The Honor Fleet is crucial in transporting millions of veterans’ wreaths nationwide every year. These wreaths are delivered to over 4,900 locations, including the revered Arlington National Cemetery. In 2024 alone, an impressive 739 loads of wreaths were transported by 397 trucking companies, exemplifying the scale and impact of their contribution.

Trucking Partners Driving a Noble Mission

Transportation partners are the backbone of WAA’s annual wreath-laying ceremonies. According to WAA, the honorees are recognized for their unwavering dedication, generosity, and relentless commitment to honoring veterans and their families.

This year’s honorees include:

• Abilene Motor Express
• Jetco Delivery
• Hirschbach Motor Lines
• Boyd Grain Inc.
• Big G Express
• Knight Transportation
• Classic Carriers
• Leonard’s Express
• Hoekstra Transportation, LLC
• Convoy Systems LLC
• Paul MH Sagehorn LLC
• Hampton Roads Moving & Storage
• Total Transportation of Mississippi
• Heartland Express
• Waste Masters Solutions
• B. Hunt
• Matrix Expedited Service

Recognizing a Meaningful Contribution

“Many of our partners donating their time each year are veterans themselves, including the professional drivers hauling the loads,” shared Courtney George, Director of Transportation and Industry Relations for Wreaths Across America. “Professional drivers and carriers that join WAA’s Honor Fleet have the desire to do something meaningful to honor veterans and their loved ones, and many say that Wreaths Across America provides a way for them to do that.”

WAA’s mission is a testament to the impact that the transportation industry can have in bringing communities together, demonstrating the deep gratitude and respect owed to our nation’s veterans. These partnerships are not only meaningful efforts to honor veterans but also a source of pride for the carriers involved.

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: TAPinto

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Every year, these carriers play a pivotal role in transporting wreaths to honor American veterans. Courtney George, Director of Transportation and Industry Relations for WAA, stated, “Many of our partners donating their time each year are veterans themselves, including the professional drivers hauling the loads. Professional drivers and carriers that join WAA’s Honor Fleet have the desire to do something meaningful to honor veterans and their loved ones and many say that Wreaths Across America provides a way for them to do that.”

The Role of the Honor Fleet

The Honor Fleet serves as the backbone of Wreaths Across America’s mission, delivering millions of beautifully crafted veterans’ wreaths to locations nationwide. Reflecting on 2024, the fleet hauled 739 loads of wreaths using support from 397 trucking companies to reach more than 4,900 participating destinations, including the esteemed Arlington National Cemetery.

By partnering with the Honor Fleet, trucking companies demonstrate unwavering dedication to giving back to the nation and honoring those who have served.

Celebrating This Year’s Honorees

To celebrate their significant contributions, WAA honors the following 17 carriers for their generosity, commitment, and tireless efforts in supporting veterans and their families over the years:

• Abilene Motor Express

• Jetco Delivery

• Hirschbach Motor Lines

• Boyd Grain Inc.

• Big G Express

• Knight Transportation

• Classic Carriers

• Leonard’s Express

• Hoekstra Transportation, LLC

• Convoy Systems LLC

• Paul MH Sagehorn LLC

• Hampton Roads Moving & Storage

• Total Transportation of Mississippi

• Heartland Express

• Waste Masters Solutions

• J.B. Hunt

• Matrix Expedited Service

By dedicating their resources to WAA’s annual wreath-laying mission, these companies demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to remembering and honoring American veterans and their loved ones.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Wreaths Across America

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A Mission Shrouded in Tragedy

On March 16, 1962, Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 departed on a classified reconnaissance mission to Vietnam under orders from President John F. Kennedy. The aircraft, carrying 93 American service members, 11 civilian crew members, and 4 Vietnamese citizens, mysteriously vanished. Despite extensive search efforts, no wreckage or remains were ever found, leaving behind unanswered questions and an enduring legacy of sacrifice.

A Tribute Long Overdue

For years, the names of those lost on Flight 739 were absent from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Seeking to right this wrong, Wreaths Across America took action in 2021. Led by founder Morrill Worcester, the organization established a permanent memorial in Maine, set on the Worcester family’s balsam tip land—the same land used to harvest balsam for wreaths placed on veterans’ graves during National Wreaths Across America Day.

This monument ensures that the individuals aboard Flight 739 are forever honored, recognizing their service and sacrifice in a way history had long neglected.

Source: FleetOwner

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With an impressive legacy spanning nearly two decades at Maverick, Hammond has solidified himself as a key member of the team. He has played an instrumental role in mentoring over 59 aspiring drivers, received acknowledgment as a Dedicated Driver of the Month, and earned the ultimate accolade for Dedicated Driver of the Year in 2022. Upon receiving this latest honor, Hammond shared his heartfelt appreciation, saying, “I am so proud to be a part of this. This is such an honor.”

Hammond also reflected on the significance of his wife’s role in his life, attributing much of his success to her unwavering encouragement. “She is my rock and makes me a better person,” he said. The couple has been happily married for 17 years, and her steadfast support has been a guiding force throughout his career.

Maverick first introduced the “Salute” trucks in 2018 as a powerful tribute to both veterans and active-duty military members. Each truck is decorated with custom vinyl wraps featuring symbols from all branches of the U.S. military, as well as imagery that commemorates iconic moments in the nation’s history. Currently, five Maverick drivers with military backgrounds proudly operate these meaningful vehicles.

These trucks serve not only as moving dedications but also as an ongoing symbol of gratitude. Drivers of the “Salute” trucks are actively involved in Veterans Day commemorations each November and participate in multiple events year-round to honor military personnel.

Based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Maverick Transportation has been a driving force in trucking since its establishment in 1980. Operating a fleet of over 1,600 vehicles, the company specializes in flatbed, glass, and marine transportation across North America. Through initiatives like the “Salute” trucks, Maverick underscores its unwavering commitment to honoring the men and women who have served the country.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Maverick

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The military-themed wrapped Kenworth T680 truck serves as a rolling tribute to veterans, bringing awareness to their needs and recognizing their contributions across the country. Through this partnership, J&R Schugel aims to support DAV’s mission to empower veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.

“We at J&R Schugel are honored to partner with DAV to recognize those who have given so much to protect our freedoms,” said Courtney Antonsen, Human Resources Director at J&R Schugel. “Our specially-wrapped Kenworth T680 truck will proudly travel across the nation, showcasing our gratitude and commitment to supporting veterans and their families. We also want to thank Wisconsin Kenworth for their generous donation, which will go directly toward providing essential services for veterans.”

The donation from Wisconsin Kenworth will aid in DAV’s work providing a range of free services to veterans, including transportation to VA medical appointments, assistance with benefits claims, and employment resources.

The wrapped truck will be integrated into J&R Schugel’s fleet, making appearances at industry events, veteran-focused initiatives, and on the open road, where it will remind drivers and communities of the sacrifices made by veterans and the ongoing need to support them.

About J&R Schugel
J&R Schugel is a 100% employee-owned transportation company based in New Ulm, Minn. Celebrating 50 years in business, J&R Schugel provides reliable transportation and logistic services across the United States, prioritizing safety, customer satisfaction, and employee well-being.

About DAV
DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: keeping our promise to America’s veterans. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them, fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill, providing employment resources to veterans and their families, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a nonprofit organization with nearly 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at DAV.org

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