The massive Red Fir, known as the “Silver Belle,” started its journey in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada. From there, Porter took the wheel and guided the tree more than thirty seven hundred miles to Washington D C. It was the type of trip that reminds the country just how much trucking keeps traditions alive.

A Run Built on Pride

“It was an absolute honor to represent Knight Swift and the trucking community for this year’s U S Capitol Christmas Tree tour,” Porter said. “The holiday season is a special time of the year, so to have the opportunity to spread holiday cheer to communities all across our great country as we made our way to D C was truly an unforgettable experience.”

For the twelfth year in a row, Kenworth supported the annual tree program by supplying the truck. This year’s T680 featured a custom wrap celebrating the Spirit of the Silver State, complete with a sunset scene over Nevada’s forests.

From the Shop to the Open Road

Before earning his CDL, Porter spent his career turning wrenches as a mechanic. Seven years ago, he joined Knight Swift’s flatbed division, where he has spent most of his time handling oversized loads.

“I started my career in transportation as a mechanic, servicing cars and later heavy trucks, and realized I enjoyed driving big rigs more than I liked working in the shop,” Porter said. “I love being on the road, traveling the country, and the flexibility I have in my schedule working with Knight Swift. Truck drivers serve a pivotal role in our nation’s economy, and this tour is an excellent opportunity to highlight an important industry in trucking while kicking off the holiday season. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Because Porter regularly hauls extended trailers, he was a strong fit for a load this long. The tree traveled on an eighty-foot Hale trailer, which took careful planning and skilled handling at every community stop.

Moving a National Icon

“From law enforcement leading the convoy to the logistical planners and all the sponsors involved, it was truly a team effort to safely make this three thousand seven hundred mile journey across the country possible,” Porter said. “I’ve never been involved in a transport with so much attention, which added a bit of pressure, but it also made the experience that much more rewarding. Everywhere we went, people were excited, waving, and taking photos. You could really feel the pride and joy this tree brought to communities along the way.”

The Kenworth T680 used for the haul included the DigitalVision Mirror system, which gave Porter clearer visibility and helped with tight turns in crowded city stops.

“The most challenging part of the tour was navigating some of the tight city roads during the tour stops, but the truck’s DigitalVision Mirrors were really helpful in giving me a full view of my surroundings,” Porter said. “It’s impressive how far truck technology has come. I drive a T680 for Knight Swift, and it’s a very driver-friendly truck that provides a comfortable ride, performs well, and looks great.”

A Holiday Memory That Will Stick

After nearly a month on the road and thousands of people coming out to see the tree along the way, Porter says the true highlight was the sense of joy the haul brought to each stop. Now that the Silver Belle is standing tall in the nation’s capital, he plans to return with his family to watch the lighting ceremony in person.

“To cap off this tour in D C with my family, who have been so supportive and thrilled for me to have this opportunity, is so surreal,” Porter said. “This holiday season is truly one for the books, and I’ll never forget the people we met and the pride everyone showed for this tradition.”

Source: The Trucker

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The convoy will conclude its weeklong journey at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, December 14, 2024, coinciding with National Wreaths Across America Day, a day dedicated to honoring veterans and their sacrifices.

Public Stops Along the Way

The official route, which is accessible here, features several public events taking place in states including Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. These stops provide community members the chance to observe the convoy and participate in this important commemoration.

Participating Trucking Companies

The Escort to Arlington has grown considerably, featuring 14 tractor-trailers this year, operated by leading trucking companies, including:

• Baylor Trucking

• Budd Van Lines

• Saia LTL

• Schneider National

• Witte Bros. Exchange, Inc.

• Page ETC Transportation

• Delhaize Transportation LLC (operating as Hannaford Supermarkets)

• American Trucking Associations – Workforce Heroes

• Cargo Transporters, Inc.

• Prime Inc.

• Brown Dog Carriers

• Walmart Transportation

• Interstate Van Lines

• H.O. Wolding, Inc. (operating as Bison Transport USA)

Load One Carriers will continue its pivotal role as the ceremonial wreath transporter throughout the weeklong event.

These organizations each carry a portion of the sponsored veterans’ wreaths that thousands of volunteers will later place at Arlington National Cemetery, commemorating the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans.

Chevrolet Supports the Mission

For the 10th consecutive year, Chevrolet has generously provided 12 escort vehicles, including the all-electric Silverado EV RST, to transport Gold Star and Blue Star family members as well as veterans accompanying the convoy throughout the week. Chevrolet has also sponsored 4,000 veterans’ wreaths for placement at Arlington.

Expanding Participation Nationwide

While Arlington National Cemetery is a focal point, National Wreaths Across America Day is celebrated at more than 4,800 locations across the country. These ceremonies are free and open to the public, offering everyone the opportunity to take part in honoring veterans by volunteering to place wreaths in their memory.

Visit the Wreaths Across America website to find a participating location near you and join this powerful movement of remembrance and gratitude.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Wreaths Across America

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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

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