VAI Member Spotlight: International Machine Transport, Canada Specialized ground transportation operator hauls helicopters, aircraft components, and cargo across the United States and Canada. By Jen Boyer Moving helicopters and sensitive engines over land requires expertise and specialized equipment—a lesson those who have hired low-bid general freight carriers have learned the hard way. Established in 1991, International Machine Transport (IMT) of Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, is a specialized ground transport carrier for helicopters, aerospace components, and a wide variety of other sensitive cargo throughout the United States and Canada. Helicopters Big and Small The company’s helicopter shipping arm offers ground transportation services for a variety of civilian and military helicopter types. IMT developed custom securement equipment for many types of helicopters, ranging in size from the Boeing CH-47 Chinook and Sikorsky S-92 to the smaller Robinson and Schweizer aircraft. For small and medium-sized helicopters, IMT developed enclosed heli-trailers with custom-built helicopter stands. Oversized helicopter transport, or instances where the aircraft does not fit in an enclosed trailer, is one of IMT’s specialties. While all oversized cargo must be handled with care and attention to detail, the company’s in-depth knowledge of the aircraft helps minimize the risk of damage to the cargo. IMT uses expandable double-drop (low-bed or lowboy) trailers to transport helicopters taller than 10 ft. when on the ground. With an 18-in. ground clearance, the trailer allows the company to ship over-height helicopters in areas of North America that have strict height requirements for ground shipping. Extra Support for Landing Gear In addition to its custom low-bed trailers, IMT developed a line of custom-built landing-gear stands for all oversized helicopters to ensure zero stress on sensitive components during transit. For oversized skid-gear aircraft, the trailer features outriggers to extend the trailer width to fully support the weight of the aircraft. The company provides training for its drivers with IMT’s in-house aircraft maintenance engineer, who covers proper handling and securing techniques for all sizes of helicopters and engines. Logistics Support for Operators IMT is also an aerospace logistics provider, with operations, equipment, and personnel training designed for transporting helicopters, aircraft jet engines, and other aircraft components. The company maintains a 24/7/365 readiness team to support unexpected and aircraft-on-ground situations, including logistics crews that can quickly transport critical engines and components. IMT maintains a fleet of transport vehicles throughout North America. Its drivers obtain military clearances and training in aerospace asset loading, handling, and transportation requirements. Since its inception, IMT has expanded to new locations with offices and terminals in Dallas, Texas; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; and Lynden, Washington.
