Structural movers play several interesting and valuable roles. By moving buildings out of flood zones or back from eroding coastlines, they forestall climate-induced damage. By relocating structures situated in the path of new development, they act as recyclers. And sometimes they manage to preserve precious elements of a country's cultural heritage.

Hollis Kennedy House Movers, a five-man crew based in Huntsville, Ala., has been operating since 1973. "We do anything: house-moving, heavy hauls, on-site transformer moves," says Keith Kennedy, a third-generation mover and the current company president. "If crane and rigging companies can't swing some structure because of too-tight quarters, they call us."