Together in Europe

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15 April 2008

The European Association of Heavy Haulage, Transport and Mobile Cranes (ESTA) is a federation The European Association of Heavy Haulage, of European trade associations representing mobile crane rental, heavy haulage and abnormal load transport companies.

ESTA's primary objective is European harmonisation of rules and regulations related to mobile cranes, heavy haulage and abnormal transport. In general ESTA represents the interests of success during Intermat in Paris, both industries and works on the improvement of subjects that include conditions, safety, co-operation and sector image.

National associations from 13 countries are represented in ESTA, including Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, UK, France, Italy and Sweden. Membership is also open to the manufacturers of equipment that is fundamental to the business of transport and lifting and includes, among others, Liebherr, Terex-Demag, Goldhofer and Faymonville.

Achievements

In 2000, ESTA issued a Black Book with a comprehensive list of problems resulting from the lack of European harmonisation. In the Black Book ESTA asked for European corridors for abnormal load transport. As a direct result the European Commission started with a EU Expert group that is responsible for a Best Practice Guideline. This document will provide member states and permit authorities with guidelines for permit procedures and regulations.

More recently, the ESTA initiative to create a standard and harmonised form for the initial admittance of vehicles and combinations, such as modular trailers, has been realised. In the meantime many European countries accept the so-called S.E.R.T. (Special European Registration for Trailers) document.

Twice a year a general committee meeting is organised, including working group meetings in the field of both cranes and transport. The working groups address specific and relevant topics and action points in each field. Representatives of the associated members play a vital role in the working groups as users and manufacturers can discuss equipment related topics.

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