The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) will commemorate its 60th anniversary throughout 2008. What began as a handful of American companies has grown into an international trade association of more
than 1,300 member companies from 47 nations.
Even with the organization's substantial progress over the years, some important factors remain the same. Today's members still are involved in specialized transportation, machinery moving and erecting, industrial maintenance, millwrighting, crane and rigging operations, equipment manufacturing and rental.
Among the factors that have changed for the better are the industry's safety, capabilities, and efficiency. The regulatory and legislative environment has improved dramatically as the industry formed alliances both within and outside the government. And the industry has helped foster a global economy through the interrelationships of companies on six continents. SC&RA has played a significant role in all of these advancements.
The roots of the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II, when changes in business methods and decentralization brought about remarkable transformation in the transportation of heavy machinery, other heavy objects and articles requiring the use of special equipment. Also changing were laws and regulations specifically affecting the transport of such loads.
To accommodate the segment of the transportation industry affected by these developments, the Local Cartage National Conference (LCNC) of the American Trucking Associations began the process of creating a new section in 1947. In December 1948, the Heavy Haulers, Machinery Movers and Erectors Section of LCNC was born. This section, which elected its own leaders and no longer had to await approval of the LCNC Board before making decisions, ultimately evolved into the Heavy-Specialized Carriers Conference and subsequently SC&RA.
SC&RA enters 2008 with a full agenda. While reflecting on 60 years of progress, the association will continue to move forward on its mission of "providing the unique information and other lawful activities worldwide members need to safely, legally and profitably transport, lift, and erect oversize and overweight items."