Transport countdown

Ten years ago, ACT's sister magazine International Cranes and Specialized Transport, started the original ranking of the world's largest crane–owning companies–the IC50–and here we aim to develop a similar listing for owners of specialized and heavy transport equipment.

Companies are listed according to their Transport50 Index, calculated by adding together the transport capacity of all modular and specialized trailers in a feet. The data is supplied by the companies in the list; they complete a detailed questionnaire covering heavy haulers working mainly on sites and projects, and the heavy and specialized road haulage companies.

The intention is that the information gives a clear picture of a company's capabilities and in this respect feedback on the questionnaire's content is welcome. One respondent already suggested expanding the T50 to include girder bridges. The listing that appeared in the August issue of International Cranes and Specialized Transport featured companies from around the world but we have edited the listing for ACT to reflect its North American circulation. To see the full international listing, go to www.khl.com and download the digital version of the August issue of International Cranes and Specialized Transport.

Result

To many it will not be a surprise to read that Mammoet, headquartered in the Netherlands, is at number one but some may be surprised at the second and third place companies. It should be noted, however, that Sarens did not provide figures on its feet of specialized transport trailers.

This segment is primarily aimed at transport companies specializing in road haulage of heavy and over–dimensional loads. But for those who also have a large feet of heavy cranes requiring support vehicles, for example, Barnhart and Deep South Crane & Rigging, this segment also applies.

The list shows something about the importance and influence of modular trailer systems, especially the self–propelled modular transporter (SPMT), which make a great impact on the list. Conventional hydraulic modular trailers, however, with mechanical steering and with or without integrated self–propelled trailer modules, are likely to be the standard for heavy load moving around the world.

Also in this category are two–axle dollies, most common in the US. Th ose dollies are mainly used in special road hauling setups, to comply with stringent axle spacing road regulations, and house or structural moving.

In all the 'tonnage power’ of the heavy end it should be noted that Keen, ranked fifth, is purely a heavy and specialized road carrier, operating a feet of almost 600 specialized trailers and 268 tractors.

We realise that the list is far from complete and that there are many companies that should be listed but either did not supply data, or we were unaware of them, and, therefore, they were not sent a questionnaire. Therefore, this year's Transport50 is an embryonic attempt to which more companies, with your help, can be added when the second T50 is published in 2006.

We welcome your comments, ideas and, of course, nearer the time we will look forward to receiving your completed entry forms in time for next year's listing. Let us know at the usual editorial address if you think your company should be included in next year's T50.

Th anks to all those who completed the entry form; your contribution is much appreciated, and we look forward to your participation next year.