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Werner Enterprises to Haul 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

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Werner Enterprises will deliver a 63’ tall gift to the nation this holiday as they transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia to Washington, D.C.

Werner 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, the non-profit partner assisting the USDA Forest Service in coordinating the annual initiative. The tree will be harvested from the Monongahela National Forest in early November, followed by a journey with special events in communities throughout the state before being delivered to Washington, D.C. Werner Enterprises also will deliver thousands of handmade ornaments made by West Virginians along with smaller trees for military families stationed at Joint Base Andrews donated by presenting sponsor, 84 Lumber.

Werner is an asset-based logistics provider and the sixth-largest truckload carrier in the United States. Beginning with a single truck purchased by founder Clarence L. (CL) Werner in 1956, the company today delivers world-class supply chain solutions to the global marketplace responsibly and safely – operating nearly 8,300 tractors and 30,000 trailers, with the help of more than 14,000 associates across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Approximately 20 percent of Werner’s workforce are military veterans. Werner has offices and terminal locations throughout North America, with headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Since 2022, the company received more than 30 awards recognizing its efforts in making a difference through sustainability, safety, and serving local communities.

“Werner’s selection as the 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree project carrier is truly an honor and testament to our hard work in keeping America moving, no matter the task,” said Werner’s Chairman, President and CEO, Derek Leathers. “The professional drivers entrusted with this prestigious project are highly skilled and embody our core values of safety, service and leadership. They will do an exceptional job carrying out this unique project and tribute to our country.”

Professional drivers Jesus Davila and Tim Dean will do the honors of safely delivering the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C., on behalf of Werner, while husband and wife team Steve and Gina Jones will transport the handmade ornaments and 84 companion trees. Between them, the drivers bring impeccable safety records and extensive community service and have received recognition through various prestigious driver awards. Learn more about these incredible drivers here.

Kenworth Truck Company returns for the tenth year as a major sponsor of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program. A specially decaled Kenworth 100th anniversary T680 Signature Edition will deliver the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The T680 is equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.

In addition to presenting sponsor 84 Lumber and Kenworth Truck Company, partners supporting the 2023 journey include Hale Truck and Trailer, Spireon, WCHS ABC 8/FOX 11, Verizon Frontline, Society of American Foresters, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Truckload Carriers Association, AHF Products, Bruce, Hartco and Robbins, Great West Casualty Company, Warwood Tool, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc. and more.

For more information on the initiative, how to get involved, and to follow the tree’s journey, visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com.

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Meet the 2023 Drivers

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Werner Enterprises was selected as the hauler for the 2023 U.s. Capitol Christmas Tree. Meet the team who will help safely deliver the tree, along with ornaments and smaller Christmas trees. 

Jesus Davila

Jesus Davila joined Werner in 2018 and has more than 550,000 accident-free miles. As a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of 12 years, he was deployed more than six times including during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraq Freedom. He received multiple awards in the military including and an Infantry Purple Heart with two personal decorations with valor and two combat action ribbons. He is part of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet for military veterans and connects with students in truck driving schools across the country. Jesus serves as an ATA America’s Road Team Captain, Werner Road Team Captain and Driver Leader. He also is part of the Dollar Elite Team and Leader Advisory Council at Werner, where he makes a positive impact on his fellow professional drivers. Jesus was also nominated by Werner for the Texas Driver of the Year Award and the TA Citizen Driver Award. When he is not on the road, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Michelle, and their children.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to partake in such a prestigious event that not many professional drivers have the chance to do. The trucking industry plays a vital part in Keeping America Moving and without the drivers, goods would not reach the consumers that need them. This event shows that professional drivers are needed in many capacities of the industry, both large and small.”

Tim Dean

Tim Dean joined Werner in 1988 and become the second professional driver in Werner’s history to achieve five million accident-free miles. In 2009-2010 he served as an ATA America’s Road Team Captain and has been a Werner Road Team Captain and mentor since 2005. Tim has competed in the Nebraska Truck Driving Championships for 22 years, placing first in his class nine times and was Grand Champion two times in 2012 and 2018. He was awarded the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance IDEA (International Driver Excellence Award) in 2019. In addition, Tim was the Nebraska Trucking Association Driver of the year in 2019. When he is not on the road, he enjoys spending time with his family in Griswold, Iowa.

