/ overview /
Choosing The Right
Transportation
Partner Is
Mission-Critical
Consider this: You have just spent hundreds of millions of dollars and nearly a decade building a satellite. But before you can put it in orbit, it must travel over 3,000 miles to the designated launch site. How can you make sure your satellite gets to where it needs to go on time and in perfect condition?
It is crucial for aerospace companies to thoroughly vet their transportation options and select a reliable partner. Before rockets are launched into space and satellites are placed into orbit, extremely technical and delicate moves must happen first. McCollister’s has over 80 years of logistics, transportation, and warehousing experience and is a pioneer in the aerospace transportation and logistics sector. Certified by the Department of Defense to provide Classified Transportation Protective Services (TPS), McCollister’s has custom equipment operated by specialized teams experienced with hauling loaded spacecraft containers, ground support equipment, rocket motors, and more.
900+
pieces of specialized equipment
15
full-service locations
99.8%
on-time delivery
Our Capabilities
To ensure your equipment arrives timely, safely, and securely, McCollister’s offers customized turnkey solutions designed by experienced customer service and operations personnel. We take project scope, staffing, communication, schedule, and risk mitigation into consideration, so you experience a cost-effective, controlled process with every shipment.
- Project management oversight
- Feasibility studies and route surveys
- Meticulous route planning and management
- Detailed transportation plans and procedural control
- Turn-by-turn instructions and maps
- Coordination with authorities
- Identified safe havens
- Mobile command centers
- Escort and pilot cars
- Compliance with applicable governmental regulations
- Climate and humidity-controlled vehicles
- Critical and time-definite moves
- Real-time communications
- Samsara, Qualcomm, and multilayer tracking systems
- Comprehensive security measures
- Rigging services
- Warfighter support
- Company-owned flatbeds, tractors, and customized trailers
Confidence With
McCollister’s
When aerospace companies select a transportation and logistics provider, the decision goes far beyond basic delivery capabilities. Because aerospace components are high-value, oversized, delicate, and highly regulated, the provider must meet strict technical, operational, and compliance standards. When you choose McCollister’s for your aerospace transit, you gain a partner equipped to manage complexity, risk, and regulatory demands at every stage.
From mapping out the optimal route to managing temperature control and road vibration and ensuring a safe journey for your valuable assets, McCollister’s provides aerospace transit that is discreet and safeguarded every step of the way, even in high-profile situations.
/ faqs /
Aerospace
What is aerospace transportation and logistics?
Aerospace transportation and logistics refers to the specialized movement, handling, and support of spacecraft, aircraft, aerospace components, and related materials. Because aerospace parts are extremely high-value, oversized, and time-critical, this sector combines advanced logistical practices with industry-specific engineering and safety standards.
What are the risks associated with improper aerospace transportation?
Improper aerospace transportation can lead to damaged or contaminated parts, safety hazards, and regulatory violations under the FAA, ITAR, or EAR. These mistakes cause production delays, documentation failures, environmental incidents, financial losses, and reputational harm. Some of these costs may not be covered by insurance.
What considerations go into mapping out the safest and most effective route for aerospace transport?
McCollister’s evaluates road dimensions, weight limits, infrastructure capability, regulatory permits, safety risks, weather, security requirements, and timing to ensure safe delivery. Every aerospace move includes a detailed physical route survey to verify the safest and most efficient path.
What security measures need to be put in place for aerospace transport?
Aerospace transport security requires controlled access, real-time GPS and sensor monitoring, tamper-evident containers, trained escorts for high-risk loads, chain-of-custody documentation, ITAR compliance, and contingency planning for theft, tampering, or emergencies.
When should aerospace companies first contact transportation and logistics companies?
As early as possible, ideally during the design or pre-production phase, before manufacturing begins. Early engagement allows for route planning, equipment specification, permitting, and compliance review, all of which prevent costly delays later in the project timeline.
What certifications does McCollister’s hold for aerospace transport?
McCollister’s is certified by the Department of Defense to provide Classified Transportation Protective Services (TPS). The company also maintains C-TPAT certification, ISO 13485 compliance, and membership in the Commercial Space Federation and the National Defense Transportation Association.
What types of aerospace hardware does McCollister’s transport?
McCollister’s transports loaded spacecraft containers, ground support equipment, rocket motors, satellite components, launch hardware, flight-critical assemblies, and defense assets. Each move is managed under a customized transportation plan with shipment-specific operating procedures.
What tracking technology does McCollister’s use for aerospace moves?
McCollister’s uses Samsara, Qualcomm, SkyBitz, and multilayer tracking systems to provide real-time visibility during aerospace transport. Mobile command centers and dedicated communication channels keep all stakeholders informed throughout transit.
Can McCollister’s transport oversized aerospace components on public roads?
Yes. McCollister’s conducts feasibility studies and physical route surveys, secures all necessary permits, and coordinates with authorities for oversized loads. Escort and pilot cars, mobile command centers, and identified safe havens are part of every oversized aerospace move.