Lorry Loader (HIAB) Training
A hydraulic knuckle-boom crane mounted behind a lorry cab, used to self-load and unload the vehicle at kerbside or yard without needing a separate crane or forklift on site.
Where we train HIAB lorry loader operators in NE Scotland
Cluster: Builders' merchant and timber deliveries, farm supply rounds and restricted-access urban deliveries across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
- Builders' merchant and timber deliveries direct to housebuilding plots
- Steel and pipe deliveries to construction and civils sites without on-site lifting equipment
- Farm input deliveries — feed, fencing materials, building supplies — direct to steadings
- Kerbside deliveries in restricted Aberdeen city-centre streets where a separate crane can't be positioned
Accredited training route
- Scheme
- ALLMI accredited operator scheme (the recognised industry body for lorry loaders)
- Category
- Lorry loader / vehicle loading crane — operator and, where relevant, slinger/signaller combined
- Duration
- 2–3 days for novice operators; 1 day for experienced operators seeking formal accreditation
- Prerequisites
- A relevant driving licence for the vehicle itself; ALLMI training covers crane operation specifically
Outcome: ALLMI-accredited certificate recognised across the construction and haulage sector for insurance and site-access purposes
Load-chart & stability considerations
A lorry loader's stability depends on correct stabiliser leg deployment for the specific kerbside or yard surface it's parked on, which is more variable delivery to delivery than for a yard-based crane — the crane's own rated capacity chart must be read against actual outreach and stabiliser configuration, not assumed from a previous delivery on different ground. We train operators to treat every set-up as a fresh ground assessment rather than a routine repeat.
Inspection points & common failure modes
- Boom and knuckle-joint wear from repeated extension cycles on daily delivery rounds
- Wire rope or chain-sling wear on the load block, particularly where mixed load types are handled
- Stabiliser leg pad wear affecting kerbside set-up stability on variable street surfaces
- Remote-control unit battery and signal reliability, critical for operators working from ground level away from the cab
Regulations we reference
- LOLER 1998
- PUWER 1998
- ALLMI Code of Practice for the safe use of vehicle loading cranes
- Road Traffic Act requirements for the carrying vehicle (separate from crane operator competence)
A finding we train out of your team
"A recurring ALLMI-recognised finding is stabiliser legs only partially deployed on sloped kerbside ground to save time on a multi-drop round — a shortcut that removes the safety margin the crane's load chart assumes."
Training on your own HIAB lorry loader
HIAB training is delivered on the operator's own vehicle-mounted crane, typically at your depot, because stabiliser deployment technique and load-chart familiarity are specific to that crane model — we also cover safe working practice for the kerbside and restricted-access deliveries that are common across Aberdeen's older streets.
Based in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 — we mobilise across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and North-East Scotland.
FAQ — Lorry Loader (HIAB)
Why is ALLMI the relevant scheme here rather than NPORS or CPCS?
ALLMI is the specialist industry association for lorry loader / vehicle loading crane training and is the standard recognised route for this specific machine type across the haulage and construction sector.
Do delivery drivers need a separate driving qualification?
Yes — their driving licence category covers driving the vehicle; ALLMI training covers crane operation once parked, and both are needed for a compliant delivery driver-operator.
Can training be combined with slinger/signaller skills?
Yes — for drivers working without a second banksman on multi-drop rounds, combining crane operation with slinger/signaller competence in one course is common and practical.
Book HIAB lorry loader training on your own machine
Call Chris directly or request a quote — most bookings mobilise inside a week.