Werner Enterprises to Haul 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Werner Enterprises will deliver a 63’ tall gift to the nation this holiday as they transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia to Washington, D.C.
Werner was selected as the hauler for this year’s tree at the recommendation of Kenworth Truck Company and based on industry reputation, according to Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors, the non-profit partner assisting the USDA Forest Service in coordinating the annual initiative. The tree will be harvested from the Monongahela National Forest in early November, followed by a journey with special events in communities throughout the state before being delivered to Washington, D.C. Werner Enterprises also will deliver thousands of handmade ornaments made by West Virginians along with smaller trees for military families stationed at Joint Base Andrews donated by presenting sponsor, 84 Lumber.
Werner is an asset-based logistics provider and the sixth-largest truckload carrier in the United States. Beginning with a single truck purchased by founder Clarence L. (CL) Werner in 1956, the company today delivers world-class supply chain solutions to the global marketplace responsibly and safely – operating nearly 8,300 tractors and 30,000 trailers, with the help of more than 14,000 associates across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Approximately 20 percent of Werner’s workforce are military veterans. Werner has offices and terminal locations throughout North America, with headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Since 2022, the company received more than 30 awards recognizing its efforts in making a difference through sustainability, safety, and serving local communities.
“Werner’s selection as the 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree project carrier is truly an honor and testament to our hard work in keeping America moving, no matter the task,” said Werner’s Chairman, President and CEO, Derek Leathers. “The professional drivers entrusted with this prestigious project are highly skilled and embody our core values of safety, service and leadership. They will do an exceptional job carrying out this unique project and tribute to our country.”
Professional drivers Jesus Davila and Tim Dean will do the honors of safely delivering the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C., on behalf of Werner, while husband and wife team Steve and Gina Jones will transport the handmade ornaments and 84 companion trees. Between them, the drivers bring impeccable safety records and extensive community service and have received recognition through various prestigious driver awards. Learn more about these incredible drivers here.
Kenworth Truck Company returns for the tenth year as a major sponsor of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program. A specially decaled Kenworth 100th anniversary T680 Signature Edition will deliver the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The T680 is equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.
In addition to presenting sponsor 84 Lumber and Kenworth Truck Company, partners supporting the 2023 journey include Hale Truck and Trailer, Spireon, WCHS ABC 8/FOX 11, Verizon Frontline, Society of American Foresters, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Truckload Carriers Association, AHF Products, Bruce, Hartco and Robbins, Great West Casualty Company, Warwood Tool, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc. and more.
For more information on the initiative, how to get involved, and to follow the tree’s journey, visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com.
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Jesus Davila joined Werner in 2018 and has more than 550,000 accident-free miles. As a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of 12 years, he was deployed more than six times including during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraq Freedom. He received multiple awards in the military including and an Infantry Purple Heart with two personal decorations with valor and two combat action ribbons. He is part of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet for military veterans and connects with students in truck driving schools across the country. Jesus serves as an ATA America’s Road Team Captain, Werner Road Team Captain and Driver Leader. He also is part of the Dollar Elite Team and Leader Advisory Council at Werner, where he makes a positive impact on his fellow professional drivers. Jesus was also nominated by Werner for the Texas Driver of the Year Award and the TA Citizen Driver Award. When he is not on the road, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Michelle, and their children.
Tim Dean joined Werner in 1988 and become the second professional driver in Werner’s history to achieve five million accident-free miles. In 2009-2010 he served as an ATA America’s Road Team Captain and has been a Werner Road Team Captain and mentor since 2005. Tim has competed in the Nebraska Truck Driving Championships for 22 years, placing first in his class nine times and was Grand Champion two times in 2012 and 2018. He was awarded the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance IDEA (International Driver Excellence Award) in 2019. In addition, Tim was the Nebraska Trucking Association Driver of the year in 2019. When he is not on the road, he enjoys spending time with his family in Griswold, Iowa.
Gina Jones joined Werner in 2012 and has achieved more than one million accident-free miles. She serves as both an ATA America’s Road Team Captain and a Werner Road Team Captain. As a strong advocate for women in the trucking industry, Gina actively participates in Women in Motion, an initiative of the American Trucking Associations. Gina has also been named Team Driver of the Month at Werner and has received nominations for the company’s Acceleration Award along with the Women in Trucking Association’s Female Driver of the Year Award. In 2023, she was a finalist for the TA Citizen Driver Award. She and her husband, Steve, are team drivers and members of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet and connects with students in truck driving schools across the country. When she is not on the road, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and riding her Harley.
Steve Jones joined Werner in 2011 and has achieved more than one million accident-free miles. As a U.S. Army Veteran of seven years, he and his wife, Gina, are part of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet for military veterans and connects with students in truck driving schools across the country. Steve serves as a Werner Road Team Captain, Driver Leader and participates in various other committees throughout the company that positively impact professional drivers. He has also been named Team Driver of the Month at Werner and was nominated for the company’s Acceleration Award. When he is not on the road, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and riding his Harley.