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 4,300 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are 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 and Sirius XM, Channel 146, Road Dog Trucking.

What stories there are to share too when the best-of-the-best showcase their knowledge and skills in a competition that has you holding your breath in one moment and exhaling in screams and shouts of affirmation the next. While there were winners and losers, the disappointment of defeat was minimal because this competition was filled with camaraderie and support. These competitors were professional truck drivers attending the 2024 American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) held recently in Indianapolis, Indiana. They all knew in their hearts they had already achieved millions of safe driving miles, and their state title in their driving division before moving into the national competition, the “Superbowl of Safety.”

Wreaths Across America was honored to attend NTDC to support all 421 competitors, but make no mistake about it, members of our Honor Fleet specifically! It was such a thrill to watch them in their element, bringing their “A-Game” competing for the top honors in trucking. One such competitor was U.S. Army veteran Jason Damron with Convoy Systems in Kansas. Contestants are not just tested on their driving skills at the NTDC. The first part of the contest is a written exam. They’re not easy and according to NTDC officials require “time, dedication, and focus to study for every detail in the facts-for-drivers book.” Jason Damron tied for the Highest Score Award with Ritch Fundell with FedEx Freight.

One man intrinsically involved with the NTDC and Wreaths Across America is Nate Lewis with Tyson Foods. Nate serves on the Board of Directors for Wreaths Across America and on the NTDC Committee. “It takes a lot of people to run this event,” Nate shared. “Back when I was a competitor, they all did it for me so I’m glad to give back to them the opportunity that I had when I drove. Even when you’re competing, you’re routing for one another. The camaraderie here is so cool.” As Nate explained, much like the transportation logistics behind Wreaths Across America, the coordination for the NTDC events is “a colossal feat” and requires hundreds of volunteers who have genuine interest in their work for the organization. “Getting all the equipment for the vehicle inspections is tough. You’ve got to secure two trucks for every course, two trucks for every class and everything has to be identically matched. You’ve got to administer the written exam, and the truck defects need to be set up. Each course is measured out and the problems need to be laid down and the seriousness with which these folks take their responsibility is incredible. These men and women on the committee are literally down on their hands and knees laying tape and pulling it up if it’s not right. I’m telling you that everything out there is within a sixteenth of an inch.”

It was awesome to be on site broadcasting the stories of the men and women involved in the trucking industry at the NTDC including American Trucking Associations First Vice Chairman Dennis Dellinger, president and CEO of Cargo Transporters Inc.

So many members of the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet are U.S. military veterans. It was fantastic to reconnect with Kevin Byrnes who has driven professionally with UPS for 35 years. Kevin served as a Marine and transported America’s respect to Arlington National Cemetery as an America’s Road Team Captain. “It’s probably the greatest honor the trucking industry and American Trucking Association has ever given me. I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to do that.”

Wreaths Across America extends a hearty congratulations to the ATA Grand Champion, Jackie Reed with FedEx Freight, and all the NTDC winners.

You can hear many of the award announcements 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 on Sirius XM Channel 146, Road Dog Trucking Radio.

Discover the Trucking Tributes archive playlist on Soundcloud.com