Spireon launched real-time tracking of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as it makes its way from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National (GMUG) forests in Colorado to Washington, D.C. For the last 50 years, the USDA Forest Service has provided a tree from a select national forest to appear on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building during the holiday season. In partnership with the national non-profit Choose Outdoors and Colorado Tourism, the tree can now be tracked with Spireon’s FleetLocate trailer management solution.

Harvested on Nov. 6 from the Uncompahgre Plateau on the Ouray Ranger District, the 2020 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree is an Engelmann Spruce that stands 55 feet tall and is 25 feet wide. The massive spruce has been loaded onto a specialty trailer equipped with Spireon’s FL Flex trailer telematics solution that will allow the public to follow its journey. 

Between Nov. 10-20, the tree will make pitstops at several communities for a series of socially-distanced outdoor festivities held at fair grounds, schools, main streets, visitor centers, convention centers, and retailers. In early December, the tree will be lit on the West Lawn during an official ceremony.

“We are happy to see the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree off for another remarkable journey across our great country,” said Roni Taylor, senior vice president of strategy and business development at Spireon, “In an unprecedented year, we look forward to following the trip online and wish the entire team a safe trip.”

Spireon’s FL Flex telematics device, a modular trailer tracking solution, was chosen because of its functionality and ability to support a wide range of assets. From dry vans and refrigerated trailers to the specialty flatbed needed to ship oversized cargo like the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree, Spireon is able to effectively manage and track any type of trailer. By live tracking the tree’s journey with GPS, Spireon provides an opportunity for local communities to welcome the tree as it passes through each town on its way to the capitol.

“This holiday season is unlike any other and it’s our strong partnerships that allow us to carry on these long-standing tradition,” said Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors, “We are grateful for Spireon’s continued support and dedication to this project.”

“This holiday season is unlike any other and it’s our strong partnerships that allow us to carry on these long-standing tradition,” said Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors, “We are grateful for Spireon’s continued support and dedication to this project.”

This year’s sponsors include Apex Transportation, Inc., Bass Pro Shops, Chuck Leavell, Delta County, Colo., Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Great West Casualty Company, Hale Trailer, Kenworth Truck Company, Loki Outerwear, Montrose County, Colo., National Forest Foundation, Permit Wizard, Red Wing Shoes, Seirus, Society of American Foresters, STIHL, Inc., The Joy Trip Project, Travel Centers of America, Truckload Carriers Association, Valley Crane, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc. and 42 Degrees North Media.