Photo courtesy of Kenworth Truck Company.
🎄 This isn’t just a tree; it’s a traveling symbol of holiday spirit and a testament to the power of great drivers, great trucks, and even greater traditions.
What do you get when you take an 80-foot Sitka spruce, slap it on a world-class truck, and send it on a 4,000-mile journey through 11 states? Pure holiday magic. This year, the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree—affectionately dubbed “Spruce Wayne”—traveled from the breathtaking Tongass National Forest in Alaska to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
And while the tree is the star of the show, the journey itself is what makes this story so special. It’s a tale of skilled drivers, festive pit stops, cutting-edge trucking technology, and one very determined Christmas tree living its best life.
A First-Class Ride for a Holiday Icon
Let’s talk about the chariot. For the 11th consecutive year, Kenworth provided the ultimate sleigh-on-wheels: a T680 equipped with everything a tree could need for a smooth and stylish cross-country adventure.
But this wasn’t just any T680. Oh no, this beauty was wrapped in a stunning design that showcased the Tongass and Chugach National Forests, blending rugged Alaskan charm with festive holiday vibes. Underneath the festive exterior was a powerhouse of a machine, featuring a PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. Translation? This truck didn’t just transport the tree—it did it with the grace of a ballroom dancer and the muscle of a heavyweight champ.
Kenworth’s assistant GM for sales and marketing, Kevin Haygood, summed it up perfectly: “This celebration spreads holiday cheer coast to coast. It’s a program we look forward to every year.” And you know what? So do we, Kevin. So do we.
Meet the Dynamic Duo Behind the Wheel
You don’t entrust a national treasure to just anyone. This year, the honor of transporting “Spruce Wayne” fell to Fred Austin and John Schank, two legendary drivers from Alaska-based carrier Lynden.
Fred and John aren’t just truckers—they’re icons in their own right. With over 10 million accident-free miles between them since 1975, these guys could teach a masterclass in safe driving. Seriously, they’ve been driving longer than many of us have been alive.
For Schank, this isn’t his first Christmas tree rodeo. In 2015, he also had the privilege of delivering the Capitol Christmas Tree. Clearly, hauling holiday cheer is just another day at the office for this trucking legend.
A Journey Packed with Holiday Spirit
Now, let’s talk about the journey itself. This wasn’t just a straight shot from Alaska to D.C. The Capitol Tree embarked on a full-blown Whistlestop Tour, making 13 stops across 11 states. Imagine a rolling holiday parade, complete with cheering crowds, community events, and the occasional selfie with the tree.
From parks to schools to city plazas, “Spruce Wayne” brought joy to people of all ages. Families gathered to marvel at the tree, take pictures, and soak in the holiday spirit. It wasn’t just a delivery—it was an event.
And for those who couldn’t catch the tree in person? No worries. Thanks to Kenworth’s TruckTech+ connected truck technology, fans could track the tree’s every move online. (Because why should Santa’s sleigh have all the tracking fun?)
From Alaska to the Nation’s Capital
The tree’s journey began in the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. This breathtaking region is home to towering trees, majestic wildlife, and now, one very famous Sitka spruce.
After being carefully harvested, the tree was loaded onto the Kenworth T680 and began its epic trek south. It crossed mountains, plains, and everything in between, all while spreading holiday cheer across the country.
When it finally arrived in Washington, D.C., on November 22, it was greeted with fanfare befitting a celebrity. Now standing tall on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, “Spruce Wayne” is ready for its big moment: the lighting ceremony on December 3.
A Tradition Rooted in Community
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, often called the “People’s Tree,” is more than just a holiday decoration. Since 1970, this tradition has highlighted the beauty of America’s national forests while bringing communities together to celebrate the season.
Each year, a different national forest is chosen to provide the tree, ensuring that this tradition showcases the diversity of the country’s natural landscapes. This year, it was Tongass’s turn to shine—and it delivered in spectacular fashion.
The Unsung Heroes of Holiday Cheer
While the tree and the truck get most of the attention, let’s not forget the people who made this journey possible. From the drivers to the forest rangers to the Kenworth engineers, it took a village to bring this tradition to life.
Fred and John deserve special recognition for their incredible professionalism and dedication. Driving an 80-foot tree across 4,000 miles is no small feat, but they handled it with the grace and expertise of seasoned pros.
And then there’s the team at Kenworth, who didn’t just provide the truck but also ensured it was equipped with everything needed for a safe and successful journey. Because when you’re hauling a tree that symbolizes holiday spirit, failure is not an option.
Why This Story Matters
At its core, the journey of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a story about connection. It’s about bringing people together—whether it’s at a Whistlestop Tour event, at the lighting ceremony in D.C., or simply through the shared joy of knowing that a little piece of Alaska is now shining bright in the nation’s capital.
It’s also a reminder of the incredible skill and dedication of the trucking industry. Without drivers like Fred and John—and companies like Kenworth and Lynden—this tradition wouldn’t be possible.
So here’s to the tree that brought the cheer, the truck that carried the load, and the people who made it happen. This holiday season, let’s take a moment to appreciate the magic that happens when tradition, teamwork, and a little bit of festive spirit come together.
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