In November and December, one of the busiest periods of the year for the transportation sector, the Wreaths Across America mission brings drivers together in an effort of unparalleled unity. With a positive, “can-do” work ethic, these professionals make it possible for Americans to honor millions of veterans laid to rest at home and overseas. In 2024, with over 4,909 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics were immense.

Many of these drivers are military veterans and say the truckload of fresh balsam-fir wreaths is the most precious cargo they transport in their careers. Wreaths Across America shares their stories in the “Trucking Tributes” feature online and on Wreaths Across America Radio.

According to Wreaths Across America’s Director of Transportation, Courtney George, 2025 is going to be another banner year as citizens across this great nation step up once again to honor our fallen. While continued growth of the organization’s mission may be intimidating for some, Courtney thrives with the knowledge that she needs to up her game and she knows the transportation industry will keep pace with her. “It’s a great ‘problem’ to have,” she shared. “I left 2024 with such gratitude being able to say that 397 companies participated and to know that 3.1 million wreaths were placed. This all happened because of these companies.”

Courtney has been right out straight this spring attending industry shows and speaking with professional drivers and carrier companies. “Anyone can haul for us, so don’t be afraid of having the conversation with me because it’s my job to work on solutions so we can make this happen for individuals who want to become members of our Honor Fleet. I can’t load a flatbed or tanker, but we have partners who are willing to loan trailers for the mission. You don’t necessarily have to come to Maine either because we have cross docks throughout the country, and we’re working on adding some more. If you do come to Maine, and it’s your first year participating with us we have quite a special experience planned for you from tours to wreath making, and we’re proud to share it all with you.”

Many of the professional drivers who continue to give their time and energy to the mission are veterans themselves and say participating is a meaningful way for them to give back to other veterans and their families. They’ve often been quoted on Trucking Tributes as saying the truckload of veterans’ wreaths is the most precious cargo they haul in their career. Some of the drivers even take it one step further by becoming volunteer location coordinators who start and oversee new participating locations in their communities.

Wreaths Across America is humbled by the support receive each year from the transportation industry. The transportation division of the organization recently acknowledged the following partners for their tireless efforts, generosity, and commitment to honoring veterans and their families.

This year’s honorees who have given for over ten years are:

Thank you, Courtney, for your continued commitment to our veterans and the mission to remember, honor and teach.

If you’d like to join the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet, you can get started with a click right here!

You can hear more with Courtney on Trucking Tributes, which can be listened to every Truckin’ Tuesday at 11:00 AM and again at 4:00 PM EST on Wreaths Across America Radio and Wednesday at 8:30 AM EST as part of RadioNemo on Sirius XM Channel 146, Road Dog Trucking.”

Discover the Trucking Tributes archive playlist on Soundcloud.com