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Federal Companies Rises to Challenge, Registers 8,132 Miles During Illinois State’s Historic FCS Playoff Run
(EAST PEORIA, IL) — August 10, 2026 – When Illinois State University’s football team made history by becoming the first FCS program to win four consecutive road playoff games, Federal Companies was right there with them, literally, going the extra mile all season long.
With only one week off over an intense six-week span, Federal Companies logged 8,132 miles transporting football equipment and gear for the Redbirds’ unprecedented run. From Louisiana to North Dakota, California to Pennsylvania, and finally to Nashville for the championship game, where Illinois State fell to Montana State 35-34 in an overtime heartbreaker, Federal Companies came through every step of the journey.
“Without Federal, we’re not making this playoff run,” said Nick Watson, Illinois State’s Director of Equipment Operations. “The equipment not only has to get there on time, but it also has to get back to Normal, IL on time, so we can prepare for the next game on the road… that’s the pressure they were under.”
The challenge was unprecedented. Federal Companies had already transported the team’s gear for six regular-season games, but the playoff run demanded five additional cross-country trips against unforgiving timelines. Each Redbird road win created new logistical challenges that required immediate planning and flawless execution to keep their run alive.
Federal Companies left nothing to chance. For every trip exceeding seven hours of drive time, the company rented a Penske semi-truck to pull the Illinois State trailer, a strategic decision that provided crucial insurance against delays. “Should anything happen, we can rely on the Penske network across the country to either fix or replace the truck without missing our deadlines,” said Thad Plemmons, General Manager of Federal Companies.
The most demanding stretch came during back-to-back playoff games that tested everyone involved. On December 13, the Redbirds traveled to Davis, California, to face UC Davis. Seven days later, they were in Villanova, PA, battling for a spot in the championship game. In between, the trailer returned to campus where it was unloaded, uniforms washed, and equipment cleaned and repaired before reloading it all again for the Villanova game.
Timing was critical. To meet the California deadline without violating federal drive-time regulations, Plemmons deployed two Class A drivers to alternate driving, operating nonstop across the country.
“Without this approach, the team’s equipment could not have made it to and from Davis on time and then onto Villanova the following week,” added Plemmons. “It’s why we say we have ‘The Right Stuff to Move Your Stuff.”
For Watson and his equipment crew, Federal Companies’ reliability meant they could focus on preparing the team without worrying about whether their gear would arrive on time, especially under the mounting pressure of the playoffs. “They take a large amount of work and stress off my shoulders,” said Watson. “The only time I get a phone call from our driver is when there are changes to share or to report an issue that’s already been taken care of.”
Though the season ended with a heartrending overtime loss in Nashville, Federal Companies takes pride in supporting a team that made history and a partnership that displayed the ultimate teamwork when it mattered most.
“Federal rose to the occasion just as our team did,” shared Watson. “Their professionalism is second to none.”
About Federal Companies
At Federal Companies, we are committed to delivering exceptional logistics and relocation services with integrity and professionalism. Founded in 1913, our mission is to exceed customer expectations through continuous improvement and unwavering dedication to our core values. We focus on honesty, teamwork, and customer service, ensuring each interaction is as seamless and efficient as possible.