Crane industry responds to hurricanes in Florida and SE USA

Two major hurricanes in as many weeks, and the US states of Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee and Virgina are still cleaning up after the devastating storms that killed more than 250 people and left a trail of damage in their wake.

“The catastrophic devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton is hard to process,” said Joel Dandrea, chief executive officer, SC&RA. “After disasters like these, our members are critical responders, helping with recovery and infrastructure rebuilds. It will be a long road for those affected. For now, we encourage members to check with their Governor’s Office in their respective state for organizations who are actively helping where needed. As recovery begins and restoration continues, if we receive specific requests for equipment, etc., SC&RA will share to the greater crane, rigging and specialized transportation community.”

The crumbled wreckage of a downtown high-rise smashed by a fallen crane from Hurricane Milton at The Tampa Bay Times Building. TNS/ABACA via Reuters Connect

In terms of cranes, most companies were able to get their tower cranes down or at least secured enough to weather the storm.

The mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida, got in touch with developers managing projects on which tower cranes were located.

Tower cranes require specialized crews and ample time to remove or lower because of the nature of how they are erected and fixed into place.

“This was a tropical storm that turned into one of the strongest storms in our nation’s history very rapidly, so we’re learning things that we’re going to use to update our processes and procedures going forward, but there’s just no way in this window of time to bring those cranes down,” Mayor Ken Welch told Fox 13 News prior to Hurricane Milton barreling through Florida. “We’ve never had a storm this powerful with winds this strong that would require that.”

The mayor’s office warned residents who lived near four construction sites with cranes to leave those areas.

According to news reports, winds toppled a crane in St. Petersburg that was working on a 46-story residential and office tower. The crane fell and crashed into the building where the Tampa Bay Times is located. No one was injured. Crews are now cleaning up at the site that was ravaged by high winds, storm surge, floods and tornadoes.

Crane companies in the hurricane-damaged states first worked to assure their workers were accounted for and to respond to their needs. One crane company executive in Clearwater, Florida said that the region was devastated by Hurricane Helene.

“First, we’ve been helping employees,” he said. “Several lost everything. It’s really sad. We don’t even know where to start.”

Scores of crane, rigging and specialized transportation service companies have donated their services far and wide to help with the cleanup. In addition to Helene, Hurricane Milton followed, resulting in additional damage to parts of Florida that was still recovering from the first storm, according to a statement released by Trans-United Specialized Hauling, based in Burns Harbor, Indiana.

A construction crane is pictured after falling over during Hurricane Milton. TNS/ABACA via Reuters Connect

“Natural disasters can devastate communities of hard-working Americans doing their best to support their families,” Trans-United said in a statement. “We believe we are called to bless others with the fruits of our labor. In acting on this belief we donated trucking resources to a group of churches sending supplies, and manpower to North Carolina to support those in need.”

A day after Hurricane Milton hit Florida, Cocoa, Florida-based Beyel Brothers reached out to customers and the crane and rigging community at large.

“We hope this message finds you and your family safe and well from our recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” according to a company issued statement. “The storm unleashed fierce winds and devastating power, even spawning tornadoes that compounded the destruction and left many in our community facing significant challenges. Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you, your families, and your businesses during this difficult time.”

The company offered its cranes and heavy haul services with this message: “We’re here not just as a service provider, but as your partners in recovery. Together, we can navigate this challenging journey and restore what matters most.”

A1A Software, based in Fernandina Beach, Florida has been working with its employees to help with clean-up in several areas. One charity, Project Altitude, is a group of business owners, pilots with planes and helicopters, search and rescue teams. A1A’s Darren Li has been working to bring aid and support to the local community through Project Altitude.

“They have a huge warehouse they are using as a staging area to organize airlifts and ground crews getting aid to the people who need it,” A1A said.

One of the biggest initiatives was providing chainsaws to search and rescue teams. In addition, A1A announced it would donate 1 percent of all credit card purchases to support relief efforts, and owners Brad and Tawnia Weiss, are personally matching the company’s contributions.

“The funds raised through this initiative will be directed to Project Altitude & Western NC Patriots- Hurricane Helene Relief, an organization known for its effective relief efforts and commitment to community support,” A1A Software said. “By partnering with such a reputable foundation, we aim to ensure that our contributions will directly benefit those in need, providing them with the resources and assistance necessary for recovery and rebuilding.”

Buchanan Hauling & Rigging and Buchanan Logistics answered the call to action by organizing a donation drive to collect non-perishable items and essential supplies to be trucked to North Carolina. 100 percent of the money raised from this fundraiser has been used to purchase supplies needed in North Carolina. 

“Just over a week ago, our first truck filled with donations from Fort Wayne, IN, departed for Asheville, NC,” said said Rob Rausch, COO, Buchanan. “The past 10 days have been a whirlwind as we are now on our 18th truck, nearing our goal of 20 trucks to aid those in NC and TN affected by Helene.”