Lynden Transport Supports REI Relocation

A cross-town move from one REI store to another went off without a hitch thanks to Lynden Transport’s Anchorage team and experienced drivers.

All retail merchandise from the previous store location in Anchorage was transported to the new, bigger facility in Midtown Mall within a few days. “Some of the gear was palletized and some of it was loosely stacked. REI even left apparel on the clothing racks and rolled them right onto the trailers,” explains Northwest Regional Sales Manager John Husby. “The only thing we didn’t move were the lighting fixtures.”

In addition to the store-to-store freight, Lynden drivers loaded up trailers at REI’s distribution center in Sumner, WA, with additional merchandise to stock the 50,000-square-foot space. Sumner is the usual pickup location for both Fairbanks and Anchorage REI stores. Lynden Transport drivers drop the trailers for loading at the center, then take them the rest of the way north via ship. Trailers for Fairbanks go via rail and are then intercepted for truck delivery to the REI store. Kayaks and canoes sometimes ride the rail barge, according to John, and Alaska Marine Lines barges are often used for larger freight.

John attended the store’s soft opening in January. “Everything was in the store and everyone was all smiles. “Lynden’s support for our relocation was invaluable to us,” says Sarah Chadd, REI Logistics Supply Chain Analyst.