Hardy Brothers Trucking to haul 2022 tree

Siloam, N.C.-based Hardy Brothers Trucking has been selected to deliver this year’s Capitol Christmas Tree.

Founded in 1965, Hardy Brothers has more than 100 drivers and 60 trucks pulling refrigerated trailers and hauling freight from coast-to-coast, says the company’s website.

Industry reputation and a recommendation from Kenworth led to Hardy Brothers being selected, according to a U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree news release.

This year’s tree will be harvested from a national forest in North Carolina in early November. Several special events are planned along the journey from North Carolina to Washington, D.C.

“For us to be part of the tradition of bringing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is quite the honor,” Eddie Hardy, president of Hardy Brothers, said in the news release. “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.”

Tasked with driving the truck hauling the team is the husband-and-wife team of Harold “Ed” Kingdon Jr. and Deborah Z. Kingdon. The couple has driven for Hardy Brothers since 2018. Ed is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and National Guard. He served 37 years and retired with the rank of colonel.

For the ninth year, Kenworth is providing a specially decaled Kenworth T680 Next Generation to transport the tree. The truck is equipped with a 76-inch sleeper.

Last year, the Capitol Christmas Tree was harvested from Six River National Forest and was transported 3,300 miles from California to the East Coast by System Transport. LL