As the People’s Tree was lit at the U.S. Capitol earlier in December, the truck carrying the tree made it to Washington D.C. safely and on time with PrePass weigh station bypass technology on board.

System Transport, a motor carrier based in Washington state, carried the tree on a state-of-the-art Kenworth truck equipped with PrePass. The 84-foot tall White Fir nicknamed “Sugar Bear” “grew up” in the Six Rivers National Forest in California and began the 3,300-mile journey to the U.S. Capitol Building back on Oct. 29, 2021. PrePass helps make sure System Transport trucks arrive on time by allowing them to safely bypass weigh stations across the country.

The People’s Tree traveled some of America’s busiest freight corridors en route to the nation’s capital. The truck made 17 stops along the way where well-wishers had the chance to sign banners on the truck and learn more about “Sugar Bear.” Six System Transport drivers had the honor of transporting the People’s Tree to the U.S. Capitol.

System Transport qualified to participate in the PrePass bypass program by maintaining exceptional safety scores. The company began in 1972 when founder Jim Williams started hauling freight with a single truck and trailer. Today, the company has 800 trucks, terminals across the country, and hauls freight throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The People’s Tree is selected each year from a different state, with decorations provided by state residents. Californians crafted 15,000 handmade ornaments to decorate the tree in Washington D.C. Six Rivers National Forest also provided several smaller trees to decorate offices inside of the U.S. Capitol Building. The tradition of the Capitol Christmas Tree began in 1964 when Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John W. McCormack (D-MA) placed a live Christmas tree on the Capitol lawn.