When MidAmerica Nazarene University’s Admissions team decided to take “Big Red,” the university’s vintage fire truck, to the 10,000-attendee Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC) in Salt Lake City this July, one question quickly emerged: How do you transport a historic fire truck more than 2,000 miles round-trip across the country?
After exploring several options, the answer arrived through an MNU alumnus and a network of logistics professionals.
Nick Hunt is a 2002 MNU graduate with 15 years in the commercial vehicle, transportation and logistics industry. He also volunteers his time with Nazarene Youth International and serves as the Kansas City district coordinator for NYC. Since Nick suggested using the fire truck, he was committed to finding a solution.
Nick connected the university with Midwest Transport Specialists (MTS), a Kansas City-based transportation and logistics company with more than 40 years of experience creating transportation solutions for unique challenges.
This once modest towing company has become one of the Midwest’s most prominent transportation and logistics enterprises. Today, MTS specializes in vehicle relocation, transport, brokerage, towing, and fleet solutions across the continental United States.
For “Big Red’s” journey, MTS is using a specialized Landoll flatbed trailer designed to transport unusual vehicles.
“This piece of equipment can drop its backend all the way to the ground and is equipped with a winch,” said Ian Weidner, vice president of commercial strategy for Midwest Companies. “This allows us to drive vehicles directly onto the trailer and make pickup and deliveries without needing assistance.”
Transporting a vintage fire truck across several states requires more than simply loading and driving.
“Our driver has to know Landoll equipment, proper blocking/bracing of the fire truck, coordination with the timing of the pickup and delivery, and navigating the 11,000 feet of elevation that exists on the route,” Weidner said.
The company was eager to assist when introduced to the project by Nick.
“I am proud to have known the owners of MTS as partners and friends for more than 20 years,” Nick said. “Their willingness to support the university and help bring this project to life speaks volumes about their character and commitment to the community. This partnership reflects the values they represent and the reputation they have built over the years.”
For Weidner and his team, solving challenges like this is part of what they do best.
“Midwest specializes in creating logistics solutions across all industries,” he said. “We tend to stand out when we are presented with complex issues and asked to design a better way to execute the operation.”
As “Big Red” begins its trek west, the project highlights something MNU is grateful for—the power of alumni connections, industry partnerships, and a shared commitment to helping make an impact at the denomination’s largest youth event.
Photos from Big Red’s Departure:
