2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour Schedule Announced, Kenworth T680 Next Gen To Transport Special Tree

KIRKLAND, WA… A specially wrapped Kenworth T680 Next Generation model will transport the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from California to Washington, D.C., with a full slate of community celebrations during the journey.

 This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree – an 84-foot tall White Fir – is scheduled to be harvested October 25 from the Six Rivers National Forest in California. The tour theme is ‘Six Rivers, Many Peoples, One Tree’.

 System Transport will use its new Kenworth T680 Next Gen equipped with a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper to transport the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree on its 3,300-mile route. The T680 Next Gen is Kenworth’s most aerodynamic truck ever, and provides drivers with the latest Kenworth SmartWheel®, new customizable 15-inch digital display, fully LED forward lighting, additional advanced driver assistance systems, and, the Driver’s Studio – the ultimate in-cab and sleeper package. System Transport operates all types of flatbed freight, primarily throughout the West Coast to the Midwest.

 “It is an honor for System Transport to be selected to deliver the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. We expect a very memorable journey and look forward to sharing the Tree with people at the many events and out on the highway,” said Dennis Williams, president and CEO, Trans-System.

 The community celebrations will take place from Oct. 29 – Nov. 16 throughout California and across the U.S. and culminate with the official tree lighting on the West Lawn in early December. Smaller companion trees also will be provided to decorate offices inside of the U.S. Capitol building and other sites throughout Washington, D.C., along with 15,000 handmade ornaments created by Californians.

 “Kenworth is proud to play a part in delivering the ‘People’s Tree’ to Washington, D.C. for the eighth consecutive year,” said Genevieve Bekkerus, Kenworth marketing director. “This cross-country tour offers numerous opportunities to see this national symbol of celebration out on the highway or at the community events, and the Kenworth T680 Next Gen is the perfect truck for this important undertaking.”  

 The Kenworth T680 Next Gen was assembled by the employees at the Kenworth manufacturing plant in Chillicothe, Ohio. The truck will return home with the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for a special event Nov. 15-16 for plant employees.

 Below is the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour public schedule:

 --Oct. 29: Crescent City and Eureka, Calif.

--Oct. 30: Willow Creek and Fortuna, Calif.

--Oct. 31: Ukiah, Calif.

--Nov. 1: Sausalito and Vallejo, Calif.

--Nov. 2: Dixon, Calif.

--Nov. 3: Sacramento and Sonora, Calif.

--Nov. 4: Mariposa, Calif.

--Nov. 6: Pasadena and Redlands, Calif.

--Nov. 8: Holbrook, Ariz.

--Nov. 9: Phoenix, Ariz.

--Nov. 11: Albuquerque, N.M.

--Nov. 13: Fayetteville, Ark. and Springfield, Mo.

--Nov. 16: Williamsport, Md.

--Nov. 19: Delivery to West Lawn, U.S. Capitol Building (Washington, D.C.)

“This annual journey is only possible with the help of strong community partnerships throughout California and beyond state lines,” said Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors, which works with the Forest Service to promote outdoor recreation and public access to federal lands for recreational purposes. “We’re grateful for the time and resources that Kenworth and System Transport are providing to help make this the best year yet.”

For more information, visit the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website (www.uscapitolchristmastree.com).