Engineering

Crane Lift Planning & Engineering Services for Complex Projects

Every successful lifting project begins long before a crane arrives on site. Selecting the right crane, understanding site conditions, confirming ground capacity, and developing a safe lifting sequence all influence whether a project stays on schedule. Taking the time to resolve those questions during planning helps reduce delays, improve coordination between contractors, and create a safer work environment once operations begin.

At TNT Crane & Rigging, we provide in-house lift planning and engineering services for commercial construction, industrial maintenance, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and heavy civil projects throughout the United States. Our engineering team works alongside project managers, crane operators, rigging specialists, and customers to develop practical lifting solutions supported by detailed calculations, engineering drawings, and project-specific documentation.

Using software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Lift Planner, Work Planner, and 3D Lift Plan, we prepare engineering packages that help everyone involved understand exactly how a lift will be performed before equipment is mobilized. Professional Engineer (P.E.) review and stamped drawings are also available whenever project specifications or permitting authorities require them.
CAD Lift Plan Drawings

Typical Engineering Applications

Every lifting project presents a different set of challenges. Some involve limited crane access between existing structures, while others require multiple cranes working together to install oversized equipment or structural components. Engineering support helps identify these challenges early so they can be addressed before work begins.

Our engineers regularly assist with projects involving:

  • + Structural steel erection
  • + Bridge construction and rehabilitation
  • + Refinery turnarounds and maintenance shutdowns
  • + Petrochemical and LNG facilities
  • + Wind and solar energy projects
  • + Power generation equipment
  • + Data centre construction
  • + Heavy equipment installation
  • + Manufacturing plant expansions
  • + Water and wastewater treatment facilities
  • + Industrial machinery relocations
  • + Custom rigging applications

Rather than relying on standard templates, every engineering package is developed around the actual conditions of the project, including the equipment being lifted, the surrounding environment, and the operational requirements of the customer.

Engineering Services We Provide

Crane Selection & Lift Configuration

Selecting a crane involves much more than comparing the weight of the load with the crane's rated capacity.


Factors that influence equipment selection:

  • + Working radius
  • + Boom length
  • + Counterweight configuration
  • + Available setup space
  • + Transportation requirements
  • + Ground conditions
  • + Overhead obstructions
  • + Planned lifting sequence

Our engineering team evaluates these variables to recommend equipment that provides the safest and most efficient solution for the work being performed.

Critical Lift Planning

Some projects require additional planning because of restricted work areas, unusual rigging arrangements, multiple cranes, valuable equipment, or the potential consequences of an unexpected event.


Critical lift plans clearly document the lifting sequence, crane configuration, rigging arrangement, communication procedures, operating limitations, responsibilities, and contingency planning so that everyone involved understands how the lift will be executed before work begins.

Rigging Drawings

Rigging is often one of the most overlooked aspects of a lifting operation, yet it directly influences load stability throughout the lift.


Our rigging drawings illustrate lifting points, centre of gravity, sling configurations, sling angles, spreader beams, lifting beams, shackles, hooks, below-the-hook devices, and other rigging components used during the operation. These drawings provide a common reference for engineers, supervisors, operators, and rigging crews while helping reduce uncertainty once work begins.

Ground Bearing Pressure Analysis

Even the most capable crane depends on stable ground conditions.


Ground bearing pressure analysis evaluates the loads transmitted through outriggers or crawler tracks so appropriate support methods can be selected before setup begins. Depending on site conditions, this may involve crane mats, engineered timber mats, steel plates, or other load distribution systems designed to reduce ground pressure.

These evaluations become particularly important on recently backfilled areas, utility corridors, bridge approaches, industrial facilities, and sites with varying soil conditions.

Wind Studies

Wind affects every lifting operation differently. Large mechanical equipment, bridge girders, structural steel assemblies, and prefabricated modules can all react differently depending on their size, weight, and surface area.


Our engineering team evaluates anticipated wind exposure alongside manufacturer operating limitations to establish safe working parameters that support efficient project execution while protecting personnel and equipment.

Site Layouts & Supporting Documentation

Clear communication reduces confusion in the field.


Our engineering packages can include:

  • + Crane positioning drawings
  • + Equipment layouts
  • + Outrigger locations
  • + Counterweight swing areas
  • + Exclusion zones
  • + Lift paths
  • + Pickup and placement locations
  • + Overhead utility clearances
  • + Access routes.

Supporting documentation may also include crane load charts, rigging certificates, inspection records, equipment specifications, manufacturer information, and project-specific engineering notes depending on the scope of work.

Why Choose Our Engineering Services?

Engineering is most effective when it works alongside field operations instead of separately from them. Because our engineering team collaborates directly with crane operators, project managers, transportation coordinators, and rigging specialists, recommendations are based on equipment that will actually be used in the field rather than theoretical assumptions. This integrated approach simplifies communication throughout the project while helping identify practical solutions before work begins.

