A move of national importance

CHENEY — Cheney-based trucking company System Transport was selected to haul the US Capital Christmas tree to Washington DC for the 2021 Christmas season. Originally founded in 1972 with one truck and one trailer, System Transport has now developed into an industry leader with over 1,000 employees and 800 trucks.

A tree will be harvested in late October from the Six Rivers National Forest in California and traverse the country atop a flatbed trailer, arriving in November for display throughout the end of December. The tree will illuminate the West Lawn of the US Capital and hold thousands of hand-made decorations built by Californians.

The company was selected at the recommendation of US Capitol Tree program sponsor Kenworth Truck Company, based on System Transport’s strong reputation on the West Coast. Through years of operation, they hold a number of safety, service, and environmental awards, including, Goodyear Highway Hero, Great West Safety Award, Carrier of the Year from USG, and Platinum Carrier from Lowe’s.

Headquartered in Cheney, WA, System Transport has hubs in Idaho, California, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Texas, and Indiana. They carry diverse freight on flatbeds primarily from the west coast to the Midwest.

“As a second-generation family-owned and operated company, Christmas is a special time of year for us,” Dennis Williams, President and CEO of Trans-System, said in a statement. “We are proud to be a part of the annual tradition that brings the Christmas spirit to our nation’s Capital, and to all the families who gather around their own trees to share the spirit of the season.”

The trek from Six Rivers National Forest is roughly 3,000 miles, crossing both local and national boundaries along the journey. Events to support the project are held throughout the year by many dedicated volunteers.

The tradition of hosting a tree on Capitol grounds began as far back as 1919 but didn’t become a public display until in 1964 when U.S. House of Representatives Speaker John W. McCormack elected to have one on the Capital lawn. An official tree lighting ceremony began in 1967 and has remained as a yearly event.

A different National Forest is selected by the Capital Architect each year to provide what is known as the “The People’s Tree.” A public engagement campaign always accompanies the project and promotes a renewed connectivity with our National Forests.

Scott Davis can be reached at [email protected].