Across the country, volunteers gathered at more than 5,500 national cemeteries to place wreaths on the graves of fallen service members. More than three million wreaths were laid by more than three million volunteers, turning a nationwide logistics effort into a shared act of remembrance.

Behind that effort stood the trucking industry.

Moving the Mission Forward One Load at a Time

At Arlington National Cemetery alone, 69 trucks delivered wreaths ahead of the event. Nationwide, more than 325 carriers helped transport nearly 700 loads, ensuring wreaths reached cemeteries in every region.

Those trucks arrived quietly the day before the ceremony, staging across Arlington’s rolling grounds and waiting for volunteers who would later carry each wreath to a headstone. Drivers did not arrive to fanfare or media attention. They arrived to fulfill a responsibility.

Jason Westcoff of NFI made his sixth delivery to Arlington this year. His wife accompanied him, and his jacket and truck bear patches marking each year he has hauled wreaths for the organization.

A Day Marked by Respect and Stillness

Despite the size of the crowd at Arlington, the atmosphere remained subdued. Visitors moved carefully across the grounds, speaking names aloud as they placed wreaths, acknowledging each service member individually.

There were no interviews, no cameras sweeping the crowd, and no distractions overhead. The focus stayed where it belonged, on remembrance.

This quiet respect is intentional and reflects the values of Wreaths Across America, whose mission centers on remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve, and teaching future generations the value of freedom.

Where the Mission Began

That mission traces back to a childhood visit to Arlington National Cemetery.

As a 12-year-old, Morrill Worcester was struck by the scale and meaning of the site. Years later, after building a successful business, Worcester found himself with a surplus of wreaths at the end of the holiday season in 1992. Rather than discard them, he arranged for those wreaths to be placed at Arlington.

The gesture continued quietly for years until 2005, when an image of snow-covered headstones adorned with wreaths circulated online. What had once been a small tribute grew into a national movement.

Why Trucking Matters to Wreaths Across America

As the program expanded, trucking became essential.

Wreaths Across America depends on carriers and drivers to move wreaths from Maine to cemeteries across the country. Without that network, the mission would not scale.

Executive Director Karen Worcester emphasized this reality during this year’s escort, stating twice, “Wreaths Across America would not exist without the support from the nation’s trucking industry.”

Drivers Share Why They Participate

For many drivers, participating is personal.

Brown Dog Carriers driver Steven Bouthillette delivered his first load this year after planning to take part for some time.

“I’ve wanted to be a part of this event for a long time and was scheduled to deliver last year,” explains Bouthillette. “But circumstances came up that changed plans.

“Missing it wasn’t going to happen again though,” he jokes. “I reminded my dispatcher regularly all this year that I would make it to Arlington. And it truly is a privilege to be here this year.”

Schneider driver Patrice Cook has delivered wreaths to Arlington for four consecutive years while driving a Ride of Pride truck that honors military service. Cook herself served nearly 24 years in the Army.

“I’ve been so lucky to attend this event for a few years now, to meet so many great people in the organization and at the Cemetery,” explained Cook. “This is the best load I haul all year. When I tell drivers that and they doubt me, I just say, ‘Do it once, and you’ll see.’”

She added, “But what’s particularly special is that I get to drive this truck all year long.”

Planning Is Already Underway for Next Year

As soon as the 2025 event concluded, planning began for the next one. Organizing National Wreaths Across America Day requires a full year of coordination among volunteers, carriers, and sponsors.

Through December 31, 2025, wreath sponsorships made through registered groups are matched by the organization. Local groups can be found through Wreaths Across America’s group search.

The organization encourages drivers and carriers interested in participating to consider joining the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet.

“Our volunteers are the beating heart of the program and work year-round to share this important mission and inspire others to join.”

The mission remains unchanged. Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.

Mission accomplished.

Volunteers can plan ahead for December 19, 2026 at participating cemeteries nationwide. Carriers and drivers interested in supporting future events can learn more at wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Source: The Trucker

The post Volunteers, Carriers, and Drivers Come Together for National Wreaths Across America Day appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Helping Those Who Serve 

Truckers have a long history of giving back, and Truckers for Troops continues that tradition. OOIDA explains, “The fundraising effort has been an OOIDA tradition since 2007, originally dedicated to sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones. Truckers for Troops has also helped a variety of veteran facilities, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled, or homeless service members.” 

The campaign focuses on sending care packages to troops overseas and providing assistance to veteran support facilities across the country. 

