Carlile Transportation
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation, Freight logistics |
| Predecessor | Carlile Enterprises |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Harry McDonald, John McDonald |
| Fate | Acquired by Saltchuk |
| Headquarters | Anchorage , United States |
Area served | Alaska, Alberta, Washington, Texas |
Key people | Tom Hendrix Jr. (Vice President of Oil and Gas) |
| Products | Freight and supply logistics for oil exploration industry |
| Owner | Saltchuk |
| Parent | Saltchuk |
| Website | www |
Carlile Transportation Systems is a transportation firm headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, concentrating on freight and supply logistics for the oil exploration industry, with a primary focus on supporting operations at the Prudhoe Bay oil field.
History
Established in 1980 under the name Carlile Enterprises by siblings Harry and John McDonald, the business began with just two trucks and completed its inaugural shipment to Prudhoe Bay via the Dalton Highway in 1985.
Carlile pioneered a unique method for hauling cargo along the Dalton Highway that emphasizes driver safety, dependable equipment, and punctual deliveries. According to Tom Hendrix Jr., Vice President of Oil and Gas, a significant client and collaborator, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, played a crucial role in shaping this operational approach.
Operation
The company maintains operational sites throughout Alaska, including Anchorage, Deadhorse (Prudhoe), Fairbanks, Kenai, Kodiak, and Seward, as well as locations in Edmonton, Alberta; Tacoma, Washington; and Houston, Texas.
Carlile’s fleet is distinguished by red italicized "Carlile" logos displayed on blue truck cabs, complemented by white cargo trailers, fuel carriers, and flatbed trailers.
In media
Carlile was first showcased on The History Channel in the 2006 documentary Alaska: Dangerous Territory. In 2009, they appeared in the series Ice Road Truckers, responsible for transporting approximately 30% of all freight to Prudhoe Bay. The company played a prominent role on the program from Season 3 (2009) through Season 6 (2012).
On May 31, 2013, Seattle-based Saltchuk acquired Carlile, thereby broadening Saltchuk's freight operations within Alaska.