Knight-Swift truck driver hauls Capitol Christmas Tree 3,700 miles to Washington D.C.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree completed its long trek from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada to the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C.

This year, Knight-Swift Transportation truck driver Michael Porter was tasked with safely transporting the 53-foot Red Fir, nicknamed “Silver Belle,” from Nevada to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., a 3,700-mile journey that included 15 community event stops in nine states.

Porter began his career in the trucking industry as a mechanic, and then earned his CDL. He has worked for Knight-Swift’s flatbed division for seven years and often hauls oversized loads.

“I started my career in transportation as a mechanic, servicing cars and later heavy trucks, and realized I enjoyed driving big rigs more than I liked working in the shop,” Porter recalled. “I love being on the road, traveling the country, and the flexibility I have in my schedule working with Knight-Swift. Truck drivers serve a pivotal role in our nation’s economy, and this tour is an excellent opportunity to highlight an important industry in trucking while kicking off the holiday season. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Porter hauled the tree in a Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. The tree was loaded onto a 80-foot-long Hale Trailer.

Check out the video below for more.