Croke’s involvement began with a personal tribute. He placed a custom fifth wheel cover on his Peterbilt in honor of a close friend who served in the Vietnam War. What started as a quiet nod to a friend soon opened the door to a nationwide effort that brings the trucking industry together each year to honor fallen military service members.

“He’s my best friend in Australia, a trucker, and he always wanted to come to America and drive Peterbilts with me,” Croke said.

Originally from New South Wales, Australia, Croke now serves as a principal analyst for DAT Freight and Analytics. His professional path, however, started far from spreadsheets and market reports. He learned the trade behind the wheel, hauling freight for his family’s trucking company in Australia’s Outback.

That lifelong passion for driving never faded. His 2003 Peterbilt 379, known throughout the industry as “The Grumpy Pete,” regularly appears at major truck shows and industry events across the United States.

A Radio Interview That Changed Everything

Croke’s introduction to Wreaths Across America came unexpectedly during the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. While showcasing his truck, he joined Radio Nemo as a guest. During the same broadcast, Courtney George, director of transportation and industry relations for Wreaths Across America, explained the organization’s mission.

“As Courtney was explaining what the organization does, I thought, ‘What a wonderful concept — they put wreaths on the headstones of all of the fallen heroes at Arlington,’” Croke said.

The story behind the organization captured his attention. What began years ago when a wreathmaker placed 5,000 excess wreaths on military graves had grown into a massive national effort powered largely by volunteer truck drivers.

“So, with my Vietnam War connection friend from Australia represented on the back of my truck, I went to Arlington last year just to see what this was about,” he shared. “I watched all the trucks wrapped with pictures of fallen heroes — and then I saw all the fleet trucks wrapped in military colors and themes that were driven by veterans.”

For Croke, the experience revealed how deeply the mission resonates within the trucking community.

“It’s a very moving experience to be part of (the WAA mission). Some drivers spend a week’s vacation (participating) just to connect with all of their buddies,” he said, noting that many drivers involved are veterans themselves. “And even those who never served in the military have found a common bond through delivering the wreaths.”

Seeing the Mission at Its Starting Point

In 2025, Croke had the opportunity to witness Wreaths Across America from its origin point in Columbia Falls, Maine. There, wreaths are produced, organized, and dispatched to destinations across North America and beyond.

The scale of the operation left a lasting impression.

“I was just blown away by the scale of the operation — from the thousands of acres of balsam trees to the hundreds of workers … to the cook team that serves three meals a day in the driver’s lounge, and the dispatch process,” he said.

The setup, he explained, mirrors the logistics operations drivers know well.

“It’s like a combination of a truck stop and a truck terminal. They have everything there,” he said. “It was amazing to watch this process of trucks in and out: The trucks come in and drive around the building; then the drivers come in, sit down, have coffee and food.”

Despite the constant movement, nothing is left to chance. Pickup times are scheduled, loads are prepped, and trucks move through the facility from early morning until midnight until every wreath is on its way.

“I watched this Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (leading up to the truck convoy from Maine to Arlington), and it was this amazing process of trucks in and out,” he said. “It’s cold. It was down to 2 degrees one night.”

The Honor Fleet and the Communities Along the Way

Among the many drivers who volunteer to transport wreaths, being selected for the honor fleet traveling to Arlington National Cemetery carries special meaning.

As the convoy makes its way south, communities along the route gather to show their support. Schools, families, and veterans line the roads, often in freezing temperatures, waving flags and cheering as the trucks pass.

“To see each of the communities that get involved in this — that’s something I never really appreciated, (seeing) the schoolkids out in the cold, waiting for the trucks to pull in and waving their flags,” Croke said.

The shared purpose creates bonds that last well beyond the event.

“The best part is the connections I’ve been able to make with this network of truckers; it’s just a wonderful group of people,” he said. “I’ve become pretty good friends with a bunch of these guys. You could see how they become lifelong connections with this network of truckers.”

A Moment That Put Everything Into Perspective

One interaction during the 2025 event stood out above all others. While at the Wreaths Across America facility, Croke met a couple participating in the honor fleet in memory of their son, Staff Sergeant James C. Shepard. Shepard had served in the Marine Corps for more than ten years before taking his own life.

“In the driver’s lounge (at WAA), you can make your own wreaths,” Croke said. He watched as the parents personally assembled the wreath that would be placed on their son’s grave. “I don’t know if I can adequately put into words what something like that means.”

