The Constraint That's About to Change: How Patented Transport Technology Eliminates the Crane Problem
For three decades, modular construction has promised speed and affordability—but getting finished modules from factory to jobsite has remained expensive and complicated. Every module arrival requires cranes, cribbing, extensive labor, and careful coordination. That process is about to change.
SHIPPS GROUP, LLC has transferred a comprehensive patent portfolio covering modular transport systems to Uni-Frame LLC, a Utah-based company with 40+ years of construction logistics experience. The patents cover core innovations: a patented hitch system and a patented dolly system designed to work together to eliminate the crane-and-cribbing bottleneck.
The Patented Technology: Four Simple Steps
Step 1: Attach the Hitch: The patented hitch system connects directly to the module floor at the factory. Unlike traditional transport, no separate trailer is required. The connection is direct, integrated, and designed specifically for modular units.
Step 2: Connect the Dolly: A patented dolly attaches to the rear of the module, completing the transport assembly. This is where the innovation works: the dolly lowers the module floor to just 6-10 inches off the ground—compared to the industry standard of 32 inches.
Step 3: Transport to Site: The module travels at this dramatically lower profile, clearing standard DOT restrictions and bridges that previously required route modifications. The low profile means something else becomes possible: architects gain up to 2 feet of additional interior height—without changing any DOT regulations.
Step 4: Set, Stitch & Done: Modules arrive staged and ready to position. No crane needed. No cribbing setup. The patented system positions modules directly—faster, safer, and requiring far less labor on the ground.
What the Patents Actually Solve
- Traditional Modular Transport Challenge
- Crane rental costs
- Cribbing installation and removal (hours of labor)
- DOT height restrictions limiting interior design
- Complex on-site coordination
- Extended placement timelines
Uni-Frame's Patented Solution:
- Integrated hitch eliminates separate trailer
- Patented dolly achieves 6-10" ground clearance
- Clears standard DOT restrictions automatically
- Modules positioned without crane equipment
- Faster on-site setup and assembly
Practical Benefits
For Modular Manufacturers:
- Integrate technology directly into production workflow
- Standard offering rather than custom logistics
- Simpler module design requirements
For Developers & Builders:
- Reduced transport and logistics costs
- Faster site readiness and module positioning
- Additional interior design height opens new market segments
- Projects in DOT-restricted areas become viable
For Construction Sites:
- No crane rental equipment needed
- Simplified on-site labor requirements
- Faster module placement and connection
- Safer transport with lower center of gravity
Market Positioning
The company is preparing to introduce this technology commercially at the World of Modular convention and the full commercial availability is expected within 4-6 months.
This represents the first commercial introduction of this patented transport approach to the modular construction market—positioning the acquiring company as the first to offer crane-free transport as a standard system.
Why This Transfer Matters
The original patent holders (SHIPPS GROUP) developed and validated this technology. The transfer to Uni-Frame—a company with deep construction industry experience and existing relationships with modular manufacturers—positions the patents in the hands of operators best suited to commercialize and scale the innovation.
For the modular construction industry, this transfer means an established operational challenge is moving from patent portfolio to commercial product. The first company to successfully introduce and scale crane-free transport gains significant competitive advantage.
What's Next
Modular manufacturers, developers, and construction companies should monitor:
- How construction professionals respond to the first commercial deployments
- Whether the system integrates smoothly into existing manufacturing workflows
- What cost savings materialize compared to traditional crane-and-cribbing methods
- Whether additional competitors develop similar solutions
The patented technology is real, has been developed and tested, and is moving into commercial deployment. What was once an operational constraint in modular construction may soon become a standard competitive advantage.
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, investment, patent counsel, construction advice, or business recommendations of any kind. The information presented represents analysis of patent transfer activities and general information about modular construction logistics based on publicly available information.