Struggling with Crane Shipping Costs? Try Overhead Crane Kits

Save on shipping costs, reduce handling time, simplify assembly with customizable crane kits tailored to your needs.Get cost-effective overehad crane kit!

The Challenge of High Crane Shipping Costs

Shipping a fully assembled crane can be expensive. These machines are heavy, large, and require special handling, all of which drive up the cost. The farther the distance, the higher the cost, especially for international shipments. This can add a significant burden to your budget.

A Better Solution: Crane Kits

Crane kits offer a practical and cost-effective alternative. Instead of paying for the shipping of a complete crane, you can opt for a kit. It includes all the essential components you need to assemble the crane locally.

Why Choose Crane Kits?

• Lower Shipping Costs: Crane kits are lighter and easier to transport, reducing your overall shipping expenses.
• Flexibility in Assembly: You can assemble the crane on-site, saving you time and money on handling and logistics.
• Faster Delivery: With smaller, easier-to-manage shipments, crane kits can reach you faster.

The Problem with Traditional Crane Shipping

Buying a crane is just one part of the story. Getting it to your site? That’s where many buyers start feeling the pinch. Traditional crane shipping has several hidden challenges—and costs—that often catch people off guard.

Shipping Costs: Heavier Load, Heavier Bill

Transporting a fully assembled crane is expensive.
These machines are huge and heavy. Moving them isn’t as simple as loading them onto a truck.

• Oversized freight fees: Fully assembled cranes often exceed standard shipping limits. You’ll need special trailers, permits, and possibly escorts for over-the-road transport.
• International shipping costs: If the crane is coming from overseas, the costs go even higher. Crating, port handling, customs clearance, and international freight fees can all pile up.
• Multiple units shipping separately: Sometimes, the crane needs to be split into parts anyway for shipping, but you're still paying a premium for the bulk.

Even a single crane shipment can stretch your logistics budget—especially if you're buying in bulk.

Logistics Challenges: More Than Just Loading and Unloading

Dealing with traditional crane shipping isn’t just about cost—it’s also about coordination. The logistics involved can be complicated, time-consuming, and sometimes unpredictable.

• Special equipment needed for handling: Loading and unloading large cranes usually require other cranes or heavy lifting gear on both ends—adding to the expense.
• Scheduling delays: Shipping an oversized load often involves tight scheduling with multiple parties—freight forwarders, customs agents, and local authorities.
• Port or border delays: International buyers often face long waits at ports or customs. Documents, inspections, or hold-ups can delay your project for days or even weeks.

It’s not just a crane delivery—it’s a whole process that can slow down your entire workflow.

Environmental Impact: Bigger Isn’t Always Greener

Another issue that’s often overlooked is the environmental cost of transporting big, heavy equipment.

• Increased fuel usage: Bigger trucks, longer routes, and heavier loads all lead to higher fuel consumption.
• Higher emissions: Oversized shipments leave a bigger carbon footprint, especially when traveling long distances or crossing oceans.
• Low efficiency in logistics: With fewer units fitting in one shipment and limited route options for large loads, there’s more waste in the process.

If your company is paying attention to sustainability or green sourcing, traditional crane shipping isn’t doing you any favors.

In short, fully assembled crane shipping is costly, complex, and sometimes inefficient. And that's exactly why many buyers are now looking for better options—like crane kits. Let's dive into what those are and how they make life easier.

What Are Crane Kits Without Main Girder?

When we talk about crane kits without a main girder, we’re referring to a smart, flexible option for buyers who want more control over their crane installation—and who want to cut down on shipping and fabrication costs.

What’s Included in a Crane Kit (Without Main Girder)?

A crane kit gives you all the core mechanical and electrical components needed to build an overhead crane—except the main girder. Why? Because the main girder is usually the longest and bulkiest part to ship. Many buyers choose to fabricate it locally.

Here’s what you typically get in a crane kit:

• Electric hoist – Either wire rope or chain type, depending on your need
• End trucks (also called end carriages) – With motors, wheels, and gearboxes for crane travel
• Control system – Including electrical panels, pendant control, or remote control
• Travel drives and motors – For both cross travel (trolley) and long travel (bridge) motion
• Fasteners and connection kits – For easy installation on your locally made girder
• Optional extras – Inverter drives, limit switches, rail clamps, or overload protection depending on the project

This modular design allows buyers to assemble the crane efficiently at their own facility or on-site.

