(Sponsored Content) — In an era where construction schedules tighten and jobsite complexity rises, DePasquale Crane Rental has built a reputation not simply as a crane provider, but as the strategic backbone of one of the Midwest's most reliable AISC-certified steel erection firms.
Operating as the crane division of the long-established DePasquale Steel, the company has created a vertically integrated model that eliminates one of the construction industry's biggest pain points: scheduling uncertainty. And it shows up across some of Chicago's most challenging and high-profile projects.
The Competitive Advantage: Owning the Crane That Supports Your Steel Crew
While most steel erectors rely on third-party crane rental companies, DePasquale takes a different approach. By owning and operating their own fleet of truck cranes and all-terrain cranes — ranging from 20 to 60 tons — the company controls:
"In our world, control equals safety," says the DePasquale leadership team. "And when you control the crane, you control one of the most critical elements of every steel erection project."
This capability is especially crucial for an AISC-certified erector, where lift planning, rigging standards, operator qualifications and field documentation must meet the highest industry benchmarks. All lifts are handled by Union Local 150 certified operators with more than 25 years of experience, ensuring that safety and quality standards remain consistent across every project.
When a general contractor shifts the schedule — as often happens during school work, interior renovations or complex urban projects — the DePasquale team doesn't wait days for a crane to become available. The crane moves when needed for the project.
This advantage has become a signature strength across the company's recent roster of projects, from last-minute steel unloads to accelerated summer school timetables to high-profile public institution renovations where downtime is unacceptable.
Where the Model Delivers: Project Spotlights
Soldier Field – Mezzanine & Concourse Expansion
As part of the Chicago Bears' facility improvements, DePasquale Steel handled significant steel additions to the mezzanine and concourse at Soldier Field — one of the most logistically restrictive sites in Chicago.
Owning the crane allowed the team to move in and out during pre-approved windows, navigate tight working conditions with repeat operators and control sequencing during night and early-morning shifts. This is the type of job where a missed window can set a project back a week. DePasquale made sure that didn't happen.
Shedd Aquarium – A Landmark Renovation Requiring Precision and Flexibility
Perhaps the most prestigious example of the company's capability is the Shedd Aquarium Centennial Commitment renovation, a multi-year, half-billion-dollar transformation of one of Chicago's most iconic institutions. DePasquale Steel installed the miscellaneous metals package, including multiple stair systems, stainless steel railing systems throughout the historic building and the architecturally striking entry canopies at the newly redesigned front arrival sequence.
DePasquale Crane Rental played a critical behind-the-scenes role, supporting steel unloads, handling canopy component positioning, facilitating rigging operations in time-restricted zones and providing operator continuity on a project where public safety was paramount.
This project demonstrates the company's capability to operate inside one of Chicago's busiest public institutions — balancing safety, schedule, craftsmanship and coordination at the highest level.
Chicago Area Schools
School work represents one of DePasquale's major niches, where schedules are unforgiving and steel must go up during breaks or tight windows tied to interior trades. The crane division enables just-in-time deliveries, rapid steel unloading and sequential picks without waiting for outside rental availability — all while maintaining safe operations near active school zones.
These aren't typical jobs. And DePasquale Crane Rental isn't a typical crane company. It is, quite literally, the lift behind the steel.
A Strategic Differentiator for Contractors
As construction becomes more compressed and safety requirements intensify, general contractors and fabricators increasingly seek predictable partners. With a single team planning the lifts, steel sequencing, inspections and safety program, projects run smoother, safer and faster.
DePasquale Crane Rental serves clients throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, including Naperville, Schaumburg, Lemont, Joliet and Evanston. The company offers flexible rental terms — hourly, weekly and monthly — with certified operators included to ensure every lift meets the highest standards.
GCs aren't just hiring a crane or an erector — they're hiring an integrated lifting and steel solution that eliminates friction and reduces risk. For DePasquale, the crane fleet isn't just a service offering. It's the strategic backbone that allows the steel erection team to perform at a higher level than most of the market.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
