10-4 Magazine / July 2026 11 United States but do operate nationwide. From 750,000-lb. electrical transformers to even moving the Philippine Mars, a rare four engine flying boat built by the Glenn L. Martin Company for the US Navy at the end of World War II. SWIR hauled this unique aircraft from its temporary location at Lake Pleasant, Arizona, to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson in May 2025. The transport took place over several nights after the large aircraft was disassembled following its final flight. Even though it was only 160 miles, the move required roughly five nights of travel, with the load being moved only at night, due to its size and the need to avoid traffic, power lines and overpasses. The convoy of SWIR rigs averaged about 25 mph and stretched over 140 feet from tractor bumper to aircraft tail. Sadly, Elvis Baker died at the age of 94 on October 3, 2016. “Elvis was highly respected among machinery movers and riggers and had an extensive knowledge of rigging and heavy haul,” said Andy Perez of Southwest Industrial Rigging. Elvis was part of a family that became synonymous with specialized transportation and rigging in the Southwest, and his son Harry built SWIR into one of the most respected heavy-haul and crane outfits in North America. Known for his motto, “Do it right the first time,” Harry died at the age of 72 on November 28, 2024. Retiring some older equipment a few years ago after Elvis’ passing, SWIR sent their 1974 Mack RS700L with the All-American paint scheme to auction. Catching the eye of Mack Truck collectors Jeff and Alex Malo of Joliette, Quebec, Canada, the rare Hayward, California built RS700L with the All-American paint scheme caught their attention. Missing the auction by a day and not being able to purchase it, Jeff tracked down the buyer and for about a year bugged him to sell it, telling me, “The guy, I think, thought I was crazy,” said Jeff, adding, “Here I was, a guy from Canada calling him to purchase this Mack with the All-American paint scheme on it, but after he finally realized I was serious, he accepted my offer and the truck arrived to us in 2023 after going through customs in order to get it imported to Canada.” As third generation truckers, Jeff and Alex operate their family’s concrete business. “It was founded by my grandfather in 1946,” said Jeff. “We’re Mack guys – my grandfather and father and now us – we’ve always ran Macks, and we currently operate Mack rear discharge concrete mixer trucks and a few Oshkosh front discharge mixers, along with a few Mack dump trucks,” said Jeff. Talking about the 1974 Mack pictured here he said, “One of the important factors of this truck is the rare All-American paint scheme,” said Jeff, continuing with, “We wanted to preserve this truck and keep it all original.”
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