Siloam, North Carolina-based Hardy Brothers Trucking has been chosen to 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 the National Forests 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.
“For us to be part of the tradition of bringing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is quite the honor,” said Eddie Hardy, president of Hardy Brothers Trucking. “Our pride in the state of North Carolina shines throughout our fleet, and we’re excited to share the experience and uplifting communities along the way.”
Doing the honors of delivering the tree for Hardy Brothers will be the husband-and-wife team Harold “Ed” Kingdon Jr. and Deborah Z. Kingdon. They have been married for 42 years and have been driving for Hardy Brothers Inc. since 2018. Ed is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force/ Air National Guard, where he served 37 years. Kingdon worked his way through the ranks and was commissioned in 1988, retiring with the rank of colonel. Deborah primarily focused on raising their four children, including homeschooling them from 1986 to 2008.
In 1965, Ralph Hardy bought his first truck and began hauling produce throughout the East Coast. Since then, Hardy Brothers Trucking has grown to over 100 dedicated 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 Ralph’s son, Eddie, runs the day-to-day operations as president, and Eddie’s son, Ryan, serves as vice president.
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.
