This year, a Kenworth T880 will be hauling the 2014 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
The 75-foot white spruce tree was harvested from the Chippewa National Forest in Minnesota.
This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree was cut on October 29.  It was transported to Bemidji State University. From there, the tree began its 2,000-mile trek to the U.S. Capitol.  The U.S. Forest Service chose the Minnesota Trucking Association to help get the tree to the Capitol lawn.
The beautiful and festive Kenworth T880 is equipped with a 500-hp PACCAR MX-13 engine with 1,850 lb.-ft of torque. Â The truck features a Eaton Fuller 13-speed transmission and 52-inch mid-roof sleeper.
“The special T880’s distinctive design incorporates a U.S. Capitol night image, brightly lit and decorated Christmas tree, 2014 Capitol Christmas Tree official seal, and logo of Wille Transport, a long-time Kenworth customer based in Cohasset, Minn. An owner-operator and a company driver with Wille Transport will pilot the Kenworth T880 – and a Kenworth T680 Advantage with 76-inch sleeper, respectively – during the more than 30-stop tour,” a press release from Kenworth states.
The Kenworth T680 will haul 70 small Christmas trees that were donated by the Minnesota Tree Growers Association. Â The trees will adorn the inside of the U.S. Capitol building and other federal buildings throughout Washington, D.C. Â In addition, the T680 will deliver 10,000 ornaments that were created by children in Minnesota communities. The ornaments will be used to decorate the Capitol Christmas tree and the 70 smaller trees.
The T680 features a Eaten Fuller Advantage 10-speed automated transmission, a Diamond VIT interior, the Kenworth Idle Management System and Kenworth’s new aerodynamic package.
This year marks the 50th’s anniversary of the Capital Christmas tree tour. Â The tree will make several stops along its route to Washington D.C. Â The tree is scheduled to arrive at the Capitol in early December.
A complete tour schedule can be found at www.capitolchristmastree.com.
Image Credit: Kenworth Trucks