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Manufacturing, construction and shipping – at some point, these industries might require a crane. As wonderfully handy as cranes are, it’s not something people often have laying around to use on a whim. That’s why cranes are often hired out by those requiring one.
Crane companies are often overlooked, as most people don’t stop to think about where a crane came from. Nonetheless, crane companies provide a valuable service across multiple different sectors. So, if you’re thinking of starting your own crane company then you could be underway to a steady business venture.
However, starting a crane company is not all about operating big machinery (though that part is also important). When you start a crane company, it’s crucial to take care of the legal aspects and protect your company right from the beginning.
Keep reading to learn more.
What Is A Crane Company?
As we noted above, crane companies specialise in providing cranes. Often, the customer base for a crane company would be other companies, usually from manufacturing, logistics, shipping and construction backgrounds.
Generally, cranes are hired out. However, a crane company could also be the manufacturer of cranes. When starting your own crane company, it’s important to consider exactly what services you will offer. As operating heavy and dangerous machinery is involved it might be a good idea to offer technical and logistical support as part of your services.
Naturally, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to starting a crane company. The best course of action is to thoroughly do your research and draw up a business plan. When you have a clear vision of where you want to go, it’s much easier to make choices that align with your goals and stay on track.
How Do You Start A Crane Company In Australia?
After getting clarity on your crane company’s goals, it’s time to officially start your crane company. To start a crane company, you will need to register it with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
We always recommend getting a legal expert to help out with registering a company. This is a vital step in your crane company’s birth, however, it can also be a bit complex. To register a company, it’s necessary to understand the type of legal structure your company will have, how the company will be governed plus who the directors and shareholders will be. These are major decisions that will determine how your company functions – it’s important to have expert advice as you navigate your way through this.
When you register your company, you will also need to abide by ASIC’s rules and regulations. Matters such as updating company details, annual audits and fees are essential to comprehend if you want to run a company that is legally compliant. Chatting with a legal expert can help you better understand your duties when running a company and avoid legal troubles for accidentally forgetting something important.
We’ve written more about starting a company in our article, Steps To Incorporate Your Small Business In Australia.
Do I Need Legal Documents To Start A Crane Company?
Yes, legal documents are a key part of starting a crane company. The right legal agreements will help your company be legally compliant and protect it from unnecessary troubles.
Every company is different, so the exact legal agreements you will need are going to depend on your specific legal operations. It’s best to chat with a legal expert to find out the legal agreements that are right for your crane company.
For now, we’ve listed a few legal agreements that you might want to know about
Wet and Dry Hire Agreement
A Wet and Dry Hire Agreement determines the terms and conditions under which someone can rent out machinery (such as a crane) from your company. Different from a Dry Hire Agreement, a wet and dry hire agreement covers the person that will be operating the machinery – if your company opts to offer this service.
Needless to say, when you’re offering something for rental there’s going to be expectations and conditions from both parties. A wet and dry hire agreement covers matters such as payment, the length of the rental, termination conditions, dispute resolutions and much more. To make sure there’s no misunderstandings, having everything down in writing is important.
Employment Agreement
When you start a crane company, you might want to assemble a team to help you run the company. This is a great idea however, the moment your company becomes bigger than one person, you will be considered an employer.
As exciting as having your own team is, it’s vital that you’re consistently on top of your employer obligations. Making sure your staff are being treated well and receiving the correct entitlements are all part of your job. Certain legal agreements, such as an Employment Contract can help you manage your duties as an employer. An employment contract communicates to employees their rights and obligations, so you’re both on the same page.
Make sure you chat with our experts about your legal responsibilities as an employer, plus the other legal agreements that could help foster a positive workplace such as detailed Staff Handbooks and strong Workplace Policies.
Privacy Policy
If you’ve visited a website recently, then you might have noticed a Privacy Policy on some corner of it. A privacy policy is a statement letting website users know what is being done with their information. Any company that collects user information on its website is legally required to have a privacy policy in place.
So, if you plan on having a website for your crane company, then it’s necessary to get a privacy policy drafted for it. Often, you’ll notice that privacy policies aren’t the only legal agreements on websites. Cookie Policies and Website Terms and Conditions are not legally required, however they are important for transparency and establishing the ground rules for using your website.
The internet can be a great platform for your crane company, however it’s important to protect your company from the obvious risks that come with being online with the right legal instruments.
Talk to our legal experts today about your privacy obligations as a crane company, so you can stay ahead of any threats that might come your way.
Are There Any Other Laws I Should Be Aware Of?
Employment laws and privacy laws are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the legal considerations you need to be aware of when starting a crane company. This may seem a little daunting but there’s no need to stress – legal compliance simply means being aware of your obligations and staying on top of them.
The hard part can be knowing exactly what laws to follow, after all – there’s more than just a few of them. Many of the laws your crane company will need to adhere to are going to depend on its exact business operations and location. For instance, certain types of cranes may need a licence or you may need local council permits to run your crane company. It’s also important to ensure your crane company is operating in line with Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and industry specific codes.
It’s best to chat with a legal expert about the rules and regulations you’ll need to follow as a crane company. They can tell you the exact laws that will impact your company as well as how to be in compliance with them, so you don’t have to be worried about any legal consequences.
Next Steps
A crane company can be a great new business venture however, it’s crucial to take care of the legal considerations when starting your crane company. Doing so can help protect your crane company and keep it safe from unwanted troubles, so you can focus on running the company. To summarise what we’ve discussed:
- Starting a crane company involves thorough research, a clear business plan, and registering with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
- Legal documents, including Wet and Dry Hire Agreements, Employment Agreements, and Privacy Policies, are vital for compliance and protecting your business
- Understanding employer obligations and employee rights is crucial when hiring a team
- Companies with websites must have a Privacy Policy to inform users about data handling practices
- Additional legal considerations include adhering to employment laws, privacy laws, Australian Consumer Law (ACL), and industry-specific regulations
- Consulting legal experts ensures your crane company meets all necessary legal requirements and operates smoothly
If you would like a consultation on starting a crane company, you can reach us at 1800 730 617 or team@sprintlaw.com.au for a free, no-obligations chat.
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