How Drivers Can Participate 

Truck drivers can get involved by joining or renewing their OOIDA membership for one year at $35. Ten percent of this fee goes directly toward care packages, and OOIDA matches that contribution dollar for dollar. 

Participation options include: 

• By Phone: Call 816-229-5791 during business hours, mention Truckers for Troops, and you will be connected to Membership. 

• Online: Click “Become a Member” on the OOIDA website to join or renew after hours. 

• Mail: Indicate “Dues & Donation” or “Donation Only” on your payment and specify “TROOPS.” Send donation-only checks to the OOIDA Foundation. 

Campaign Impact Over the Years 

Truckers have made a lasting difference. OOIDA reports, “Over the past 18 years, OOIDA has raised more than 800,000 dollars and sent more than 3,288 care packages, serving more than 39,400 members of the military. The organization has also sent aid packages to 65 different facilities caring for wounded, disabled, and homeless veterans, including the Veterans Community Project. The VCP began in Kansas City and plans to have locations in every state. Currently, they have locations in Sioux Falls, S.D., Longmont, Co., St. Louis, Mo., and anticipate expanding to Oklahoma City, Okla., Milwaukee, Wis., and Glendale, Ariz.” 

Veterans Community Project Spotlight 

Truckers supporting this campaign are also helping the Veterans Community Project, which provides veterans transitioning out of homelessness with tiny homes and access to community centers. OOIDA says, “This invaluable project transitions veterans from homelessness to permanent housing. Veterans are provided with ‘tiny homes’ filled with amenities. All veterans can also access a community center for other types of support and services. With several locations and plans for national expansion, the project aims to touch lives in every state.” 

Sending Care Packages 

Drivers with a family member or friend serving in the U.S. military can request a care package by sending the name and complete mailing address to troops@ooida.com. Include the projected stateside return date. 

Letters and cards showing appreciation can be mailed to:
Attention: Truckers for Troops
P.O. Box 1000
Grain Valley, MO 64029 

OOIDA notes, “Towns or school names can be included, but please do not include last names or other personal information. No particular theme, and not necessarily holidays or Christmas.” 

For more information or to get involved, visit the Truckers for Troops website. 

Source: The Trucker 

Image: OOIDA

The post Truckers for Troops 2025 Campaign Underway to Support U.S. Military and Veterans appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“It is an honor to receive the Military Friendly Employer designation,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “We value the service and experience of the military community by investing in their careers and providing them with a supportive workplace.”

A Legacy of Supporting the Military Community

The Military Friendly recognition is awarded to organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to recruiting, retaining, and advancing military veterans. Peterbilt has consistently been at the forefront of these efforts, meeting and exceeding the qualification standards established by Military Friendly—a leading ratings organization.

Through initiatives like its Veterans Employee Resource Group, Peterbilt builds a strong community for veterans and active-duty service members. This platform fosters employee connections, engagement, and mutual support. The company makes it a priority to highlight and celebrate the contributions of military personnel through meaningful recognition events.

Additionally, Peterbilt collaborates actively with organizations such as Wreaths Across America and RecruitMilitary to further its mission of honoring and empowering those who serve.

To explore career opportunities for veterans and military service members at Peterbilt, visit https://www.peterbilt.com/careers/veterans.

Source: The Trucker & Peterbilt 

The post Peterbilt Named 2025 Military Friendly Employer for Outstanding Commitment to the Military Community appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“Our partnership with this program is both an honor and a privilege,” said Larry Vannatta, Averitt’s regional vice president of sales for Texas. “Seeing the impact of our efforts is truly rewarding.”

A Team Effort to Uplift Morale

According to an Averitt press release, their associates rallied together across 17 facilities—primarily in Texas—and their corporate office to collect and prepare the holiday cards. The corporate office alone contributed more than 4,000 cards to the initiative. Ensuring no detail was missed, the cards were carefully organized, counted, and prepared to make certain they reached service members in time for the holidays.

This marks another chapter in Averitt’s long-standing collaboration with New Country 96.3 KSCS, a program designed to show appreciation and boost morale for service members during the festive season.

Driven by Purpose Beyond Cards

Averitt further demonstrated its commitment to giving back by pairing this initiative with a financial contribution to Averitt Cares for Kids, the company’s philanthropic organization. Averitt matched the time given by employees to the card program with a donation to the charity, which primarily supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Through initiatives like these, Averitt continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of military personnel and local communities alike, ensuring their holiday season is brighter and filled with appreciation.

Source: The Trucker

Image: Averitt

The post Averitt Spreads Holiday Cheer to Troops with 18,000+ Greeting Cards appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.