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Absolute Reliable
The name says it all for specialized hauler.
By Bill Hudgins
Whether you need to ship a collection of priceless one-of-a-kind cars or a squadron of autos that are merely mind-bogglingly expensive, only a handful of companies can do the job. One of the largest is Reliable Carriers Inc., whose transporters often demand almost as much attention as the Vipers, 'Vettes and other high-powered rides they carry.
Founded in 1967, Reliable Carriers (800-521-6393) fields more than 300 rigs that carry production test cars, concept cars and show cars for builders, and also privately owned classic vehicles. It has offices in Canton, Mich.; Phoenix; and Orlando, Fla.
Its equipment ranges from fifth-wheel type trailers for local hauling to air-ride equipped, enclosed semis that can hold as many as seven vehicles. There are also temperature-controlled units for vehicles that may be sensitive to climate conditions.
Reliable drivers tend to spend a lot of time on the road, especially when they deliver to events such as the annual Viper Owners Invitational show or a Goodguys custom rod show. Posh custom sleeper cabs are the rule, indeed, a necessity.
One of Reliable's flagship rigs is a 1986 Peterbilt 359, often driven by Robert Wallace, 44, of South Lyon, Mich. Wallace usually pilots the rig in the summers; during the winter, he runs the state's snowy highways driving trucks and graders for the highway department at the Brighton Maintenance Garage.
"We started in 1998 out with a 60-inch flat top bunk on a 260-inch wheelbase," Wallace says. S&J Frame Shop in Fort Wayne stretched the frame to a 342-inch wheelbase, which was topped with a 140-inch Indiana Custom Sleeper.
The sleeper holds a shower and toilet; a kitchen with microwave, double sink and coffeemaker; a 20-inch color TV/VCR; a stereo system with 12-disc CD changer; and a sofa bed. There's a 45-gallon cold water tank and 6-gallon hot water tank; the engine heats the water. A 7,000-watt gen set powers all the appliances, charges the batteries and runs a roof-mounted heat and air conditioning unit.
The air-ride tractor is powered by a 400-hp Caterpillar engine with a 6-and-4 Eaton transmission and 3:55 rears. He says there are plans to repaint the rig, and add other amenities, possibly this year. The tractor and sleeper give Wallace a luxurious home on the road, and let him stay close to the action at events. Wallace's wife, Annette, and daughter, Kirsten, also frequently join him on the road.
And the sights they see! Wallace delivers to NASCAR and other auto races, to the National Corvette Museum and to car shows such as the Goodguys events. He's transported one of the Batmobiles, some of the autos used in the racing flick "Days of Thunder," and other movie and TV vehicles. Last year he spent a week at the 5th Annual Viper Owners Invitational in Las Vegas.
He also transports vehicles like the Plymouth Viper and Prowler from factory to dealers. "I get to drive them a few feet when loading and unloading," he says. Customers know they can count on top-notch service, he says. The company's name promises a lot, he adds, and it delivers.
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