Why No Main Girder?

The main girder is often a large I-beam or box girder structure. Shipping it can be very costly due to:

• Length and weight restrictions
• Oversized shipping fees
• Customs and port handling for long steel sections

By sourcing or fabricating the main girder locally, buyers can save thousands on shipping and avoid logistics delays.

Customization to Fit Your Needs

Crane kits aren’t one-size-fits-all. You can customize based on your specific working environment.

• Lifting capacities: From light-duty 2-ton and 5-ton setups to medium-duty 10-ton or 20-ton options
• Design options: Single girder or double girder configurations
• Duty classifications: For low, medium, or high usage frequency
• Power supply compatibility: Matched to your local voltage and frequency
• Control preference: Wired or wireless operation

These kits are widely used in:

• Steel mills – Where heavy lifting is routine, and local fabrication capacity is available
• Machinery workshops – That already build structures or need tailored installations
• Warehouses and logistics centers – Where fast setup and flexible configuration matter
• OEMs and crane resellers – Who buy in bulk and assemble locally to serve multiple end users

In short, crane kits without main girders give you everything you need—except the heavy shipping bill. You get flexibility, cost savings, and the ability to build a crane that matches your exact application.

Advantages of Crane Kits Over Fully Assembled Cranes

Choosing a crane kit instead of a fully assembled crane comes with several practical benefits. These advantages are especially helpful if you're managing multiple projects, working in remote areas, or trying to cut down on expenses and delays.

Lower Shipping Costs

One of the biggest advantages of crane kits is how much you save on transport.

• Smaller, lighter packages: Since you're not shipping a bulky main girder, the shipment is more compact and lighter overall.
• Standard freight options: Most kits can be shipped using regular trucks or containers, which cost much less than oversized freight.
• Multiple kits in one shipment: If you're buying in bulk, you can ship more units together, maximizing space and value.

If you’ve ever been surprised by a high shipping quote for a full crane, this alone makes crane kits worth a look.

Easier and Cheaper Handling

Fully assembled cranes often need cranes to load and unload them. That’s not the case with kits.

• Lighter, manageable components: Parts can be lifted by forklifts or small cranes, depending on size.
• Less labor needed: Fewer workers are needed for offloading, moving, and setting up the components.
• Reduced risk of damage: Smaller parts are easier to protect during transport, lowering the risk of dents or wear before installation.

It’s simpler, safer, and cheaper all around.

Faster Delivery and Reduced Lead Times

When every day of delay costs you money, faster delivery is a big deal.

• Quick packaging and shipping: Kits are easier to prepare and dispatch, especially if the components are standard or in stock.
• Shorter wait times at ports or borders: You avoid the paperwork and inspections tied to oversized cargo.
• Reliable scheduling: You can better plan your project without worrying about delayed cranes blocking your timeline.

This is a great benefit for project managers working on tight schedules or large rollouts.

On-Site Assembly for More Flexibility

Instead of relying on the supplier to deliver a ready-to-use crane, you build it on-site.

• Local fabrication: You can source or make the main girder locally, which is faster and cheaper than shipping it.
• Customized installation: Adjust the crane design to fit your exact space and layout.
• Independence from distant manufacturers: You don’t have to wait for them to finish fabrication and arrange oversized shipping.

It puts more control in your hands, especially if you have your own workshop or a trusted local team to help with the build.

All in all, crane kits offer a smarter way to build and install overhead cranes—without the usual headaches of large shipments, high costs, and long delays.

Who Should Consider Crane Kits?

Crane kits aren’t for everyone—but for the right buyers, they can be a game changer. If your business fits into one of the groups below, it might be time to seriously think about switching from fully assembled cranes to crane kits.

Industries That Use Large Quantities of Cranes

If you need more than just one crane, the savings add up fast.

• Steel mills – Regularly handling heavy loads and requiring multiple cranes across workshops or rolling lines.
• Machinery manufacturing plants – Often fabricating their own steel structures and capable of assembling cranes in-house.
• Logistics centers and large warehouses – Where multiple crane systems may be needed across different buildings or locations.

