Boise Cascade Selected to Transport 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Boise Cascade Selected to Haul the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Nearly 3,000 Miles

Boise Cascade Company will serve as the transportation partner for the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, carrying the holiday centerpiece nearly 3,000 miles from Idaho to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

Known across the country as the “People’s Tree,” this year’s selection is harvested from the Lochsa-Powell District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Idaho. The cross-country transit marks a core piece of a holiday tradition stretching back more than 50 years, designed to highlight America’s national forests and the communities tied to them.

For Boise Cascade, an Idaho-headquartered manufacturer of engineered wood products and plywood with more than 7,500 employees across 60-plus facilities, the assignment carries direct local significance. The company maintains deep regional roots in the timber and building materials sector, operating as one of the largest wholesale distributors of building materials in North America.

“At Boise Cascade, we haul wood products every day, but transporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a very special delivery,” said Jeff Strom, CEO of Boise Cascade. “This tree will carry the spirit of Idaho nearly 3,000 miles to Washington, D.C., bringing communities together along the way.”

Four Professional Drivers and a Custom Kenworth T680 Lead the Tour

The journey relies on four seasoned drivers selected from Boise Cascade’s professional fleet: Monte Cook and Fred Holmes, both from Spokane, Washington; Phillip Cramer from Billings, Montana; and Tianne Larrimer from Houston, Texas. Together, the team brings more than 100 years of professional driving experience to the assignment.

The drivers will transport the tree aboard a specially decorated Kenworth T680 featuring a 76-inch sleeper, supplied by Kenworth Truck Company. The truck is outfitted with the latest PACCAR powertrain, driver-assistance systems, and driver amenities, and will wear a full body wrap. Kenworth, a long-standing sponsor of the initiative, recommended Boise Cascade for the transportation role based on the company’s transportation expertise, commitment to safety, and connection to Idaho.

“I’m especially proud of our drivers, who are taking on this incredible responsibility with the skill, professionalism, and dedication they bring to their work every day,” Strom stated. “They’ll be representing Boise Cascade at every stop along the way, and I know they’ll make us proud!”

Community Celebrations and Nationwide Partnerships

Along its route to Washington, D.C., the tour will make stops at community celebrations. These gatherings offer the public a chance to view the tree and participate in festivities before it is erected on the West Lawn.

Boise Cascade Selected to Transport 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree — Photo: bc.com

The operational effort involves a coalition of public and private partners. Alaska Airlines will assist in transporting thousands of handmade ornaments created by Idahoans for the tree. Additional organizations supporting the 2026 journey include presenting sponsor Idaho Forest Group, Arrow Tool Group, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc., Project Learning Tree, GS-JJ, and Tyler Technologies.

Detailed tour schedules, event details, and updates are available at uscapitolchristmastree.com.