Source: Bendix
ELYRIA, Ohio –
Winding roads, rolling hills, fields and woods for miles in every direction:
Siloam, N.C., is the home of Hardy Brothers Inc., whose fleet serves both
coasts of the continental U.S. from these quiet surroundings.
“Since 1965, we’ve been hauling dry goods out West, and bringing fresh produce back East,” said Vice President Ryan Hardy. “Usually two days out, and two days back – with a focus on professionalism and safety every mile of every day.”
Hardy Brothers supports that safety emphasis with brakes and active safety technologies from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, including Bendix’s flagship driver assistance system, Bendix® Wingman® Fusion™, Bendix™ BlindSpotter® Side Object Detection System, and Bendix® ADB22X® air disc brakes. The company also utilizes SafetyDirect® by Bendix CVS, a back-office safety solution from the North American leader in the development and manufacture of active safety, air management, and braking solutions for commercial vehicles.
History and Priorities
Hardy Brothers’ roots go further back than the company itself to Ryan’s grandfather Ralph Hardy, who purchased a 1948 International® for delivering lime to area farms. The operation expanded to dump trucks, then to providing produce on the East Coast, and eventually culminating in the current business model when Hardy Brothers was established 54 years ago. Today, Hardy Brothers employs 100 drivers, 25 shop and office workers, and runs a 53-tractor fleet of Kenworth T680s and 115 trailers. Over the last six years, the fleet has adopted Bendix air disc brakes on all axles, and has begun adding Bendix® Wingman® Fusion™, which it currently equips on 20 trucks, along with Bendix™ BlindSpotter® Side Object Detection System.
“We’ve always invested heavily in safety technology, training, and equipment, whether it’s for our employees in the shop and office, or for our drivers on the road,” Ryan Hardy said. “It’s always been a company-wide top priority, so we spec for safety, offer safety bonuses for our technicians and drivers, and hold quarterly safety training sessions for both.”
Earlier this year, Hardy Brothers was honored with the FS Insurance, Ltd. Safety Achievement Award – one reflection of its efforts. Another indicator, Hardy said, can be found in the impact safety technologies have had on the road.