Read the crane contract before lift day. It sets how time is billed, what happens if you cancel or the job runs long, and who pays for damage. Here is what the common terms mean.
How is crane time billed?
Crane time is usually billed by the hour with a minimum, and many companies bill portal to portal. ThePricer says most companies bill portal to portal, which means from when the crane leaves the yard until it returns. BigRentz says daily minimums run three to eight hours. Ask whether set-up, pack-up and travel are inside the minimum or added on.
What is standby time?
Standby time is time the crane and crew are on site but waiting, for example for the load to arrive, a unit to be disconnected or the other trade to be ready. Contracts often bill it at the hourly rate or at a set standby rate, so check yours. Being ready on time is the simplest way to avoid it.
Are there cancellation fees?
Often, yes. Many contracts charge a fee if you cancel late, and some charge for travel if the crane arrives and cannot work because the site is not ready. Weather cancellations may follow other terms. Ask what the cancellation terms are and get them in writing.
What if the lift took longer than quoted?
If the lift took longer than quoted, the extra hours are usually billed at the hourly rate in the contract. Ask why it ran long. If the site was not ready or the load weighed more than stated, that is usually on the customer. If the crane arrived late or broke down, raise it with the company in writing before you pay.
What happens if property is damaged during the lift?
Report damage right away, take photos and tell the operator before the crane leaves. Then send it in writing to the company. The contract and the insurance decide who pays. Keep the certificate of insurance you were given, since it names the insurer.
Do I have to pay a deposit, and what are the payment terms?
It depends on the company, so ask. Some ask for a deposit to book the date or to cover permits; others bill after the job. Get the payment terms in the quote: when payment is due, how much, and how. Avoid paying the full amount in cash before the work is done.
What paperwork should I keep?
Keep the quote, the signed contract, the certificate of insurance, copies of any permits, the job ticket or time sheet signed on the day, the invoice and proof of payment. Take photos of the site before and after. These records settle most billing questions.
Where do I file a complaint about a crane company in Illinois?
You can file a consumer complaint with the Illinois Attorney General, online or with its printed form. Its Consumer Fraud Bureau offers informal dispute resolution, but the office cannot represent you privately. For money owed, small claims or civil court is the usual route. Talk to the company in writing first; many billing problems end there.
Want a price for your own lift? Tell us what needs to move, roughly how heavy it is and where the crane could set up, and we will send a written quote with the crane size, the hours and the price. Call or text (312) 964-8313.
This is general information about Chicago, Illinois and federal rules, not legal or engineering advice. For your own lift, check with the office named or a qualified engineer.