GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO — The 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour kicked off October 29 in Grangeville, Idaho, with a team of truck drivers behind the wheel of a custom Kenworth making sure the “People’s Tree” arrives safely in Washington, D.C. A 76-foot Engelmann spruce, harvested from the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, will travel more than 2,000 miles across the country before arriving on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on November 20.
The Truck
Kenworth provided a T680 with a newly installed graphics wrap celebrating the theme “Over the River and Through the Woods,” with a background of a snow-covered river winding through Idaho’s national forests. It is equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain, featuring a PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration inspectors checked the truck before it hit the road.
The T680 also carries the latest driver assistance systems, including Kenworth’s DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering. The sleeper has a charcoal Diamond VIT interior with heated and cooled leather seats with titanium accents, a factory-installed refrigerator, and a rotating work table.
Track the Tree
For the third year, Kenworth will provide real-time GPS tracking of the tree. Powered by PACCAR Connect, a new factory-integrated environment for telematics, productivity tools, and fleet applications, the truck will provide enhanced connectivity throughout the trip. Starting October 29, the journey can be tracked on an interactive map.
The Crew
Idaho-based building materials maker and distributor Boise Cascade was chosen as this year’s hauler, at the recommendation of Kenworth. The company appointed four veteran transportation professionals:
- Monte Cook of Spokane, Washington, a veteran truck driver and Boise Cascade operations leader with 33 years of experience and nearly 3 million miles.
- Phil Cramer of Laurel, Montana, a Boise Cascade operations manager with 22 years in the industry, 1.5 million safe driving miles, and a strong commitment to community service.
- Fred Holmes of Salmon, Idaho, a former Boise Cascade driver and current product manager with more than 20 years of industry experience.
- Tianne Larrimer of Sugar Land, Texas, a military-trained logistics professional with more than 30 years of experience spanning Army service, heavy hauling, and flatbed transportation.
Alaska Airlines will help transport thousands of handmade ornaments created by Idahoans.
What to Expect Along the Way
Communities can view the tree, sign commemorative banners attached to its extra-long trailer, learn about Idaho’s national forests, and share in the holiday spirit. Festivities are free and open to the public. FMCSA’s Our Roads, Our Safety campaign is traveling with the tree through 10 states to raise awareness about sharing the road safely with large trucks, especially those carrying precious cargo like the People’s Tree.
Tour Schedule
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Grangeville, Idaho
- Friday, Oct. 30: Lewiston, Idaho
- Saturday, Oct. 31: Moscow, Idaho
- Sunday, Nov. 1: Orofino and Kamiah, Idaho
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: Lolo, Montana
- Wednesday, Nov. 4: Salmon, Idaho
- Thursday, Nov. 5: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Twin Falls, Idaho
- Friday, Nov. 6: Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Saturday, Nov. 7: Gardiner, Montana
- Monday, Nov. 9: Sheridan, Wyoming
- Tuesday, Nov. 10: Custer, South Dakota
- Thursday, Nov. 12: Mitchell, South Dakota, and Albert Lea, Minnesota
- Friday, Nov. 13: Peoria, Illinois
- Saturday, Nov. 14: Richmond, Indiana
- Monday, Nov. 16: Morgantown, West Virginia
- Tuesday, Nov. 17: Hagerstown, Maryland, and Littlestown, Pennsylvania
- Thursday, Nov. 19: Joint Base Andrews, Maryland (military ID access only)
In early December, a tree lighting ceremony will take place, hosted by the Architect of the Capitol in coordination with the Speaker of the House.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
