Knight-Swift Transportation driver Michael Porter recently hauled the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada to Washington, D.C., on a multi-state tour.

“It was an honor to represent Knight-Swift and the trucking community for this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour,” Porter said.

Kenworth, Knight-Swift Handle Cross-Country Move

Kenworth has sponsored the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program for the past 12 years, supplying trucks used to transport the tree each holiday season. This year, Kenworth worked with Knight-Swift to move a 53-foot red fir, nicknamed “Silver Belle,” from Nevada to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

The truck for the run was a Kenworth T680 with a 76-inch sleeper and the Paccar powertrain package, including the Paccar MX-13 engine, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission, and Paccar DX-40 tandem rear axles. A custom wrap referenced Nevada’s “Spirit of the Silver State” theme.

Driver Background, Route Planning, and In-Cab Tech

Porter earned his CDL after working as a mechanic and has driven in Knight-Swift’s flatbed division for the past seven years, frequently hauling oversized loads.

“I enjoyed driving more than working in the shop,” Porter said. “I like being on the road and the flexibility I have in my schedule.”

Porter’s flatbed experience helped prepare him to haul the 53-foot tree on an 80-foot Hale Trailer. Knight-Swift said the tour required additional logistics planning, including 15 community event stops across nine states.

“From law enforcement leading the convoy to the logistical planners and sponsors involved, it was a team effort,” Porter said.

The T680 used Kenworth’s DigitalVision Mirror system, which Porter said helped with visibility and backing during some of the tour’s tighter city stops.

“The most challenging part was navigating some of the tight city roads,” Porter said. “The DigitalVision Mirrors helped give me a full view of my surroundings.”

Porter said he plans to return to Washington, D.C., with his family to attend the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in December.

“To wrap up the tour in D.C. with my family is surreal,” Porter said. “I won’t forget the people we met along the way.”