I think it's almost certainly U-Haul trucks, since they come in different heights and they all seem to use that chrome edging. Add in drivers that should never be allowed to drive box trucks and it's pretty clear why this tree is being abused like that.

I don't think it's a standard thing at steakhouses specifically so much as standard at upscale restaurants. Even still, there's only so much you can do with mashed potatoes for them to cost that much. I think I'd pay up to $20 for truffle fries though, maybe add some aioli, so good.