Closing the Mission at Arlington

Croke’s 2025 Wreaths Across America experience concluded on December 13, National Wreaths Across America Day, at Arlington National Cemetery. There, he served as a radio host as wreaths were placed in remembrance of fallen service members.

For truck drivers and industry leaders alike, his story highlights the role trucking plays beyond commerce. It is a reminder of how the industry can come together to move something far more meaningful than freight.

To learn more about Wreaths Across America or find out how to get involved, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Image Source: Dean Croke (left) captures a visit with Dave Nemo, host of RadioNemo.com, and Martin Garsee, director of transportation training at Houston Community College, during Wreaths Across America 2025. (Photo courtesy of Dean Croke)

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According to TCA, “The TCA Annual Convention is the premier event for truckload industry leaders, where business meets innovation and connections turn into opportunities. Gain insights from expert speakers, explore innovations, and network with hundreds of your peers who are shaping the future of trucking.”

This year, WEX is helping turn up the energy by sponsoring an exclusive concert by Sugar Ray. TCA added, “We’re turning up the volume with Sugar Ray. Thanks to sponsor WEX, we’re capping off the industry’s best networking event with an exclusive, special live performance by the legendary Sugar Ray.”

If you have been on the road long enough, chances are you have had at least one of Sugar Ray’s hits playing through your speakers. The band, co-founded by Mark McGrath on vocals and Rodney Sheppard on lead guitar, has sold more than 10 million records, landed four top 10 songs, and drawn crowds from coast to coast.

TCA summed it up perfectly. “How many artists still pack amphitheaters a whole generation removed from their genesis. How many acts can claim sharing the stage with The Rolling Stones, KISS, and Sex Pistols, collaborating with Run DMC, and being interpolated by Post Malone? Just Sugar Ray.”

In addition to the concert, this year’s lineup features NFL legend Jimmy Johnson as the keynote speaker, bringing a message of teamwork, leadership, and resilience that resonates both on the field and behind the wheel.

TCA 2026 will take place in Orlando, Florida, from February 28 to March 3. Drivers and fleet professionals are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the chance to connect with others who share the same drive for excellence and progress in trucking.

For more details or to register for TCA 2026, visit the official event site.

Image Source: TCA

Other Source: The Trucker

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The Transportation Security Council of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) recently honored two standout fleets for their exceptional efforts in advancing security within the trucking industry.

“Trucking is an industry of frontline responders who make it a priority to keep the public and our customers safe,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “Having a strong commitment to security—whether it’s preventing theft, crime, or terrorism—is an important responsibility for our industry, and these carriers have shown tremendous dedication to it.”

The awards were presented during the ATA’s 2025 Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition in Louisville, Kentucky.

2025 Award Recipients

ATA Excellence in Security: ABF Freight

ATA Excellence in Claims & Loss Prevention: Old Dominion Freight Line

“Recognizing these fleets is about more than awards—it’s about highlighting a deep commitment to protecting people, freight, and the integrity of our operations,” said Jacob Pierce, TSC executive director. “Their leadership in security, claims, and loss prevention reflects the kind of forward-thinking, principled approach our industry needs more of.”

These recognitions highlight the vital role of security in the trucking sector and encourage adopting industry-leading best practices to protect goods and ensure public safety.

Source: The Trucker

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“There’s a reason we consistently earn top marks on Fortune’s corporate reputation report card for attributes like workforce development, innovation, and product excellence,” stated Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder. “For 13 years, this recognition is a testament to Ryder’s unwavering commitment to our employees, the value of investing in cutting-edge solutions, and the trust our customers place in us to keep their supply chains moving.”

13 Years of Consistent Recognition

Ryder’s inclusion on the prestigious Fortune list for the 13th year in a row highlights the company’s continuous dedication to excellence in the logistics, trucking, and transportation sectors.

Fortune develops this annual ranking based on input from industry leaders, including executives, board members, and analysts across more than 50 industries globally. Companies are scored on nine essential attributes, such as innovation, product or service quality, ability to attract talent, social responsibility, investment value, and workforce management. Achieving a spot on this list requires companies to rank in the upper half of their industry category—a benchmark Ryder continues to surpass.

Recognized Pioneer and Employer of Distinction

This latest achievement adds to a growing list of recognitions for Ryder. The company was noted by Newsweek as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity” in both 2025 and 2024. Furthermore, it earned the title of one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces” in 2024 and was celebrated as one of “America’s Most Trustworthy Companies” in 2023.

These accolades demonstrate Ryder’s pioneering approach and its strong, people-focused culture, further cementing its role as a leader in the logistics and transportation industries.

Source: The Trucker

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