Schultz Equipment and Parts Company, an International dealer in Iron Mountain, Mich., will be the official transporter of this year's U.S. Capitol Holiday Tree

("The People's Tree") from the Ottawa National Forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The truck that will transport the People's Tree is an International 9900ix Pro-Sleeper. An International 8100 6x4 will accompany the International 9900ix and will bear 70 smaller trees for placement throughout Washington, D.C.
Two drivers will rotate driving of the two trucks during the route. One driver, Wendell Sanders, is a retired 40-year veteran of truck driving. The second driver, Harold Henricksoen, is also a retired truck driver and hauled chocolate products to internationally recognized candy companies across the country during his career.
The silver International 9900ix that will transport the tree is loaded with a 525-horsepower Cummins engine, an 18-speed Fuller transmission, Rockwell axles, Alcoa aluminum wheels, Goodyear tires and a Holland fifth wheel. The white International 8100 6x4 is outfitted with a Cummins engine, an 18-speed Fuller transmission, Rockwell axles, Alcoa wheels and Goodyear tires. Meijer stores will decorate the outside of the trucks with graphics of this year's People's Tree logo, Christmas ornaments and sponsor logos.
This is a switch from recent years, when Mack has transported the holiday tree.
The People's Tree dates back to 1969. Each year since then, the USDA-Forest Service and one state bestows the special gift to the nation. This year, the state of Michigan, the Ottawa National Forest and the USDA-Forest Service donated the People's Tree and named it the "Tree of Hope." The Tree of Hope is a 67-year old, 74-foot white spruce chosen by Matthew Evans, landscape architect, U.S. Capitol.
After the Nov. 13 tree cutting, the caravan will stop at ten communities in Michigan while on its way to Washington D.C. On Dec. 11, the Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert (R-IL), will light the tree and it will be displayed for five weeks during the holiday season. After the holidays, the tree will be milled into lumber and used in a Habitat for Humanity home in Michigan, and tree seedlings from the Tree of Hope will be planted throughout the state.
For more information, visit the Tree of Hope Web site at www.holidaytree2001.org.