top of page

The crane industry’s only unified hub and the leading ecosystem connecting lifting, rigging, transport, equipment, safety, market intelligence, operator stories, and global field reporting. Delivering breaking crane news, trending stories, heavy lift updates, accident insights, and equipment coverage with Global reach. Local impact. Powered by real crews and real professionals worldwide.

Crane Industry News
Crane Hub Magazine
Crane Hub Global
Crane News
Reach & Rise Cover

Crane Hub Magazines is where the global lifting and heavy equipment industry comes to connect, learn, and lead through people-focused, industry-driven, all-digital publications. Built on the foundation of the original Crane Hub Magazine, our lineup expands in 2026 with eight new titles, spotlighting specialized sectors, regions, and the stories shaping the future of the industry worldwide.

Under The Hook Magazine
Specialized Transport
Utility Truck Magazine
Crane Hub Global Buyers Guide
Crane Hub Marketplace
Crane Marketplace

The Crane Hub Global Marketplace brings the global lifting industry together in one powerful platform. Designed for contractors, fleet owners, and equipment suppliers, the Marketplace showcases cranes, lifting equipment, parts, and services from verified sellers and rental providers around the world. With increased visibility, targeted industry reach, and a streamlined user experience, Crane Hub Global Marketplace helps move equipment, and opportunities faster.​

​

Crane Industry Business Directory

The Crane Hub Global Business Directory serves as a comprehensive listing of companies operating within the crane and heavy lift sector. Designed to support visibility, networking, and industry growth, the directory provides a trusted destination for professionals seeking reliable partners, services, and expertise across global markets.

​

COMING SOON!!!!

Crane Hub News

Work with Crane Hub Global to grow your brand and connect with the world’s crane, lifting, and heavy transport professionals. Our platforms deliver targeted reach, trusted visibility, and meaningful engagement with the audiences that matter most.

Crane Hub News
Crane Life
Crane Hub Swag

Become a member of the Crane Hub community groups and join a global network of professionals driving the crane, lifting, and heavy transport industry forward. Share knowledge, discover opportunities, and be part of the conversations shaping the work on site and across the world.

Crane News
Booms Up Buzz
Crane Industry Podcast

The sh*t we laugh about in the cab, the yard, and the yard group chat. Real jobsite humor from real crews.

  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
< Back

People Before Iron: Meredith Williams on Legacy, Culture, and Pride at Buckner

Meredith Williams reflects on culture, safety, and family legacy in Crane Hub’s Personal Story of February 2025.

30-Second Takeaway For Meredith Williams, a fourth-generation leader at Buckner, pride in the crane industry comes from people, not machines. From championing safety and work-life balance to strengthening culture, training, and family connection, her story reflects how Buckner’s values continue to shape one of North America’s most respected crane companies. Growing Up with Buckner: A Family and an Industry Working at Buckner is more than a career for Meredith Williams it is part of her family history. As a fourth-generation member of the Buckner family, she has grown up watching the business evolve while remaining grounded in the values that built it. “We have such an inspiring mix of extremely long-time employees who have been here for 30+ years, combined with new team members who bring innovative ideas. That combination, along with the way we work together and communicate, makes me really proud.” Working alongside her father and grandfather during her career has added a unique depth to that experience. “Being the 4th generation of my family in the company and working during my career alongside my grandfather and father is something special.” Supporting Employees On the Job and at Home Meredith is candid about the challenges of balancing work and life in the crane industry, but she believes it is an area where Buckner must continuously improve. “Our first focus is always on our team’s safety. The primary objective is that people go home the same or better than when they came to work.” Buckner’s approach extends beyond compliance, placing equal emphasis on technical training, personal development, and family support. “Growth is not just in the technical expertise you have, but also whether you are a supportive and collaborative team member.” Flexibility during difficult personal times, family-inclusive benefits, and ongoing schedule improvements particularly for field crews reflect Buckner’s belief that work should be part of life, not its entirety. Training Well-Rounded Professionals Training at Buckner combines: Annual safety certifications Digital and online learning On-the-job skill development In-person training at the Graham headquarters and satellite yards These technical programs are reinforced with soft-skill training, including communication, time management, and accuracy in documentation. “It’s our belief that the best members of our team are the most well-rounded.” The company prioritises team members who not only build their own expertise but actively help elevate others. Shaping Culture Through Connection Meredith emphasises that culture at Buckner is built collectively. “Nothing I do has been in a vacuum the positive changes we’ve made have been a team effort.” As a soon-to-be mother, she brings a deeply personal perspective to the realities faced by field crews and their families. “I have a unique perspective on how hard the life of our field team can be as they are away from their families and how hard that is on the families.” One initiative that exemplifies Buckner’s commitment to culture is the annual Homecoming event, held over two weeks at the Graham office. “These weeks have become my favorite of the year.” The event blends training with fellowship, reconnecting teams who are typically dispersed across North America. Being a Woman in the Crane Industry Meredith acknowledges the progress the industry has made in recent years regarding women in leadership. “Luckily, I think our industry has really come a long way.” However, challenges remain particularly for women in family-owned businesses. “There is often more pressure on me to show that I have the knowledge to back up my position.” She is especially passionate about increasing female representation beyond traditional office roles. “I would love to see more women in larger crane seats and more women in technician and mechanic roles.” Advocating for Women Through Visibility Meredith believes representation is one of the most powerful tools for change. “The biggest way to encourage more women to join the industry is to hire and empower more women in our own company and industry associations.” At Buckner, women hold key roles across departments, including Operations. Meredith also serves on the Governing Committee of the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA), where women play visible leadership roles across staff and committees. “That visibility is important to show other women and young girls that our industry is a great place to grow a career.” Advice for the Next Generation For those just starting out, Meredith’s advice is simple and grounded. “Listen and ask questions.” She stresses that crane work is too complex and too dangerous for ego. “Don’t be scared to say you don’t understand something.” Learning, she says, comes from experienced people and a mindset that never stops asking questions. The Moments That Matter Most While Buckner has achieved major milestones including taking delivery of LR 13000 cranes and working on landmark infrastructure projects Meredith’s proudest moments are people-focused. “Those moments are at our annual Homecoming event where we honor our employees’ years of service.” Whether recognising five years or more than 25 years with the company, those moments carry deep meaning. “The equipment is always cool and impressive, but without the people it’s really just a lot of iron.” About Buckner Heavy Lift Buckner is a fourth-generation, family-owned crane, rigging, and logistics company headquartered in the United States, with a legacy that spans more than seven decades in the lifting industry. Founded on principles of safety, integrity, and long-term relationships, Buckner has grown into one of North America’s most respected providers of heavy lifting and engineered transport solutions. The company operates a diverse, technologically advanced fleet of mobile cranes, crawler cranes, tower cranes, and specialised lifting equipment, supporting complex projects across energy, infrastructure, industrial construction, commercial development, and manufacturing. Buckner is widely recognised for its ability to execute highly technical lifts while maintaining exceptional safety performance. Beyond equipment, Buckner places a strong emphasis on people and culture. The company invests heavily in training, leadership development, and workforce wellbeing, recognising that operational excellence is driven by skilled, supported, and engaged teams. Long employee tenure, multi-generational careers, and deep institutional knowledge are defining characteristics of the organisation. Buckner remains actively involved in industry leadership through associations such as the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) and continues to shape best practices in safety, workforce development, and innovation across the crane and rigging sector. Website: https://www.bucknercompanies.com

people-before-iron-meredith-williams-on-legacy-culture-and-pride-at-buckner

bottom of page