Wreaths Across America's Trucking Tributes Presents NAIT


Professional drivers and trucking companies give so much to the nation. Without the transportation industry, the Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach would be nearly impossible. Veterans’ wreaths move by planes, trains, ships, and livestock trailers, but trucks and their professional drivers transport the lion’s share of America’s respect. In 2021, to be specific, 525 truckloads of wreaths were delivered, representing 390 different carriers.

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, that unity makes it possible for Americans to honor millions of veterans laid to rest here at home and overseas. In 2022, with over 3,400 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are immense.

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

The National Association of Independent Truckers, LLC (NAIT) was founded in 1981 to serve the needs of Independent Owner/Operators. Over the years, NAIT has established long-term partnerships with providers that share its dedication to the industry. NAIT works with members to develop association benefits to meet industry needs. A primary focus is providing access to buying power through benefit programs that deliver options to reduce the cost of a trucking business.

For the seventh year, NAIT, partnering with IAT Insurance Group, has donated $50,000.00. The purpose of this donation, as in years past, is to help offset fuel costs or other expenses for independent truckers or owners/operators who want to ensure that WAA’s mission to Remember, Honor, Teach is met through this annual journey of remembrance. The contribution will be used to help WAA in its efforts to deliver veterans’ wreaths from Maine to their final destinations across the United States.

This generous outpouring of support helps ‘lighten the load’ for professional drivers wanting to support the mission through a contribution of their time and equipment, and, importantly, demonstrates to the families of our nation’s heroes just how much a grateful nation appreciates their sacrifices.

“NAIT and TransGuard Insurance, and our parent company IAT Insurance have been in the independent contractor space supporting truckers for years. We are both an Association and insurance industry,” explains Scott Miller, Senior VP of IAT Insurance Group, “One of our key values is giving back to the community, and writing a check is not the only way we get involved. Our local employees go every year to help place the wreaths at Terrace Park Cemetery in KansasCity, Missouri. We’ve worked with the Civil Air Patrol cadets for seven years. We really enjoy our day at Terrace Park. We had a situation last year when one of our employees was helping to place the wreaths. A gentleman stopped and asked her what she was doing, and she explained, and when he found out, he said, ‘well, my father is buried over here, and I don’t see a wreath on his.’ This employee stopped, and they went over together, placed a wreath, and said a little prayer. That struck home. It was a humbling experience that speaks to what the day [National Wreaths Across America Day] is about. It’s about taking some time out during the busy holiday season to say thank you. What I really love is seeing the families involved. It’s a teachable moment for the kids of our history and what this country is founded on.”

Scott and his wife have traveled to Maine to understand better the stem-to-stone concept that drives the mission. “The logistics are fantastic,” Scott enthused. “I wish everyone could make that trip to see how it’s done.  We'll do anything we can to help get people engaged because as the number of participating locations grows, the need for more trucks hauling wreaths grows as well.”

Thank you to you and your family, Scott, and all those at NAIT and IAT Insurance Group for supporting the mission to remember, honor, and teach. You can hear more of Scott’s interview on Trucking Tributes heard every Trucking Tuesday on Wreaths Across America Radio.

If you’d like to get involved, visit, trucking.wreathsacrossamerica.org