new section in 1947. In December 1948, the Heavy Haulers, Machinery Movers and Erectors Section of LCNC was born.

SC&RA salutes the six founding companies of that organization that have maintained uninterrupted membership – Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental, Dobson Industrial, Hastings Truck Company, Main Trucking & Rigging, Southwestern Industrial Contractors and Wilhelm Trucking and Rigging. Each of these companies has witnessed SC&RA's remarkable record of growth and achievement to an association with more than 1,275 companies in 43 nations.

During SC&RA's 2008 Annual Conference, April 15-19, in Bonita Springs, FL, the association will recognize the founding members showcased in the following pages with special Longevity Awards.