Kenworth is set to transport the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree with their T680 truck, newly adorned with a custom graphics wrap, from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The festivities began with a harvest celebration on October 26 in Wrangell, Alaska, followed by a Whistlestop tour event in Ketchikan. After these initial events, the tree will be loaded onto an Alaska Marine Lines barge to Seattle, Washington. From there, the “People’s Tree” will travel across the country, stopping at various community events until it reaches Washington, D.C., on November 22.
The tour theme, “Where Nature, People, and Tradition Come Together,” is highlighted by the special design on the T680, featuring Alaska’s Tongass and Chugach National Forests. This year, thanks to Kenworth’s TruckTech+ technology, the real-time GPS location of the tree can be tracked via an interactive map.
Lynden, an Alaskan company, has been chosen as the official carrier for this year’s tour. Veteran drivers Fred Austin and John Schank, both of whom joined Lynden in 1975, have been selected to transport the tree. With over 10 million accident-free miles driven collectively, they bring extensive expertise to the task. This marks Schank’s second time transporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, having previously done so in 2015.
The Kenworth T680, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper, boasts the PACCAR Powertrain, including a PACCAR MX-13 engine with 455 horsepower, a PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. Inside, the truck features a Diamond VIT interior with slate gray and madrona accents, offering amenities like GT703 leather seats that are heated and cooled.
The sleeper area includes conveniences such as a microwave, TV, factory-installed fridge, and rotating work table, along with advanced driver assistance systems like Kenworth’s Digital Mirrors and Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control.
“Kenworth is proud to again provide the truck that will transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for the 11th consecutive year,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “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.”
In early December, the tree will be lit in a ceremony hosted by the Architect of the Capitol in coordination with the U.S. Speaker of the House. For further details, visit the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website.
Source: Truckers News
Image: Kenworth
