Kenworth T680 will transport U.S. Capitol Christmas tree to Washington, D.C., for 11th year
Kenworth will provide a T680, adorned with a newly installed graphics wrap, to transport the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree from the Tongass National Forest in Alaska to the West Lawn of the Capitol Building.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas tree harvest celebration began October 26 in Wrangell, Alaska, followed by the first Whistlestop tour event in Ketchikan. After the Alaska events, the tree and trailer will be loaded onto an Alaska Marine Lines barge where it will travel to Seattle, Washington. From there, the “People’s Tree” will begin a 4,000-mile journey across the country stopping at parks, plazas, schools, memorials, and main streets in a series of community events on its way to Washington, D.C.
“Where Nature, People, and Tradition Come Together” is this year’s tour theme, and the message is reflected in the special graphic design of the T680, featuring Alaska’s Tongass and Chugach National Forests.
Real-time GPS location tracking of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will be provided by Kenworth’s TruckTech+ connected truck technology. The tree’s journey can be tracked via an interactive map.
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Lynden, an Alaska-based company, is the official designated carrier for the 2024 tour. The company selected drivers Fred Austin and John Schank for the honor of transporting the special tree. Austin and Schank both began working for Lynden in 1975 and have earned numerous honors and designations for professionalism and skills. Collectively, they have driven more than 10 million accident-free miles for Lynden in Alaska. Schank will be carrying the US Capitol Christmas Tree for the second time, having previously done so in 2015, the last time a tree was harvested from Alaska and transported to Washington, D.C.
The truck pulling this year’s tree is a Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and a Paccar powertrain featuring the Paccar MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission, and Paccar DX-40 tandem rear axles. The Kenworth T680 features a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents and includes the latest in driver amenities. The T680 also includes the latest in driver assistance systems, including Kenworth’s digital mirrors, Bendix Fusion adaptive cruise control stop and auto go, and lane keeping assist with torque assisted steering.
“Kenworth is proud to again provide the truck that will transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree for the 11th consecutive year,” Kevin Haygood, Kenworth assistant GM for sales and marketing, said. “Our continuing participation in this celebration that spreads holiday cheer in local communities from coast to coast is a program we look forward to every year.”