Customers also benefit from having engineering, crane rental, specialized rigging, machinery moving, heavy-haul transportation, and industrial storage available through a single provider. Coordinating these services under one experienced team reduces unnecessary handoffs and helps keep projects moving efficiently.
TNT Engineered Lift Plan

Our Engineering Process

Step 1: Project Consultation

We begin by reviewing available drawings, equipment information, load weights, schedules, project objectives, and customer requirements to understand the overall scope of work.

Step 2: Site Assessment

When required, our engineers visit the project site to verify measurements, evaluate crane access, identify overhead restrictions, review utility locations, assess ground conditions, and confirm lifting requirements before engineering begins.

Step 3: Engineering Development

Using the information gathered during planning, our team prepares engineering calculations, lift plans, rigging drawings, crane layouts, ground bearing evaluations, and supporting documentation specific to the project.

Step 4: Field Support

Once work begins, our crane operators and rigging personnel execute the lift using the approved engineering package. Additional engineering support remains available whenever project conditions require further review.

Frequently Asked Questions

An engineered crane lift plan is a detailed technical document that analyzes every aspect of a complex lifting operation to ensure safety and efficiency. At TNT Crane & Rigging, our in-house professional engineers use specialized software like AutoCAD, 3D Lift Planner, and Work Planner to create comprehensive plans including crane selection, load calculations, rigging specifications, and ground bearing pressure analysis. Each plan package includes all supporting documentation such as rigging certifications, crane load charts, equipment inspections, and personnel certifications.

A critical lift plan is required when the load exceeds 75 percent of the crane’s rated capacity or when the operation requires more than one crane, as defined by OSHA standards. At TNT Crane & Rigging, we also classify lifts as critical when they involve personnel lifting, non-routine rigging, loads outside the operator’s view, or situations where failure could result in serious consequences. Our engineering team evaluates each project individually to determine the appropriate level of planning required.

While federal OSHA regulations do not mandate a professional engineer stamp on lift plans, many projects have specific contractual requirements or local codes that do require PE certification. At TNT Crane & Rigging, we offer professional engineer review and stamp approval upon request. The decision typically depends on project owner requirements, lift complexity, local building codes, or whether custom-fabricated lifting devices are involved.

Ground bearing pressure analysis calculates the force exerted by crane outriggers or tracks on the ground to ensure the soil can safely support the load without failure or settlement. At TNT Crane & Rigging, our engineers evaluate soil conditions, calculate maximum outrigger loads at various boom positions, and specify the appropriate crane mats or cribbing needed to distribute the load safely. This analysis is critical because inadequate ground support is a leading cause of crane-related incidents.

Engineered lift plan timelines typically range from 2 to 5 business days for standard projects and up to 10 business days for highly complex operations. At TNT Crane & Rigging, critical lift plans requiring professional engineer review generally need 5 business days minimum, while simpler plans can often be completed within 48 hours. Timeline depends on factors including crane configurations required, ground bearing analysis needs, multiple crane involvement, and PE stamping requirements.

To develop an accurate lift plan, we need the weight and dimensions of the load, center of gravity location, lift points and attachment methods, pickup and set-down locations with distances, site layout showing obstructions, and ground conditions. At TNT Crane & Rigging, we also require information about crane access routes, proximity to power lines or utilities, environmental factors like wind exposure, and any special rigging requirements. Complete upfront information ensures accurate engineering analysis and prevents issues during crane operations.

A detailed rigging diagram provides a visual representation of the complete rigging configuration showing how the load will be lifted safely. At TNT Crane & Rigging, our diagrams include load dimensions with center of gravity marked, all rigging components specified by type, size, and capacity, sling angles and attachment points, load tension calculations, and any spreader bars or specialized devices with ratings. These precision drawings ensure clear communication among crane operators, riggers, and site personnel.

Standard lift plans are for routine operations using conventional equipment within normal capacity ranges, typically below 75 percent of crane capacity. Critical lift plans provide extensive engineering analysis for high-risk operations exceeding this threshold or involving complex configurations. At TNT Crane & Rigging, critical lift plans include comprehensive load calculations, detailed ground bearing analysis, specific rigging schematics, contingency planning, designated checkpoints, pre-lift meetings, and often professional engineer review to match the increased risk level.

Lifts exceeding 75 percent of the crane’s rated capacity require critical lift planning according to OSHA regulations and ASME guidelines established in 29 CFR 1926.751. At TNT Crane & Rigging, we note that some organizations use an 80 percent threshold, and individual companies may have more stringent internal policies. Additionally, any lift requiring multiple cranes is automatically classified as critical regardless of capacity percentage.