When planning lifting operations for construction, logistics, or infrastructure, understanding the difference between dry hire and wet hire is essential. The right choice helps manage risk, meet compliance requirements, and keep costs under control.
What is Dry Hire?
Dry hire means renting a crane without an operator. The client provides their certified team, which may include a crane operator, rigger, and supervisor. This option is standard among construction firms that already have qualified staff familiar with lift planning and safety procedures.
Advantages of Dry Hire
- Lower costs for experienced teams
Clients only pay for the crane. Operator costs are not included.
- Control over scheduling
Lifts can be arranged to suit the client’s timeline and internal workflows.
- Use of trusted personnel
Working with an in-house team ensures consistency with safety standards and site processes.
- Suitable for long-term work
Dry hire is a good fit for ongoing projects where internal staff are already in place.
Disadvantages of Dry Hire
- The responsibility lies with the client
The hiring party is responsible for ensuring safe operation and compliance, as well as addressing any incidents that may arise.
- No external support
The crane provider does not offer help with lift planning or safety assessments.
- Operators must be licensed
Clients must ensure that their team holds valid certifications.
What is Wet Hire?
Wet hire includes the crane and a certified operator. In some cases, it also involves a whole lifting crew. The crane provider is responsible for conducting safety checks, ensuring legal compliance, and developing operational plans.
Wet hire is often selected for complex, high-risk, or short-notice projects. It is also used when the client lacks qualified staff on site.
Advantages of Wet Hire
- Reduced liability
The provider is responsible for ensuring safety, obtaining the necessary licenses, and maintaining insurance.
- Access to skilled professionals
Operators have the training and experience to handle complex lifts.
- Simplified logistics
The crane company handles checks, paperwork, and safety plans.
- Faster project delivery
Wet hire can help meet tight deadlines and minimise delays.
Disadvantages of Wet Hire
- Higher overall cost
The price includes labour, insurance, and support services.
- Less direct control
Clients must work around the schedules and procedures of the provider’s team.
- Booking may be required in advance
Operators and cranes are sometimes unavailable at short notice during peak periods.
Choosing the Right Model for Your Aberdeen Project
When deciding guide between dry or wet hire equipment, project managers should consider the key following factors:
1. Team Capability
If a client has licensed crane operators and a qualified lift team, dry hire may be more efficient. If not, wet hire provides a safer and more reliable option.
2. Project Complexity
Straightforward lifts can be handled internally. More complex lifts are safer when managed by experienced external crews.
3. Risk and Responsibility
Dry hire means the client is fully responsible for crane use and safety. Wet hire shifts most of this responsibility to the appropriate provider.
4. Cost Planning
Dry hire may seem more affordable. However, errors or delays caused by unqualified staff can result in additional costs. Wet hire reduces these risks.
5. Time Constraints
Wet hire teams are often ready to respond quickly. Dry hire requires careful coordination of internal resources.
6. Project Requirements
Some contracts specify that only wet hire is allowed. It is essential to review project documents carefully before making a decision.
Whether you’re planning to hire a crane hire Aberdeen or elsewhere in the region, the right hire model depends on your team’s capabilities, site conditions, and operational needs.
For technically complex lifts, many clients also opt for contract lifting, where the provider takes full control of the lifting plan, safety assessments, and execution. This service is especially useful on high-risk or regulated sites.
In Aberdeen, PSG Marine & Logistics is a trusted provider for both standard crane hire and fully managed contract lifting solutions. They offer the expertise and compliance support needed for challenging projects.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Hiring cranes, instead of buying them, reduces the environmental impact of construction. It lowers demand for new manufacturing and helps reduce emissions.
The UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) report that construction is responsible for around 40 per cent of the country’s carbon emissions. Crane hire supports sustainability by extending the life of existing equipment.
Hiring locally also reduces transport emissions. By choosing crane hire in Aberdeen from nearby providers, businesses avoid the environmental cost of long-distance equipment delivery.
Final Thoughts
Both dry hire and wet hire offer practical benefits and suit different project scopes. Dry hire suits experienced teams who can manage lifts internally, while wet hire is ideal for those seeking professional support and reduced liability.
If you’re planning a lift in the region, reach out to the team at PSG Marine & Logistics for expert guidance on the best solution, be it dry hire, wet hire, or contract lifting in Aberdeen.
