TCA’s 81st Annual Convention, Day 1: Member companies recognized for contributions to Capitol Christmas Tree initiative

IMAGE: JIM ALLEN / FREIGHTWAVES

Central Oregon Truck Company, Inc. of Redmond, Oregon, Searcy Specialized of Harrison, Ohio, and Meritor, Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri were recognized for their contributions to the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree during Sunday’s Communications & Image Policy Committee meeting at the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) 81st Annual Convention in Las Vegas.

Searcy Specialized and Meritor, Inc. each received a “2018 Whistle Stop Award” while the 2018 Best Fleets to Drive For Small Carrier Category Winner Central Oregon Truck Company was presented an inaugural award – “2018 Joyous Journey Award” – as they made the tree’s journey possible.

For the last 38 years, a special tree has been harvested from a U.S. national forest and transported across the country to the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Along the way, the tree makes “whistle stops” at local communities and military bases, which allows the public to view “The People’s Tree,” while also shining a spotlight on the trucking industry that makes it possible to haul the immense tree.

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In November 2018, an 80-foot Noble Fir was harvested from the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. The tree began its 3,000-mile trek through two dozen communities across the country, including the Harrison, Ohio town square, where more than 3,000 locals braved the freezing temperatures to view the tree. This year the Kansas City Union Station event was open to the public which gave hundreds an opportunity to view the tree. To view photos from these whistle stops, click here.

The Carson National Forest in New Mexico will provide the 2019 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

For more information about the initiative, visit www.capitolchristmastree.com.

View photos and updates from TCA’s 81st Annual Convention by following the hashtag #2019TCA on social media networks.