Hardy Brothers Trucking will help spread hope and joy to the nation this holiday as they transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the national forests in North Carolina to Washington, D.C.
Hardy Brothers Trucking 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. This non-profit partner assists the USDA Forest Service in coordinating the annual public engagement initiative. The tree will be harvested from a national forest in North Carolina in early November, followed by a journey with special events in communities along the way before being delivered to Washington, D.C. Hardy Brothers also will deliver thousands of handmade ornaments made by North Carolinians along with smaller trees for offices in the nation’s capital.
Ralph Hardy bought his first truck in 1965 and began hauling produce throughout the East Coast. Since then, Hardy Brothers Trucking has grown to more than 100 drivers and 55 trucks pulling refrigerated trailers and hauling freight from coast to coast. Fifty-seven years in, the business remains a family affair. Hardy continues to work daily in the office, while his son, Eddie, runs the day-to-day operations as president, and Eddie’s son, Ryan, serves as vice president. They’re the recipient of industry awards such as the Safety Achievement Award with Fleet Solutions LTD and the PVH Truckload Carrier of the Year Award and have been an EPA SmartWay member since 2008.
Delivering the tree for Hardy Brothers will be the husband-and-wife team Harold “Ed” Kingdon Jr. and Deborah Kingdon. They have been married for 42 years and have been driving for Hardy Brothers since 2018. Ed is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force/ Air National Guard, where he served for 37 years, retiring with the rank of colonel. Deborah was the chief home officer, primarily focused on raising their four children, including homeschooling them from 1986 to 2008.
“For us to be part of the tradition of bringing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is quite the honor,” said Eddie Hardy. “Our pride in North Carolina shines throughout our fleet, and we’re excited to share the experience and uplifting communities along the way.”
Kenworth Truck Company returns for the ninth year as a major sponsor of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program. A specially decaled Kenworth T680 Next Generation equipped with a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain will transport the 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
In addition to presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, additional partners supporting the 2022 journey include Hale Truck and Trailer, North Carolina Forest Service, North Carolina Department of Agriculture, Dover Crane, Western North Carolina Agriculture Center, Society of American Foresters, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Truckload Carriers Association, AHF Products, Bruce, Hartco and Robbins, FIND Outdoors, Nantahala Outdoor Center, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Cultivated Cocktails, Berg Co, and Vesmir
