In 2024, Wayne Crowder retired from a 42-year career as a professional truck driver with more than four million accident-free miles. Now, he is an esteemed member of the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet.

This week on Trucking Tributes, Elisabeth Barna is joined by Crowder as they talk about his work with Wreaths Across America and his impressive career. He is the only professional driver to win both Rookie of the Year and National Grand Champion in the same year at the National Truck Driving Championships! He also received the Mike Russell Trucking Image Award and served as an America’s Road Team Captain with the American Trucking Associations.

Along with his impressive career, Crowder talked about his admiration for the Wreaths Across America mission. “And to end up in Arlington, too, you know, lay them wreaths at every headstone. I don’t know, man, it just touches you,” he said. He urges more companies and drivers to become more involved to help advance the mission. 

As a dedicated member of the honor fleet, Crowder delivered a full truckload of wreaths to three locations in Indiana on behalf of Baylor Family Blessings. He was also able to stop by the trucker’s lounge, an experience he talks highly of. “For drivers, it’s a red carpet event. When you walk in, they treat you like you’re the king,” Crowder said. 

Crowder shared that being a member of the WAA Honor Fleet is one of the highlights of his distinguished career. He talked about his respect for the trucking industry and the importance of professional truck drivers.“I think it takes a lot to really get into the industry, but it takes a special kind of person to stay in the industry,” he added.

Tune in to Trucking Tributes on Wreaths Across America Radio’s Trucking Tuesday at 10 a.m. and again at 4 p.m. EST to hear more about Crowder’s inspiring dedication to the mission. You can also listen on demand on SoundCloud here.