Ed Kingdon Jr. and Deborah Kingdon
A special delivery just arrived in Washington, DC – one that all Americans can unite behind. The US Capitol Christmas Tree was delivered to the West Lawn of the US Capitol this past Friday – and we are the drivers who make this delivery possible.
Since the “Ruby” was harvested in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, we’ve been behind the wheel of the Kenworth truck transporting the remarkable 78-foot red urn. During a 14-day road trip, we made stops in more than a dozen communities along the way, helping to spread holiday cheer in our home state of North Carolina, as well as in Virginia and Maryland, before making our final stop. . stop in Washington, DC
As a husband and wife trucking team, we’re used to transporting important goods, but this delivery is extra special to us. To have the privilege of being chosen by our company to transport Ruby and participate in this special tradition each year is an amazing experience for us, and we are grateful to be part of an industry that makes this opportunity possible.
We both chose to be part of the trucking industry later in our careers, and it has been a rewarding career. At our company, Hardy Brothers Trucking, we help deliver the goods communities rely on, including refrigerated goods, fresh produce, and other essential goods like pharmaceuticals and clothing. One of our favorite parts about working as long haul truckers is that we get to see America and meet the wonderful people who support our economy, while traveling from state to state and making deliveries together.
But most importantly, we take great pride in our work and the work of the trucking industry. As two of the 3.36 million professional truck drivers in America, we know that our industry is the vital supply chain link between American businesses and families. Our industry, with more than 7.65 million professionals, ensures American communities across the country receive the goods they rely on safely and on time. Together, the trucking sector provides more than 72% of our nation’s total freight to more than 80% of American communities.
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When we were growing up, trucks unfortunately suffered from outdated stereotypes and misinformation. But now, today, the public perception of the industry is at an all-time high, which is welcome news for us. For most Americans, it didn’t or still doesn’t occur to them that truck drivers are the ones who keep our homes and stores well stocked, or that working in the industry is a great option for these young adults. who are looking for a skill-based career. But today, Americans are increasingly seeing the true value and contribution of truck drivers to the American economy, and the opportunity for a career that lasts a lifetime.
A new nationwide poll from the industry movement association, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF), found that 87% of voters now have a favorable impression of the trucking industry, which is significantly up from 67% in 2019. We were especially pleased to hear that when asked about truck drivers, 96% of Americans stated that they are essential to keeping the country’s economy going, and 78% believe that truck drivers are held to a higher standard of safety than others. the drivers.
It’s heartening news that more and more Americans are recognizing the importance of our jobs as truck drivers.
As we made our last stop at the U.S. Capitol, we look forward to the holiday that Ruby will be handing out beautifully decorated red urinals to visitors on the Capitol lawn – we also want a little reminder of how hard the trucking industry works to make this happen. time of year.
Ed Kingdon Jr. and Deborah Kingdon they are professional truck driver for Hardy Brothers Trucking based in North Carolina.
