LOWELL, Ark. — J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. earned the James Prout Spirit of Giving Award from Wreaths Across America during the organization’s 10th Annual Stem to Stone event held in Maine. This industry recognition highlights the carrier's decade-long commitment to transporting memorial wreaths to veterans' cemeteries across the United States.
Named in memory of James Prout, the owner of Blue Bird Ranch Trucking who served as the first volunteer to haul wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery, the award targets organizations making significant charitable contributions. The carrier demonstrated its logistical reach in 2022 by managing 42 separate shipments. By coordinating 32 of these moves through intermodal rail partnerships with BNSF and Norfolk Southern, the company optimized capacity and reduced the burden on standard over-the-road assets, ensuring the mission reached the West Coast on schedule.
Brad Hicks, executive vice president of Highway Services and People at J.B. Hunt, emphasized that the company views this work as a privilege. The carrier has participated in the program for ten consecutive years, with logistics teams often treating the wreath deliveries as a point of pride. For the thousands of drivers and support staff involved, the operation represents a tangible way to honor the sacrifices made by military families.
What This Means for Drivers
The success of the Wreaths Across America program relies heavily on the cooperation of the trucking community and the availability of equipment during the busy holiday season. CDL-A drivers who volunteer for these runs often find the experience shifts their perspective on the vital role transport plays in national remembrance. As trucking companies are hiring for various specialized roles, participation in high-profile philanthropic missions like this remains a hallmark of large carriers looking to attract drivers who value community impact alongside their paycheck.
Industry Reaction
Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America, noted that the mission would be impossible without the donated time and equipment provided by the transportation sector. The Honor Fleet program continues to grow because of the visibility provided by major carriers, which encourages independent owner-operators and small fleets to join the effort. This collaboration strengthens the bond between the logistics industry and the public, proving that professional drivers are the backbone of national commemorations.
Key Points
- J.B. Hunt completed 42 wreath shipments in 2022 to support the national mission.
- The James Prout Spirit of Giving Award is named after the first volunteer driver to haul wreaths to Arlington.
- Intermodal rail partnerships with BNSF and Norfolk Southern were critical to the 2022 delivery strategy.
- National Wreaths Across America Day is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 16, with events at over 4,000 locations.
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