US Capitol Christmas Tree Completes Journey From Alaska, Will Be Lit Dec. 2

Flickr.com/TruckPR

Lynden Transport driver John Schank has completed his 3,000-mile delivery of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which will be lit Dec. 2 by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) at 5 p.m. EST.

After a three-week, 10-stop tour that originated in Alaska, the 74-foot Lutz spruce from the Chugach National Forest arrived at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 20. Schank said he was “elated and felt privileged to be asked to do this.”

Since Schank began driving for Lynden Transport in 1975, he has delivered millions of tons of supplies and materials for the Alaska pipeline construction and Prudhoe Bay oil fields over one of the most treacherous roads in America — the Dalton Highway. Schank holds the record for most miles driven of any driver who has operated a truck on the road from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska — 5 million, all without an accident.

Former Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell presented Schank a letter of commendation for 37 years of accident-free driving on that road last year. He also was recognized as 2014 Driver of the Year by the Alaska Trucking Association.

Schank said he approaches every hauling job with a single purpose — to make a  safe delivery. “I pay attention and stay alert,” he said. “I stop when road conditions get too bad. And I always try to get plenty of rest.”

For this delivery, Schank said his Kenworth T680 provided “a real comfortable ride with excellent visibility.”

“The panoramic windshield gives me a full view of the road ahead, and the mirrors make a big difference when I am changing lanes and backing it up,” he said. “The Kenworth T680 has been getting great fuel mileage carrying the tree, which weighs about 9,000 pounds.”

The PacLease network of dealers and leasing franchises provided the Kenworth truck for the tour for the second year in a row. “It’s like driving a Cadillac,” said Schank, who is a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

“This has been a wonderful trip and experience,” he said. “The people I’ve met and the family members I’ve been able to visit along the way have made the trip all the more memorable. And I’m really happy to drive a beautiful and comfortable truck, supported by outstanding people.” 

At a stop in Seattle, via Flickr.com/TruckPR