Ep 8. Military Moves

In Supertruckers season 3 episode 8, titled "Military Moves," the focus is on the specialized transportation needs of the military. The episode introduces us to some of the men and women involved in moving equipment, supplies, and personnel for the military, as well as the challenges they face in doing so.

The episode starts off with a segment on a company called James International, whose main focus is on military transportation. We follow the team as they transport a 20-ton military vehicle that has been shipped over from the United States to Europe. The team must navigate narrow roads and rough terrain to get the vehicle to its final destination, a military base outside of Frankfurt, Germany. We get to see the intricate process of loading and unloading this massive vehicle, as well as the skill and expertise required to drive it safely through winding roads and tight spaces.

Next, we meet Mick Medcalf, who runs his own transport business that also specializes in military moves. Mick talks about the unique challenges of transporting military goods, particularly the need for extreme security and weather-proofing. We then follow Mick and his team as they transport a military shipment from the UK to the NATO base in Belgium. The shipment consists of a high-tech missile warning system that needs to be transported in a temperature-controlled environment. We see Mick and his team carefully load the sensitive equipment onto the truck, secure it with special straps, and drive it across the English Channel on a ferry. Once they arrive in Belgium, they face a new set of challenges, including navigating military checkpoints and getting clearance from NATO officials.

The episode also includes segments on two other military transport operations. The first is a company called Brit-Tipp, who specializes in transporting military helicopters. We follow the team as they prepare to transport a Chinook helicopter from a military base in Wales to a base in Somerset. The process involves dismantling the helicopter, loading it onto a special flatbed truck, and then reassembling it at its final destination.

The final segment of the episode is on a company called Dareway, who transport military equipment and personnel on behalf of the Irish Defence Forces. We follow the team as they transport a large piece of military equipment to a base in Donegal, situated in the rugged north-west of the country. The team must navigate narrow country roads, steep hills, and a particularly challenging stretch of terrain known as Barnesmore Gap. The journey takes them through some of Ireland's most beautiful landscapes, but also highlights the demanding nature of military transportation.

Throughout the episode, we get to meet some of the men and women involved in military transportation, including drivers, logistics coordinators, and military personnel. We hear about the sense of pride and responsibility they feel in their work, as well as the challenges they must overcome on a daily basis. As always, Supertruckers provides a unique and fascinating glimpse into the world of specialized transportation, and this episode in particular offers an insight into the essential work of moving military goods and personnel.