From humble beginnings to a well-established enterprise

1925

Founded in 1925 by Joseph D. Sheedy, Sheedy Drayage Co started with a single truck and primarily hauled goods to and from San Francisco’s docks and railway depots.

1925-1930

Sheedy’s expanding fleet of trucks transported hay, grain, feed, and hides to local mills, stables, and tanneries. During the 1930s, the company transitioned to specializing in hauling steel and became the primary drayage contractor for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. In the mid-1930s, Sheedy acquired its first crane, a 15-ton Orton mounted on a Mack chassis.

DURING WWII

Sheedy focused on developing its hoisting capabilities. It purchased several cranes with capacities ranging from 15 to 20 tons (the largest available at the time) to serve the bustling San Francisco shipyards and oil refineries.

1956

Joe Sheedy passed away. Adolph Battaini, along with three others, purchased the company from the estate. Battaini, the youngest, acquired each share and became the sole proprietor. The company focused in crane and rigging services, as well as hauling services. Sheedy hauled and hoisted penstocks for hydroelectric plants, steel, pile-driving equipment for new highways, and rail construction for the Bay Area Rapid Transit and San Francisco Metro systems.

1991

Donald Russell became a president and formed an engineering and large project division. This division embarked on large, heavy-lift projects nationwide and internationally, elevating Sheedy to the elite category of crane and rigging companies.

2002

Richard Battaini and Michael Battaini were named co-presidents. Under their leadership, the company expanded its fleet and capabilities, leading to a substantial increase in revenue. Sheedy became a pivotal player in nearly every major construction project in San Francisco. Their ongoing contributions continue to shape and expand the city’s skyline.

2024

The Battaini family sold Sheedy to three long term employees: Joey DeMartini, Christopher Gregori and Mercury Manns.

2025

Sheedy celebrated its 100th anniversary, a milestone that serves as a testament to the transformative power of innovation, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our team over the past century.

View Gallery

Celebrating a 100-Year Remarkable Legacy

[ San francisco EST. 1925 ]

A large red crane with an American flag flying at the top against a clear blue sky.

A large red display board for Sheedy Crane and Rigging with photos of cranes and rigging equipment, set outdoors near a construction site.

Three men standing behind a red and white checkered table, grilling and preparing barbecue, with large stacks of wood and a crane in the background. The man in the middle is wearing a red apron and black gloves, the man on the left is in a blue plaid

A large red lattice boom crane on a flatbed truck, with the word 'Sheedy' written on the side, parked outdoors under a blue sky with some clouds.

A white flatbed tow truck with red lettering reading "Sheedy San Francisco 83" parked outdoors on a sunny day, with another red tow truck and cargo containers in the background, and construction cranes in the distance.

Four men sitting at a wooden table inside a large white tent, eating meals and smiling at the camera.

A large white banner with red and black text celebrating the 100th anniversary of Sheedy Drayage Co., from 1925 to 2025, displayed outdoors under a partly cloudy sky.

Red fire truck parked in front of a residential building under a partly cloudy sky.

Group of six men standing in front of a helicopter inside an hangar.

A wall with twelve framed photographs of construction and industrial scenes, including cranes, construction sites, tunnels, machinery, and landscapes.

Two large red cranes lifting a white tent at an outdoor event with a gray building and tents in the background.

Five men standing outdoors around a high wooden table with drinks, with a large red crane and industrial buildings in the background, on a bright day with blue sky and some clouds.

Two older men smiling outdoors in front of a large banner. The man on the left has white hair, wearing a maroon sweater, and the man on the right has gray hair, glasses, and a white shirt. The background sky is clear and blue.

Two men sitting on red crates outdoors, with construction materials and a shipping container behind them, under a blue sky.

A woman in a red apron cooking chicken and ribs on a barbecue grill outdoors, with other people and tents in the background.

Six diverse adults standing together outdoors at a daytime event under a large tent, smiling and posing for a photo. Some are wearing casual clothing, including a pink floral shirt, denim jacket, plaid shirt, and Hawaiian shirts. One person holds a s

A small dog with long ears and light fur wearing a red harness, sitting on an asphalt surface, looking up and smiling, with a person standing behind holding the leash.

A large red crane with the company name 'SHEEDY' on the side, lifting a large white banner that reads 'SHEEDY DRAVAGE CO.', 1925 to 2025, 100-year anniversary, in an outdoor area with people standing around.

A wall displaying several framed black-and-white vintage photographs, including a hockey team, construction sites, and historic buildings.

A wall decorated with a collection of framed vintage black-and-white and color photographs, including images of steam engines, railway scenes, a group of hockey players, and a man working with machinery.

A man wearing a red apron and cap standing next to a barbecue grill with grilling meat, smiling.

Cooked meatloaf on a tray, sauce and scraps on a checkered tablecloth, with kitchen utensils and jars nearby.