“It’s both an honor and a privilege to participate in the Capitol Christmas Tree project. During my 35-year career with Werner as a professional driver, the selection for this project is at the top of the list among the incredible opportunities I’ve experienced. With approximately 20 percent of our workforce at Werner being military veterans, I’m also proud to support those who served our country during this special opportunity.”

Gina Jones

Gina Jones joined Werner in 2012 and has achieved more than one million accident-free miles. She serves as both an ATA America’s Road Team Captain and a Werner Road Team Captain. As a strong advocate for women in the trucking industry, Gina actively participates in Women in Motion, an initiative of the American Trucking Associations. Gina has also been named Team Driver of the Month at Werner and has received nominations for the company’s Acceleration Award along with the Women in Trucking Association’s Female Driver of the Year Award. In 2023, she was a finalist for the TA Citizen Driver Award. She and her husband, Steve, are team drivers and members of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet and connects with students in truck driving schools across the country. When she is not on the road, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and riding her Harley.

“What an amazing opportunity for Werner Enterprises, the first large carrier, to be selected to be a part of this event.  I’m extremely grateful for Werner for allowing me to participate in this once in a lifetime experience!”

Steve Jones

Steve Jones joined Werner in 2011 and has achieved more than one million accident-free miles. As a U.S. Army Veteran of seven years, he and his wife, Gina, are part of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet for military veterans and connects with students in truck driving schools across the country. Steve serves as a Werner Road Team Captain, Driver Leader and participates in various other committees throughout the company that positively impact professional drivers. He has also been named Team Driver of the Month at Werner and was nominated for the company’s Acceleration Award. When he is not on the road, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and riding his Harley.

 “Considering there are only a handful of professional drivers and carriers in the country that have had this amazing opportunity, Werner’s selection as a whole along with my personal selection to carry out this project is extremely humbling. It will truly be an experience I never forget.”

Kenworth T680 Next Generation Features Special Design for 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour

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Kenworth T680 Next Generation Features Special Design for 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour

A Kenworth T680 Next Generation, adorned with a newly installed special graphics design, will soon transport the 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the National Forests in North Carolina to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.

This year’s tour theme, “From the Mountains to the Sea,” along with “From the National Forests in North Carolina,” are prominently displayed on the truck’s driver and passenger sides. The design also features the U.S. Capitol Building, U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, and a background of the sunset overlooking the Pisgah National Forest in the Appalachian Mountains. The 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree logo is displayed on the roof.

This year’s carrier based in Siloam, North Carolina, is recognized on both doors – Hardy Brothers Trucking – Coast-to-Coast. The company selected its husband-and-wife driver team of Harold “Ed” Kingdon Jr. and Deborah Z. Kingdon for the honor of transporting the special tree – a 78-foot tall Red Spruce will be harvested from the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. Hardy Brothers Trucking has more than 100 dedicated drivers and 55 Kenworth trucks – including 11 T680 Next Generation models – pulling refrigerated trailers and hauling freight.

The Kingdons will drive a T680 Next Gen equipped with a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain to a full slate of community celebrations en route to Washington, D.C. The T680 Next Gen also provides drivers with the latest Kenworth SmartWheel®, customizable 15-inch digital display, excellent fully LED lighting down the road, additional advanced driver assistance systems, and an extremely comfortable cab and sleeper.

The public community celebrations begin Nov. 5. The lighting will take place in late November.  Smaller companion trees also will be provided to decorate offices inside of the U.S. Capitol building and other sites throughout Washington, D.C., along with handmade ornaments created by North Carolinians.

See the tree and Kenworth truck at one of many tour stops on the journey to D.C.

For more information, visit the 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website (www.uscapitolchristmastree.com).

Hardy Brothers Trucking to Haul 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

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Hardy Brothers Trucking Company 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 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.  

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. 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.

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. Ed worked his way through the ranks and was commissioned in 1988, 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, 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.”

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 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 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.