Northern Air Cargo.

• Author: GRENN, BEN
• Position: Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

2001 Top 49er Ranking: 26

Position Last Year: 26

2000 Revenue: $40 million

Number of Employees: 237

Anything. Anywhere. Anytime.

That's not just a catchy, corporate public relations scheme that was dreamt up in some smokefilled boardroom in order to find new or more business.

That's pretty much a promise when dealing with Northern Air Cargo.

"We've hauled an elephant to St. Paul and participate annually in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race as part of the transportation needs of the dogdrop program for dog mushers, who need dogs picked up and/or dropped off," said Marjorie McLaren, NAC president and chief operating officer.

"We like to say that there's no job too large or too small for our personalized service."

This year, Northern Air Cargo celebrated its 45th anniversary of doing business in Alaska. The airline was established as a charter air freight service, utilizing two C-82 Flying Boxcars. The airline pioneered delivery of outsized cargo, such as generators and vehicles, to remote DEW line sites, mines and settlements; delivery of freight to rural communities on a charter basis; and assistance with many special and emergency situations, including the Good Friday Earthquake in 1964.

"I honestly feel our dedicated employees who truly care about the customer are what make us stand out above the rest," said Todd Wallace, vice president of sales and marketing.

In June, the Federal Aviation Administration presented the Diamond Award of Excellence to the Anchoragebased company for its training of mechanics, which helps prevent accidents. Mechanics also received individual awards based on the level of training they completed. One diamond, two gold, 28 silver, 17 bronze and two ruby awards were given to NAC employees.

"Obviously, we're very proud of these awards and accomplishments," said McLaren, who has been with the Alaskan-owned and -operated carrier for 15 years and has been its president for just over a year.

Throughout the early years, Northern Air Cargo developed a reputation for delivering what the customer needed, regardless of the shipment's size.

"Its that philosophy that would propel us to become the largest all-cargo carrier in the state of Alaska and provide the impetus for our ongoing expansion," continues Wallace, who spent 18 years with Alaska Airlines before joining NAC in 1994.

Northern Air Cargo employs a work force of 237, of which approximately 90 percent work in Anchorage. NAC boasts a fleet of three Boeing 727s and over...