Knight-Swift Transportation driver Michael Porter has completed the delivery of the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, hauling the 53-ft. (16.2-meter) Red Fir from Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to Washington, D.C.
The 3,700-mile (5,955-km) journey included 15 community event stops across nine states.
“The holiday season is a special time of the year, so to have the opportunity to spread holiday cheer to communities all across our great country as we made our way to D.C. was truly an unforgettable experience,” Porter said in a news release.
“I’ve never been involved in a transport with so much attention, which added a bit of pressure, but it also made the experience that much more rewarding. Everywhere we went, people were excited, waving, taking photos – you could really feel the pride and joy this tree brought to communities along the way.”
Kenworth has been sponsoring the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program for 12 consecutive years and supplied the tractor used for this year’s journey, too. The tree — nicknamed Silver Belle — was transported on an 80-ft. Hale Trailer using a Kenworth T680 with a 76-inch sleeper and Paccar powertrain.
This year, the truck’s design celebrated the “Spirit of the Silver State” with a background of a sunset overlooking Nevada’s national forest.
Porter has driven in Knight-Swift’s flatbed division for seven years after previously working as a mechanic servicing cars, and later, commercial trucks. His experience hauling extended trailers and oversized loads prepared him for the Christmas Tree haul, the company said in the release. He said that while the most challenging part of the tour was navigating some of the tight city roads during the tour stops, the truck’s DigitalVision Mirror system helped eliminate blind spots.
Porter added he plans to return to Washington with his family in December to watch the lighting ceremony. “To cap off this tour in D.C. with my family, who have been so supportive and thrilled for me to have this opportunity, is so surreal,” he said. “This holiday season is truly one for the books, and I’ll never forget the people we met and the pride everyone showed for this tradition.”
