Moving Mountains with Precision
For over four years, STT Logistics Group broker Scott Russell has been handling high-stakes loads for a repeat client with exacting standards. But this one? This one was a little different. Why? It came with extra pressure—and 160,000 lbs of heavy machinery.
The Job
Move a massive rough terrain crane and 40,000 lbs of counterweight from a Ritchie Brothers Auctions yard in the U.S. to Nuevo León, Mexico. The clock was ticking—Scott had just seven days to remove the crane from the yard or risk penalties. And the load? Anything but ordinary.
Oversized Loads Call for Oversize Thinking
The crane itself stood 13.2 feet tall, requiring a full oversize permit and pull escort. To clear legal limits, Scott’s team partially deflated the tires, bringing the total loaded height to 14.6 feet on a Lowboy RGN trailer. The counterweight had to be removed and shipped separately on a flatbed, which reduced stress on the main haul and allowed for a more manageable axle configuration.
“Each axle on a Lowboy RGN gives us 10,000 pounds,” Scott explained. “By removing the counterweight and using 11 axles, we were able to move the main body legally and safely across state lines.”
Even with careful planning, challenges cropped up. The crane arrived with dead batteries and ruptured hydraulic hoses, delaying unloading by over two hours. Thanks to quick coordination and on-site charging, the crane was safely offloaded in Pharr, Texas, and prepared for its final international leg.
Smooth Cross-Border Coordination and Compliance
Because the machine was headed for Mexico, international compliance added another layer of complexity. STT secured the proper documentation, including a bill of lading form with a final delivery address in Nuevo León. This exempted the buyer from U.S. import taxes per the U.S.–Mexico trade agreement.
Customs, permits, terrain, timing… There were so many aspects to this move that required deep knowledge of crane truck logistics, oversized loads, and international shipping compliance.
Thankfully, Scott had all three.
Another Load, Another Thrilled Customer
The crane was delivered successfully—on time, within the auction deadline, and without damage. The client? Already preparing for their next purchase: another crane truck coming from Ontario, Canada.
Ready to move something gigantic across borders?
You call. We haul. That’s all.
