U.S. Xpress Enterprises recently joined companies supporting Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization that places wreaths at the gravesites of more than 100,000 veterans each year during the holidays. U.S. Xpress is providing donated transportation services to five of the participating cemeteries.
U.S. Xpress driver Ted Wilson, a one-million-mile safe driver who has been with the company 25 years, volunteered to make the multistop run that covered more than 1,400 miles, beginning at the Wreaths Across America headquarters in Harrington, Maine, and concluding at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tenn. Along his route, Wilson made stops in Winchester, Va., Beaver, W.Va., and Knoxville, Tenn., before arriving in Chattanooga.
“When I first heard that U.S. Xpress was going to be involved in helping Wreaths Across America, I wanted to be the driver who made the run,” Wilson says. “Every load that we haul as drivers is important, and we always work to do our best. But a load like this one, where you are helping to honor those who served our country, has a special meaning. This has been a great trip because I’ve gotten a chance to meet people who are taking time to do something special for our veterans.”
In addition to the donated transportation, U.S. Xpress collected more than $2,500 through an employee fundraiser and a corporate contribution to assist in the purchase of wreaths for the Dec. 11 ceremony at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Employees from U.S. Xpress will be volunteering to assist with the placement of the wreaths at Chattanooga National Cemetery.