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SEARCHFor six System Transport drivers, the opportunity to transport the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree from the Mad River Ranger District of the Six Rivers National Forest in California to Washington, D.C., was an experience of a lifetime. Photos respresent various stops along the way, reaching the final destination of the U.S. Capitol on November 19.
All photos are courtesy of SiefkesPetit Communications.
The 84-foot-tall white fir was harvested in Six Rivers National Forest in California.
Courtesy of SiefkesPetit Communications.
The Kenworth T680 Next Gen stopped for 17 community celebration events along the 3,300-mile journey.
Photo Credit: James Edward Mills
Dance troup poses at the Ukiah, California, tour stop.
Photo Credit: James Edward Mills
Six Rivers National Forest Rangers at the start of the tour in Crescent City, California.
Photo Credit: James Edward Mills
A crowd gathers to celebrate the journey in Redlands, California.
Photo: James Edward Mills
The Christmas tree truck passed through several U.S. National Parks including Joshua Tree in California.
Photo: James Edward Mills
As the cross-country tour and annual holiday tradition concludes, the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree arrives in Washington D.C.
Photo: Paul Feenstra
A crane removes the 84-foot tall white fir from the T680 Next Gen in preparation for installation at the U.S. Capitol.
Photo: Paul Feenstra
From left are Nancy Henderson, U.S. Capitol Christmas tree project manager, Six Rivers National Forest; Rob Heskett, System Transport chief operating officer; Bill Brunk, System Transport driver; Jeremy Bellinger, System Transport driver; Dennis Williams, System Transport CEO; J. Brett Blanton, architect of the Capitol; Ted McArthur, forest supervisor, Six Rivers National Forest; and Jim Kaufmann, director of the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum.
Photo: Paul Feenstra
Transporting the tree with the 105-foot-long tractor-trailer presented unique challenges.
Photo Credit: James Edward Mills
The haul was run by six drivers.T680 Next Gen - Systems Transport Group: From left: Bill Brunk, driver; Rob Heskett, COO; Ryan Heskett, Rob’s son; Jerry Gardner, driver; Robert E. Lee, driver; Mike English, driver; John Schnell, driver; Terry Jefferson, driver; Joel Eggert, mechanic; Jeremy Bellinger, driver.
Photo: James Edward Mills
Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots in Eureka, California.
Photo Credit: James Edward Mills
The journey passed by iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California.
Photo: Jace Goddard, USDA Forest Service
T680 Next Gen Christmas tree truck and T680 fuel-cell-electric truck together at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Photo: USDA Forest Service
USDA Forest Service poses with Systems Transport Group at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.
Photo: James Edward Mills
A Kenworth T680 Next Generation operated by System Transport and built by employees at Kenworth’s manufacturing plant in Chillicothe, Ohio, returned to the plant on its way to deliver the Capitol Christmas Tree.
Photo: Courtesy of SiefkesPetit Communications.
Guests signed the side of the truck at each stop along the route to the U.S. Capitol.
Photo: Courtesy SiefkesPetit Communications.
A child autographs the side of the Christmas tree truck in Williamsport, Maryland.
Photo: James Edward Mills
The tour stopped at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial.
Photo: James Edward Mills
A celebration at Outdoor World in Springfield, Missouri.
Photo: James Edward Mills
