Owner-operator Larry Spiekermeier delivers Capitol Christmas tree after 3,000-mile trek

Updated Dec 3, 2017
Owner-operator Larry Spiekermeier behind the wheel of the Kenworth T680 that carried the Capitol Christmas Tree from Montana to Washington, D.C., this month.Owner-operator Larry Spiekermeier behind the wheel of the Kenworth T680 that carried the Capitol Christmas Tree from Montana to Washington, D.C., this month.

After a nearly three-week, 3,000-mile journey across the country, owner-operator Larry Spiekermeier of the Billings, Montana-based Whitewood Transport delivered Monday the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, handing the 79-foot tall spruce over to Capitol staffers who’ll now prep the tree for its Dec. 6 unveiling.

Spiekermeier transported the “People’s Tree” in a Kenworth T680 Advantage decorated with special Christmas-themed graphics. The T680 featured the Paccar MX-13 engine and Paccar 12-speed automated transmission with column-mounted shifter. 

The tractor has a 76-inch sleeper with Kenworth’s premium Driver’s Studio option, TruckTech+ remote diagnostics system, predictive cruise control, idle management system, driver performance center, and premium GT703 seats.

 The 2017 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour made numerous stops for special events along the way to Washington, D.C.

See photos of the Spiekermeier and the tree below.

The 79-foot Englelmann Spruce was cut from the Kootenai National Forest earlier this month and hauled 3,000 miles to the U.S. Capitol, where it was delivered Monday.The 79-foot Englelmann Spruce was cut from the Kootenai National Forest earlier this month and hauled 3,000 miles to the U.S. Capitol, where it was delivered Monday. Owner-operator Larry Spiekermeier drove the Kenworth T680 that hauled the Capitol Christmas Tree.Owner-operator Larry Spiekermeier drove the Kenworth T680 that hauled the Capitol Christmas Tree.

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