Lifting the Industry

Q: What added value does Cargotecnia deliver to its customers, that no other company can?

A: The cost of equipment is not the equipment itself. Rather, it is how much it costs not to have the equipment available when you need it. We maintain a large inventory of around 100 specialized vehicles so we have the solutions in stock that are needed by our customers. This is especially important in the case of emergencies. We are also certified to offer training to the operators of equipment working for the client. This training is included for free as part of the equipment purchase or rental. We also can organize training courses for companies at a reasonable cost. As part of the service in our maintenance contracts, we determine whether operators are using the equipment properly. If there is a problem of wear, due to incorrect operation, we can train the operators. We are also working on becoming a one-stop solution for all our clients’ maintenance needs, so if you bring one of your cranes in for maintenance we can also service the truck that comes with it. Additionally, we offer round-the-clock mechanical services at workshops throughout Mexico. If there is some problem, we can also send our mechanics to the site of the problem. Because we have already established this with the mechanics beforehand this service is very reliable, which is useful because our clients do not have to negotiate with a mechanic. We cannot promise that there will never be mechanical problems but we can assure that repair services are always at hand. One example would be Villahermosa, where we concentrate our oil and gas sector services. This is a vital element because we can quickly respond to emergencies.  

Q: What are clients most looking for when they come to Cargotecnia?

A: One of our biggest problems is that companies are often not aware of all the possible solutions for their cargo problems. Once I was talking to a client who had just bought an outdated solution and he asked why we had not come earlier. Our transport equipment usually has an auxiliary function that is complementary to the very large specialized equipment used by oil and gas companies. We are most closely associated with HIAB truck-mounted cranes, with which we have worked since 1976. We once produced them in Mexico and “HIAB” has even become a generic name for this kind of equipment. 

We also represent other equipment producers whose products are in demand in the oil and gas sector. For example, Moffett forklift trucks do not have a counterweight, making them very light in comparison with counterweighted lift trucks. They can be lifted by helicopter to hard-to-reach areas. Their light weight also means they can be operated in mud and in other soil conditions where normal forklifts cannot operate, and they are also useful in storage facilities that do not have a roof or that have inappropriate flooring. 

Q: What innovations are taking place in Cargotecnia’s product portfolio that could help companies in the oil and gas sector?

A: One of the most important trends in cargo transport is the use of remote-controlled technologies to operate vehicles. We offer cranes that can be operated with enormous precision from an armchair and wearing 3D goggles. This is especially useful in dangerous environments. We expect to see more and more of this. We also install cranes on UNIMOG all-terrain trucks made by Mercedes-Benz for rough terrain applications. One of the new products we are proud of is the Straddle Carrier, which was invented by Robert Moffett at his Combilift factory in Ireland. This equipment has three wheels, meaning it requires very little room to turn and it can carry up to 120 tons of products, including containers. Unlike most similar vehicles it can be used to carry almost any load, including very long or heavy cargoes. Most straddle carriers are used for containers so this is an important advantage. This is a new product with many applications in the oil and gas sector.