Bigge Crane Claims No. 1 Fleet Size Ranking in North America

HOUSTON, TX – June 22, 2026 – In a landmark achievement coinciding with its 110th year of operation, Bigge Crane and Rigging Co. has been ranked No. 1 for fleet size in the 2026 ACT 100, the definitive list of North America's largest crane-owning companies published by American Cranes & Transport. This top ranking underscores a period of sustained growth and strategic investment for the company, which also secured the No. 2 position on the overall ACT 100 Index for the seventh consecutive year.

The milestone solidifies Bigge's position as a dominant force in the industry, backed by what it calls the largest bare rental fleet of rough terrain, lattice crawler, and telescopic crawler cranes in the world. This success is not accidental but the result of a long-term, disciplined strategy focused on fleet quality, reliability, and customer service.

A Disciplined Ascent to the Top

For over a century, Bigge has built its reputation not just on size, but on a meticulous approach to fleet management known as the Perfect Fleet®. This guiding philosophy dictates that every piece of equipment must clear a high bar for inclusion. The company prioritizes cranes that are the best in their class, possess a proven track record for safety and reliability, offer a low total cost of ownership, and retain enough value to justify the significant capital investment.

This disciplined selection process is at the heart of the company's success. "We have built the largest crane fleet in the country, but scale was never the goal," said Weston Settlemier, CEO of Bigge Crane and Rigging Co. "It is the result of our disciplined approach. Every crane must earn its place and deliver a return on the capital invested in it. That discipline is what keeps our fleet the youngest, best-maintained, and most reliable in the industry."

This commitment is evident in the fleet's composition. By the end of 2026, Bigge will operate more than 2,000 rental assets. This includes a world-first fleet of more than 100 Liebherr LR 1300 crawler cranes, with an impressively low average age of under 3.5 years. The company also stands as the world's largest owner of Liebherr LTR 1220 telescopic crawler cranes, further highlighting its investment in modern, high-performance equipment.

The Power Behind Progress

The sheer scale and modernity of Bigge’s fleet are more than just numbers on a list; they represent a critical enabling force for some of North America's most ambitious projects. The company serves a diverse range of sectors, including construction, energy, manufacturing, and large-scale industrial markets. Its cranes are the workhorses behind the continent's evolving infrastructure and economic drivers.

From erecting massive wind turbines on sprawling wind farms to assembling critical components at major Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities, Bigge's equipment provides the heavy-lift capability essential for progress. The construction of data centers, a booming sector requiring the precise placement of heavy structural and cooling elements, also relies heavily on the type of advanced crane solutions Bigge provides. With a strategic network of over 20 service locations nationwide, the company offers unparalleled logistical support and field service, ensuring that the right crane is available for the right job, wherever it may be.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

Bigge's top ranking for fleet size is particularly significant given the highly competitive nature of the North American crane market. The ACT 100, which ranks companies based on the total lifting capacity of their fleets, is the industry's premier benchmark. The overall market has shown robust health, with the total capacity of all ranked companies surpassing 3.4 million tons in recent years, indicating sector-wide investment and growth. Thriving in this environment requires not only capital but also strategic foresight.

While consistently holding the No. 2 position in the overall index demonstrates sustained excellence, achieving the No. 1 spot for fleet size is a clear indicator of Bigge's aggressive and successful expansion strategy. This accomplishment places the company at the pinnacle of the industry in terms of available assets, offering customers unmatched availability and choice. The continued investment ensures that clients have access to the latest technology, which translates to enhanced safety, greater efficiency, and improved project outcomes on the ground.

Investing in the Future of Construction

As the industry faces challenges ranging from global supply chain volatility to a growing demand for sustainable practices, Bigge's strategy of maintaining a young, modern, and well-maintained fleet positions it for long-term success. Continuous capital investment in new equipment from leading manufacturers like Liebherr not only expands capacity but also ensures the fleet meets the latest environmental and performance standards.

This forward-looking approach is designed to support the next generation of projects, no matter the scale or complexity. By focusing on the principles of the Perfect Fleet®—reliability, performance, and value—Bigge Crane and Rigging Co. is not just building the largest fleet, but building a foundation of trust and capability that will power North American industry for years to come.