The People's Tree

Once just a sapling nestled in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, a Sitka spruce grew quietly under towering giants, this fall it was chosen to embark on a 3,000-mile journey to become a beacon of holiday cheer.

After a several-week trip, that tree now stands proudly on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, carrying the spirit of Alaska to the nation. The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, affectionately known as "The People’s Tree" in tribute to the U.S. House of Representatives, has graced the Capitol every holiday season since 1970. Each year, a different National Forest is chosen to provide this iconic tree, celebrating the unity and natural beauty of the nation.

The journey of this legendary tree wouldn’t have been possible without Lynden Transport drivers John Schank and Fred Austin — two extraordinary men with nearly 100 years of combined driving experience and 10 million accident-free miles. Together, they guided the People’s Tree on its final route to the nation’s capital, spreading joy and tradition to towns along the way.

This year’s tree, transported on a custom Hale Trailer and a Kenworth T680 tractor, made 11 stops across the country before reaching its destination. Thanks to Kenworth’s TruckTech+ connected truck technology, people across the U.S. could track the tree’s journey in real-time at as it traveled from Alaska to Washington, D.C.

For Schank, a proud “farm boy” from North Branch, Mich., the journey brought a personal surprise. In Fort Wayne, Ind., 70 of his relatives turned out to greet him with signs, hugs, and handshakes.

“It felt like a homecoming,” Schank tells The Inside Lane, reflecting on how far he’s come — from small-town roots to delivering a national treasure.

Schank’s white beard and twinkling eyes even had kids along the way mistaking him for Santa Claus, a role he happily embraced. This marks his second time delivering the People’s Tree, having first taken on the honor in 2015.

For Austin, who will soon celebrate his 90th birthday, this was his first time delivering the People's Tree. A native of North Pole, Alaska, the symbolism of the journey wasn’t lost on him.

“It’s incredible to be part of something so meaningful,” Austin shares.

This isn’t just a story about hauling freight. It’s about tradition, the dedication of drivers like Schank and Austin, and the essence of the holiday season: gratitude for where we come from, appreciation for what we have, and hope for where we’re going.

All photos courtesy Lynden Transport.