The most-read crane and transport stories of 2025

What captured readers’ attention in 2025 was not just breaking news, but depth, credibility and perspective. From long-form interviews with industry leaders to data-driven rankings and in-the-moment reporting, the year’s most-read stories reflect the issues and developments shaping the crane and specialized transport sector. These were the articles International Cranes and Specialized Transport, American Cranes & Transport, Crane and Transport Briefing and World Crane Week readers returned to, shared and discussed most throughout the year.

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10. Kenneth Bernardo on Bay Crane’s bold moves

In this wide-ranging Q&A, Bay Crane Companies president and CEO Kenneth Bernardo detailed the company’s rapid expansion beyond the Northeastern USA, its acquisition strategy and the decision to join American Cranes & Transport’s top lists for the first time. The interview offered insight into fleet diversification, culture integration and how Bay Crane is positioning itself for continued growth.

9. A technical tour de force: Dr Ulrich Hamme

As Dr Ulrich Hamme prepared to retire after more than 30 years as technical managing director at Liebherr-Werk Ehingen in Germany, readers were drawn to this in-depth reflection on a career spent shaping mobile crane design.

The interview explored key advances in crane technology, from digital development tools and steel innovation to emissions reduction and alternative drive concepts.

8. Sandman named CEO at Buckner HeavyLift Cranes

Buckner HeavyLift Cranes in the USA announced Christopher Sandman as its new chief executive officer, marking a significant leadership transition.

The story highlighted Sandman’s background in the industrial sector and Buckner’s focus on strategic growth, fleet investment and maintaining its reputation for complex, mission-critical lifts.

7. Mobile cranes bolster Liebherr growth in 2024

This financial performance report examined Liebherr’s strong 2024 results, driven largely by mobile and crawler crane sales. Readers also got a focus on the regional breakdown of revenue, the decline in tower crane sales and the company’s more cautious outlook for the 2025 business year.

6. Hiab up overall in first half of 2025

Manufacturer Hiab’s first-half 2025 results showed steady performance across orders, profitability and operating margin. The article also outlined changes to the company’s reporting structure and how Hiab is aligning its Equipment and Services segments to support future growth. Formerly part of Cargotec with other divisions, it is now a standalone business focused on manufacturing articulating boom loader cranes, truck mounted forklifts and related materials handling equipment.

5. Even stronger growth in the 2025 IC100 crane owner top list

The global IC100 ranking of the world’s largest crane-owning companies from International Cranes and Specialized Transport once again drew strong readership as fleet capability, consolidation and shifting positions reshaped the rankings. The analysis highlighted notable gains among the top 100, movement within the top 10 and the return of several companies to the list.

4. ACT 100 makes strong showing in 2025

American Cranes & Transport’s annual ranking of North America’s top crane-owning companies delivered record numbers in 2025. Readers closely followed changes in the top 10, major fleet additions and the debut of Bay Crane Companies, along with Buckner HeavyLift Cranes’ acquisition of the largest crane ever to appear on the ACT100.

3. Lift High crane company launches in Houston

The launch of Lift High in the Houston, Texas, market reflected continued opportunity in the US crane sector. Founder Mike Appling explained why he chose to start fresh rather than acquire an existing company, detailed the initial fleet and outlined the markets the company is targeting as it builds momentum.

2. Bauma 2025: the full run down for cranes and transport

This comprehensive preview became a go-to resource ahead of Bauma 2025, offering readers a detailed look at new cranes, alternative power developments and specialized transport equipment set to debut at the giant trade show. The depth and scope of the coverage made it essential reading in the lead-up to the April event in Munich, Germany.

1. National boom truck stolen in Columbus, Ohio

The most-read story of the year reported on the theft of a 60 US ton National boom truck from a Columbus, Ohio, jobsite in the USA. Detailing the investigation and the specialized knowledge required to operate such equipment, the article resonated widely across the industry and sparked extensive discussion.