Guide
Lift Planning Checklist
Everything that goes into an engineered lift plan — and what you should have ready when you ask for one.
Before you call us
Have these ready:
- Load weight (gross, including rigging if known)
- Load dimensions (LWH)
- Lift point location and configuration (slings, eye plates, etc.)
- Pick origin (where the load starts)
- Set destination (where the load lands)
- Lift height (vertical clearance to the highest point of travel)
- Lift radius (horizontal distance from crane center to load center at the destination)
- Site address and access notes
- Ground conditions (paved, soil, soft, wet)
- Overhead obstructions (power lines, tree canopy, structures)
- Lift date and shift window
- Special requirements (security, hot-work, escort, etc.)
What an engineered lift plan includes
- Crane selection — class, model, configuration
- Boom and jib loadout — main, fixed, luffer
- Counterweight loadout — base, intermediate, super-lift if applicable
- Pick weight verification — load + rigging + below-the-hook tooling
- Load chart reference — for the chosen configuration
- Lift radius and elevation — confirmed against chart
- Ground bearing analysis — outrigger or crawler pressures, mat sizing
- Rigging design — sling type, length, angle, capacity
- 2D drawings — plan view, elevation, sections
- 3D model — for visual review and pre-job briefing
- Lift sequence narrative — step-by-step
- Go / no-go criteria — wind, visibility, ground conditions
- Crew assignments — operator, signal person, lift director, riggers
- Stamped drawings — when jurisdiction or customer requires
When you’ll need stamped drawings
- Code requires it (some municipalities, particularly for cranes above defined capacity)
- Customer requires it (most refineries, power plants, large industrial sites for critical lifts)
- Insurance requires it (some carriers for high-value or unusual lifts)
Critical lift triggers
A lift is typically classified as critical when any of the following apply:
- Load exceeds 75% of crane capacity
- Multi-crane (tandem or tailing) coordination required
- Load is irreplaceable or high-value
- Lift over occupied space or live equipment
- Specific customer or regulatory designation
If your project hits any of these, plan for critical lift planning and longer lead time.
Lead times
| Plan complexity | Typical turnaround |
|---|---|
| Standard pick (no critical-lift triggers) | 3–5 business days |
| Critical lift, single crane | 1–2 weeks |
| Critical lift, multi-crane | 2–4 weeks |
| Stamped drawings | Add 3–5 business days |
Request a lift plan › or call 405-373-2979
24/7 Dispatch · Nationwide
Tell us what you need to move.
One call covers the crane, the haul, and the logistics. We’ll spec the crew, the equipment, and the route — and put a written quote in your hands.
Request a Quote 24/7 Dispatch Lines
- Crane & Rigging405-373-2979
- Heavy Haul405-506-1850
- Bulk Logistics405-506-1869