Montana trucking company selected to transport Capitol Christmas tree

Whitewood Transport, based out of Billings, Montana, was this year’s selection to transport the Capitol Christmas tree from Montana to Washington D.C.

The tree will be cut down from the Kootenai National Forest and hauled to D.C., according to KTVQ.

“There are 3.5 million trucks out there and we’re the only one hauling the Christmas tree, so it’s a pretty big deal,” said Whitewood Transport Owner Mike Wilson.

The truck for the job is a Kenworth T-680 Advantage: it is being tasked with the 2,300-mile journey to D.C.

The driver of the truck, Larry Spiekermeier, has over 1.6 million miles without incident on his driving record.

The tree will travel with water tanks to ensure it survives the long journey.

The truck will be wrapped with festive wrapping; along the way, people can stop and sign the wrapping of the truck. The interactive nature of this truck makes the Christmas tree feel more like it belongs to the nation rather than just D.C.

The truck will be making stops in Whitefish, Missoula, Helena, Great Falls, and Glasgow. 

“This is the people’s tree,” said Wilson. “We want to give everyone the chance to see this. And it’s not being funded by tax dollars. This is totally supported by local businesses.”

The trucking company, Whitewood, is donating the time and miles required to transport the tree. Wilson also stated that he is incredibly proud to be the company chosen to transport such precious cargo.

“Part of our core values is to respect and support our community,” said Wilson. “And we do that through our gifts and services. What better way to do that than this, because our community reaches far beyond Billings and far beyond Montana because we’re a national carrier. We go all over the United States so it’s an honor to do this.”

Further, community members across Montana are creating handmade decorations to send with the tree in pallets.