The U.S. Capitol 2019 Christmas Tree: Yes&'s Journey with FMCSA

The 2019 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree has been safely delivered (via a specially-packed, extra-large truck) to Washington, D.C.! 

For the past 50 years, the U.S. Forest Service has selected one lucky tree—always from a different national forest across the country—to adorn the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol building during the holidays.

This year’s enormous 60-foot blue spruce came from the Carson National Forest in New Mexico. And—thanks to some help behind the scenes from our client, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)—the truck went through a careful inspection before setting off, to make sure it got to Washington safely.

FMCSA focuses on safety for large trucks and buses on the roads, and helps motorists learn how to drive safely around these large vehicles by keeping in mind their wide turns, long stopping distances, and large blind spots. 

Yes& was proud to support FMCSA during this year’s two-week journey, which included stops in vibrant communities across the U.S. Each of these “Whistle Stops” celebrated the people and traditions native to each city, through local choirs, dances, and presentations for all ages. 

Following this year’s theme of “Delivering Enchantment,” Yes& produced a colorful, inviting tent for FMCSA with an enchanting winter theme, and coordinated banners with safety messages. We involved families by designing two fun photo frames, and a holiday coloring card with safety messages written as a poem, to help kids understand and remember. We promoted FMCSA’s role in the journey through social media content and local news pitching. 

Now that the journey is complete, watch our four new short videos rolling out this December showcasing FMCSA’s role in safety behind the scenes. 

Keep an eye out in 2020 for a new video in FMCSA's Voices of Safety series, interviewing a Capitol Christmas Tree truck driver about driving safely around trucks with over-sized loads.