About
At Rocket Crane, our commitment is simple: to deliver reliable lifting solutions backed by decades of experience and a dedication to safety. Whether it’s construction, HVAC, machinery moving, or trucking support, our team brings the right equipment and expertise to every job.
Four Generations Strong
Rocket Crane was established in 1945 and is a family-owned operation serving the entire state of Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Now in its fourth generation of family leadership, Rocket has carried forward the same values of safety, service, and trust that Perry B. Hanson founded the company on nearly 80 years ago.
Our team comprises certified operators, forklift operators, truck drivers, rigging crews, and knowledgeable office staff who ensure projects run smoothly from start to finish. All of our equipment undergoes yearly certification by independent third-party engineers to ensure your guarantee of safety and performance.
Whether you’re replacing HVAC equipment, setting steel, moving machinery, or taking down a hazardous tree, Rocket Crane will get the job done safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
Our History
The story of Rocket Crane began in the spring of 1945 with Perry B. Hanson, who left his job with Lambert Transfer of Minneapolis, purchased a used tractor and trailer, and started hauling granite from Cold Spring, MN, to Minneapolis. On Saturdays, his children Bernie and Bonnie often rode along with their dad, learning firsthand the value of hard work and family commitment.
Perry’s vision was simple: provide dependable hauling services with honesty, reliability, and grit. He quickly expanded the business, adding tractors, trailers, and cranes to meet the growing needs of Minnesota’s construction and manufacturing industries. By the early 1950s, Rocket was hauling steel, tanks, and building materials across the Midwest.
Tragedy struck in 1954 when Perry passed away unexpectedly at just 44 years old. His wife, Cele, and their children refused to let his dream fade, stepping in to keep Rocket moving forward. Their resilience ensured the company not only survived but also continued to thrive.
Through the decades, Rocket expanded into freight hauling across the Midwest before shifting its focus fully to crane services. In 1983, the Rocket Transfer Company was sold, while Bernie’s sons, Patrick and Paul, continued the family tradition by leading Rocket Crane Service. In 2009, the company moved from its longtime home in North Minneapolis to New Hope, MN, making way for the new Lowry Avenue Bridge—a fitting symbol of progress and renewal.
Today, Rocket Crane stands as a testament to four generations of family dedication. With the largest fleet in our history—boom trucks ranging from 28 to 45 tons, hydraulic cranes from 50 to 360 tons, and a full lineup of trucks and trailers—we’re proud to help build and lift the communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin. For more than 80 years, our story has been one of strength, perseverance, and family values—and that legacy continues every day we go to work.
Proud Union Company
Rocket Crane is proud to be a union company, employing members of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). This means every project is handled by highly skilled professionals who have undergone extensive training, certification, and safety education.
Being a union contractor also ensures our operators and rigging crews are equipped with the latest industry knowledge and adhere to the highest safety standards in the field. For our customers, this translates into peace of mind—knowing every lift is performed by qualified, experienced experts dedicated to doing the job right.
At Rocket Crane, we believe in building strong partnerships with our workforce, our clients, and the communities we serve. Union strength, family values, and four generations of expertise: that’s the Rocket way.