Trucking Takes National Spotlight to Deliver the People’s Tree to the U.S. Capitol
As Americans prepare for the start of the holiday season, the trucking industry is helping make the season a little brighter again this year by delivering the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to our nation’s capital.
This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree, also referred to as the “People’s Tree,” will be making its cross-country voyage to Washington D.C. from the Mad River Watershed in California’s Six Rivers National Forest — making 26 stops along the way in towns across the country. And behind the wheel of the Kenworth T680 Next Generation model truck transporting the tree are professional truck drivers (pictured below).
System Transport, based out of Spokane, Washington, was selected as the carrier for this year’s delivery, because of their industry reputation and commitment to safety. System Transport has been in business since 1972 and is the largest flatbed trucking company on the west coast with over 1,000 drivers, 15 different fleets and 800 trucks nationwide.
This year’s tree, which will be displayed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building, is a majestic 84-foot white fir that has been affectionately nicknamed “Sugar Bear.” Upon arrival to Washington D.C., the tree will be decorated with thousands of ornaments made by Californian’s and will light up the capital area throughout the month of December.
During the three-week journey from California to D.C., six professional truck drivers and three technicians from System Transport will each play a once-in-a-lifetime role in the transport of the tree!
Continue reading to learn more about these industry professionals.
Professional Truck Drivers:
Terry Jefferson
Driver from Spokane, Washington
Terry’s love for big rigs began when he was just a child. When Terry was old enough to get his commercial driver’s license, he jumped on the opportunity right away and has been driving big rigs for over three decades now. Discussing the opportunity to haul the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, Terry explained that he “loves the thought of being involved in something so special and unique.” He also says that his fondest memories of Christmas involve the smell of a real tree and watching his kids’ open presents.
Robert E. Lee
Yard shop manager, former poles driver, from Cheney, Washington
A former yard shop manager and poles driver, Robert decided to make a career change and become a professional truck driver since he felt that driving a truck as a natural fit. With his shop experience, Robert brings a unique perspective to the and will be able to provide mechanical support to the team.
Robert is looking forward to delivering the U.S. Capitol Tree to D.C. Speaking about Christmas, Robert said, “Christmas is the time of year that brings people and families together,” so being a part of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour is special to him. Robert’s favorite Christmas tradition is a hearty Christmas morning breakfast feast.
Jeremy Bellinger
Commercial glass driver, formerly poles, from Spokane, Washington
Jeremy has always been captivated by life on the road. He said, becoming a professional driver was“the best decision I’ve ever made!” Jeremy views his part in hauling the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree team as a chance to do something small for our country. Congenital health conditions precluded him from serving in the military, so Jeremy is excited about this opportunity for service. Watching his kids open their presents when they were younger on Christmas morning is one of his favorite Christmas traditions.
Bill Brunk
Over-the-road driver from Cheney, Washington
Bill began his career in the construction industry. After the Great Recession when work slowed, he changed careers and has been on the road since. He has over a decade of experience as an over-the-road driver. Family is the most important part of Christmas, according to Bill. He is thrilled to see the U.S. Capitol when the tree arrives in November. He’s also especially proud for his grandchildren “to get a chance to see their grandpa do something really cool.”
Mike English
Over-the-road driver from Alturas, California
In his youth, Mike English mined for gold until the gold mine he worked for closed. In search of a new career, Mike took advantage of a program offered by the State of California to get a commercial driver’s license and he has been driving ever since. Mike is honored to be part of the team hauling the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. He said, it’s a great opportunity to not only be on the road, but to haul “really cool” cargo. Two of his favorite Christmas traditions are spending time at home with his family and enjoying a holiday feast. These two traditions are especially meaningful to him since Mike spends a lot of time away from home as an over-the-road driver.
John Schnell
Commercial glass driver, formerly poles, from Kennewick, Washington
John says his calling has always been a life on the road. He says he is honored to be a part of the team and to be brining such a beautiful tree to the nation’s capital. John calls the tree a “symbol of hope” and says it is an opportunity for people all across the nation to recognize the good in others.
Technicians:
Lonnie Epley
Lonnie grew up around working on heavy machinery. He followed in the footsteps of his father and went from sweeping brooms to tuning the equipment complex supply chains rely on.
Lonnie said, “It is a great honor to be selected as part of the team,” bringing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C. His favorite Christmas tradition is when his wife and kids get their stockings hung. He said, “This signals to me that the family is together, and the Christmas season is here.”
Joel Eggert
During his service in the U.S. Army, Joel got his first professional experience with mechanics. While serving in Iraq in 2011, Joel and his mechanic expertise participated in many important cargo convoys. He received his certifications to continue his career in heavy machine mechanics following his military service. The opportunity to escort the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be a unique, new opportunity, and “this time I won’t have to watch for IED’s,” Joel joked. His favorite Christmas traditions are going to local parades and lighting ceremonies, so he is looking forward to participating in the local events where this will take place during the tree’s tour.
Sean Magee
Sean has been intrigued by how things work since he was younger. That is what drove him to learn diesel mechanics. He enjoys the task of diagnosing something that isn’t functioning properly and fix it, to help keep the company’s trucks on the road. Sean said that keeping the US Capitol Christmas Tree truck rolling is a “once in a lifetime experience,” and he is proud to be a part of the support team that will ride along in case something happens. One of his favorite holiday traditions is celebrating with his family while enjoying a holiday feast.
