A vibrant gathering welcomed the impressive 74-foot Sitka spruce, beautifully adorned with 10,000 ornaments crafted by students and community groups from Alaska. Before its arrival in Seattle, this iconic tree had been celebrated in Wrangell and Ketchikan and traversed a 900-mile sea route from the Tongass National Forest.

Bryan Sitko, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for operations, expressed, “Kenworth is headquartered in Washington state, employing more than 1,250 people locally, so this was a special opportunity for us to participate in this fantastic program that signifies unity and joy, and spreads holiday cheer across the country.”

Organized by the City of Renton, the event was the sole Washington state celebration during this tour. Attendees enjoyed a glimpse of the wrapped-up tree, delighting in food, music, and diverse holiday festivities. Distinguished speakers included Brandon Raille, U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lead, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, Congressman Adam Smith, and Bryan Sitko.

Adding excitement to the event was Kenworth’s SuperTruck 2 demonstrator vehicle. Displayed locally for the first time, this futuristic truck, built in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, has set new performance benchmarks. “Joining the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree at the Renton whistlestop event was Kenworth’s SuperTruck 2 demonstrator vehicle,” noted the company. Earlier this year, it achieved a remarkable 136% improvement in freight efficiency, earning the DOE Vehicle Technology Office Team Award.

Prior to the community celebration, a special preview was held for PACCAR employees at Kenworth’s Renton manufacturing facility. Employees had the chance to view the wrapped tree, autograph the trailer banner, and convey their well wishes for the 3,000-mile trip to Washington D.C.

The Kenworth T680 transporting the tree features a unique design honoring Alaska’s National Forests. It’s equipped with a 76-inch sleeper, PACCAR Powertrain, and real-time GPS tracking through Kenworth’s TruckTech+ technology, allowing the public to follow the tree’s journey via the Kenworth Tree Tracker 2024.

For the 11th year running, a Kenworth truck is poised to deliver the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, with a scheduled arrival on November 22 at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. The tree lighting ceremony will occur in early December, signaling the start of the festive season.

For insights into Kenworth’s SuperTruck 2 advancements in fuel efficiency and emerging Class 8 vehicle technologies, visit Kenworth World’s Best Magazine.

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Continuing a treasured U.S. Forest Service tradition that spans decades, Lynden Transport has been chosen to handle this prestigious delivery. Established in 1923, the National Park Service has been overseeing the display of the National Christmas Tree near the White House for nearly a century.

Expressing the company’s pride, Lynden Transport President Paul Grimaldi shared on their website, “We are proud that we are again being entrusted with the delivery of the tree and supporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour.”

This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree, an impressive 80-foot Sitka spruce sourced from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, promises to be a sight to behold. Once it’s cut, it will be transported by barge to Seattle, courtesy of Lynden Transport’s affiliate, Alaska Marine Lines, as noted by Grimaldi.

Veteran drivers Fred Austin and John Schank will undertake the significant cross-country trek, delivering the majestic tree to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Originating in 1964, the Capitol Christmas Tree tradition was adopted by the Forest Service in 1970, designating it “the People’s Tree.”

John Schank, having previously delivered a 74-foot Lutz spruce from Alaska’s Chugach National Forest in 2015, is no stranger to this honorable task.

Founded in 1906 as Lynden Transfer by 23-year-old Ed Austin, who initially used a horse-drawn wagon to transport goods from a railway depot to local businesses, the company has grown substantially. By 1921, Austin had acquired a truck, expanding services to include delivering eggs and milk to Seattle.

Today, Lynden Transport boasts a network of a dozen companies, efficiently transporting freight via land, sea, and air, with key offices in Anchorage and Seattle.

Source: Transport Topics

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The TenFour D.C. event, an annual celebration dedicated to truck drivers and advocacy, is gearing up for another memorable gathering at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This yearly event brings together truck drivers and owner-operators who convoy from Fredericksburg, Virginia, to the nation’s capital. Over three days, participants engage with the public, meet with lawmakers and regulators, and enjoy the camaraderie among fellow truckers—creating a unique backdrop for a truck show like no other.

Fred Bowerman, a seasoned organizer of the event, anticipates even greater participation this year. Thanks to sponsorships from various trucking vendors, organizations, and fleets, plans for the event have been significantly enhanced. Trucker-songwriter Tony Justice will perform on October 4, presented by the Bennett Family of Companies, adding to the festivities.

Since its inception during the electronic logging device mandate protests in 2017, the TenFour event has become a platform for fostering connections between truck owners, the public, lawmakers, and regulators. Representatives from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) typically visit, offering insights and engagement with the trucking community.

Dave Mitchell, an owner-operator based in Thomasville, Pennsylvania, and leased to West Motor Freight, first participated in the event last year. He described it as “a breath of fresh air,” emphasizing that it isn’t just a protest or a typical truck show. “It’s an opportunity for public outreach,” he explained, nestled between the United States Capitol and the Washington Monument. The event provides a rare chance to engage with tourists and showcase the critical role of trucking.

Source: Overdrive – Owner-operator Dave Mitchell and his 1995 Western Star parked with other trucks along both sides of the National Mall at the 10-4 event in 2023.

Mitchell recounted his experience, noting the interest tourists showed in learning about trucking. “I probably had 100 people sit in my truck the time we were there,” he shared.

He also highlighted the presence of FMCSA representatives, who attracted a substantial crowd eager to ask questions and gather information. Mitchell emphasized that the TenFour event is “not a protest; it’s no-risk” and focused on one-on-one interactions to educate the public. “We’re not going to change anything in this industry unless we’ve got the public behind us,” he said.

He stressed the need for public understanding of the challenges truckers face daily, suggesting that increased awareness could lead to a more positive and respectful experience on the highways. Furthermore, the unique experience of sleeping in a truck on the National Mall adds a sense of pride for participants, offering “bragging rights.”

During the three nights on the Mall, attendees often book hotel rooms but also take turns for “fire watch” duties to ensure the equipment’s security. Organizers prioritize safety, and Bowerman encourages interested participants to register for free.

Those interested in being a part of the event, which departs from the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds for the National Mall at 11 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, can register via the TenFour D.C. website, where you can also find more information. 

Source: Overdrive

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