These industries often have the space, tools, and people to handle local crane assembly—and they benefit the most from bulk orders and lower logistics costs.

Buyers with Local Technical Expertise

Crane kits are perfect for those who can handle basic assembly or have access to skilled partners.

• In-house engineering teams – Companies that already fabricate structures or machinery can easily integrate crane installation into their workflow.
• Local contractors and crane service companies – You can team up with experienced installers who understand your local standards and site conditions.
• OEMs and system integrators – Companies that resell or install cranes for end users often prefer kits for greater flexibility and cost control.

If you can handle assembly or coordinate it locally, a kit gives you more freedom—and lower costs.

Companies Located Far from Crane Manufacturers

Shipping a full crane across long distances, especially internationally, can get expensive and complicated.

• Remote buyers – If you're far from major ports or industrial centers, a compact kit is easier and cheaper to transport.
• International customers – Avoid high customs fees and delays at borders by importing kits instead of oversized equipment.
• Businesses with local steel supply – If you can get or fabricate the main girder locally, you’ll save big and speed up your project.

When you're far from your crane supplier, crane kits can help you cut through the distance—and the cost.

If any of this sounds like your situation, then crane kits could be the ideal solution. They're flexible, cost-effective, and tailored for industries that need smarter ways to build cranes.

How to Choose the Right Overhead Crane Kit for Your Needs

Crane kits give you flexibility—but to get the most out of them, you need to choose the right one. Here's how to make a smart choice that fits your actual needs, budget, and on-site capabilities.

Consider Your Crane Requirements

Start by understanding what kind of crane your operation really needs. Think about:

• Lifting capacity: Do you need a 2-ton, 5-ton, or 10-ton crane? Heavier loads call for stronger components and more robust designs.
• Span and lifting height: Measure your workshop or site carefully to choose a kit that fits your space.
• Duty cycle: Is the crane used occasionally or all day long? Lighter-duty kits work fine for low frequency, while high-use environments need stronger components.

Don't overbuy or underbuy—get a kit that matches your daily workload.

Understand the Assembly Process

Kits require some level of local work. Ask yourself:

• Do you or your team have the technical skills to handle assembly?
• Can you fabricate or source the main girder locally?
• Do you have tools or local partners who can help with installation and setup?

If the answer is yes, then you're in a great position to take full advantage of a crane kit.

Look at Customization Options

Not all crane kits are built the same. Many suppliers, including us at Yuantai Crane, offer custom options tailored to your use case.

• Voltage and power system: Match the electrical system to your local supply.
• Control method: Wired pendant, wireless remote, or even cabin control.
• Environment considerations: Need a rainproof cover for outdoor use? Or explosion-proof components for special applications?

Be sure your kit is made for your exact working conditions.

Balance Cost and Long-Term Benefit

A crane kit might look like more work at first, but it often saves you more over time.

• Lower shipping and import fees compared to fully assembled cranes.
• Reduced lead times thanks to faster packing and delivery.
• Easier maintenance and part replacement, since you know exactly how your crane was built.

If you're planning for multiple cranes or a long-term operation, the savings can be significant.

Choosing the right crane kit isn’t just about picking parts—it’s about understanding your needs and matching them with the right solution. A little planning upfront can lead to big savings and smoother operations down the road.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, crane kits offer a variety of key benefits that can make a huge difference for your business:

• Lower shipping costs: Crane kits are compact and easier to transport, which means less money spent on oversized freight and international shipping fees.
• Easier handling: With smaller components, you don’t need heavy equipment to move parts, reducing the cost and hassle of unloading.
• Faster delivery: Kits are quicker to ship and can avoid long delays at ports or customs, getting your crane to you faster and helping you stay on schedule.

If you’re struggling with high shipping costs, long wait times, or logistics headaches, crane kits could be the smart solution you need. They provide the flexibility, savings, and control that fully assembled cranes simply can't match.

Interested in learning more?
Reach out to us today for customized crane kit solutions. We’ll work with you to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Let’s make your crane project easier and more cost-effective.