Returning a WWII-Era Machine to Berwick
Not every towing job is about accidents. Or broken-down vehicles. Because that morning, our Kenworth T880 carried something most travelers will never see twice: an M37 Howitzer Motor Carriage. One of only 150 ever built, strapped to a mini deck trailer and pointed toward Pennsylvania. As a company that handles Anita heavy equipment towing, we see our share of unusual loads. But this was a historic one.
The Stuart Tank Memorial Association had spent months preparing to bring this vehicle home, and they reached out to us when it was time to find a carrier. The M37 was built in 1945 at the American Car and Foundry plant in Berwick, Pennsylvania. After decades on display at the now-closed AAF Tank Museum in Danville, Virginia, it was finally heading back home, to the town that produced it.
The Vehicle and Its Story
Only 150 M37 Howitzer Motor Carriages were ever built, every one of them produced at the AC&F factory in Berwick between September and October of 1945. These self-propelled artillery pieces rode on a light tank chassis. Most have been lost to scrap over the past eighty years. A complete example today is exceedingly rare.
The unit we hauled is not running but appears very complete. The Stuart Tank Memorial Association raised the funds for its purchase through community donations, and we were happy to play a role in bringing it home. Our driver Bradley Bowman handled the entire trip solo, covering more than 900 miles in four days.
Moving History Across State Lines
We picked up the M37 in Anita, Iowa, after coordinating with the seller and the Stuart Tank Memorial Association on loading logistics. The mini deck trailer gave us the low load height we needed to keep the vehicle stable across hundreds of miles of highway. Once secured, we paused at Iowa 80, the world’s largest truck stop, where the Howitzer drew more than a few curious looks.
From there, the route ran east across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and into Pennsylvania, with regular stops to check straps and load position. This Anita heavy equipment towing job called for steady hands and patient driving, and Bradley delivered both over four straight days. The tank arrived in Berwick without a scratch.
A Long Haul with a Lasting Legacy
Moving a rare military vehicle takes planning, since routes have to account for clearances, weight distribution, and tie-down points that are not obvious from the ground.
Our Anita heavy equipment towing team took extra time before loading to map the route, check bridge ratings, and plan fuel and rest stops. Anita heavy equipment towing also means accepting that some loads attract attention, since drivers, photographers, and history buffs will pull over to look at a rolling piece of military history.
What Makes Falzone Towing the Go-To Name for Anita Heavy Equipment Towing
At Falzone Towing, we have built our reputation on the loads other carriers turn down. This Anita heavy equipment towing job for the Stuart Tank Memorial Association was a chance to be part of history, and we treated it that way from the first call.
Our Anita heavy equipment towing team works with museums, contractors, fleet managers, and private collectors who need their cargo moved with care. If you have a heavy or unusual piece that needs to get from one place to another, we have the trucks, the trailers, and the drivers to make it happen. Call us any time, and we will put together a plan that fits the job.
FAQs
How do you keep a tracked or wheeled military vehicle stable on a trailer over a long trip?
We use a combination of chains and ratchet straps anchored at factory tie-down points or reinforced frame sections, with padding at every contact spot. On longer hauls, the driver checks tension and load position at every fuel stop and after the first few miles of highway driving, since cargo can settle once it gets underway.
What is a mini deck trailer, and when is it the right choice for a transport job?
A mini deck trailer has a lower deck height than a standard flatbed, which gives you more vertical clearance under bridges and overpasses. It is a strong fit for tall or top-heavy cargo like military vehicles, classic farm equipment, or industrial machines that would otherwise hit a low overpass on the route.
How far ahead should I book transport for a rare or antique vehicle?
We recommend reaching out at least two to four weeks in advance, especially if the move crosses several states. That window gives us time to plan the route, confirm bridge clearances, line up permits if needed, and schedule a driver who has handled similar loads in the past.
Do you require permits when moving heavy military vehicles across state lines?
It depends on the weight and dimensions of the load. Most standard military vehicles fit within legal limits on a mini deck trailer, but oversized loads or wide cargo will need state permits and sometimes pilot cars. We handle the paperwork as part of the booking process so the customer does not have to chase it down.
Who insures the vehicle during transport?
Reputable carriers carry cargo insurance that covers loads in transit, and we walk every customer through what is and is not covered before pickup. For especially valuable or one-of-a-kind cargo, we recommend confirming the coverage limit ahead of time and adding additional coverage if the value of the vehicle exceeds standard policy limits.
Can you transport a vehicle that does not run?
Yes. Non-running vehicles are common in this kind of work, and a mini deck trailer paired with a winch makes it possible to load almost any non-running unit. The driver inspects the unit before loading to confirm the wheels or tracks roll freely, and if not, we bring along skates or rollers to handle it.
