An affiliation of the Material Handling Industry (MHI), the Crane Manufacturing Association of America (CMAA) is an independent trade organization that advocates for optimal crane safety and serves as a resource for all types of professionals within the industry. Facilitating various industry events and educational opportunities, CMAA has also established engineering specifications that are recognized as the preferred design standards for overhead traveling cranes and integrated crane systems, as well as crane components.

American Crane is proud to be a member of this organization, and at this year’s CMAA event, our team got the chance to discuss important industry standards with fellow crane experts.

CMAA’s History and Mission

CMAA evolved from the Electric Overhead Crane Institute (EOCI), founded in 1927 by leading crane manufacturers aiming to advance crane standardization, uniform quality, and higher levels of performance. In 1955, EOCI was incorporated as the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, Inc.

Working to deliver exceptional value to channel partners, end users, industry associates, and members alike, CMAA is focused on the following goals and services:

• Market intelligence
• Safety advocacy
• Providing valuable educational materials
• Engineering specifications and standards development
• Members’ professional development
• Recruiting and developing active, representative membership
• Promotion and enhancement of CMAA brand

To achieve these goals, CMAA members aim to:

• Supply safe, efficient products and services
• Deliver superior value
• Develop experienced, knowledgeable channel partners
• Offer high-value, versatile solutions
• Create an environment in which customers can confidently purchase equipment and achieve optimal value

CMAA has also created a comprehensive Buyer’s Guide to assist procurement professionals in the selection of material handling equipment. A range of factors, detailed in the guide, should be considered during the selection process, including:

• The service the system will be used for
• The frequency of its use
• The speed of the system necessary to match parameters and process
• The budget of the buyer