Across North America, the way families honor their loved ones is changing. Cremation rates are steadily rising, while traditional burials are becoming less common. In the United States, burial rates have already declined to 32 percent and are projected to fall even further in the coming years. In Canada, only 21 percent of dispositions now involve burial. These trends highlight a profound shift in how families approach final arrangements.
For funeral directors, this change brings both challenges and opportunities. Families still seek dignity, reverence and ceremony, regardless of whether their loved one is laid to rest in a casket or an urn. The question is how to provide that same meaningful experience when a family chooses cremation.
Federal Eagle has introduced a thoughtful solution with the patent pending dual-purpose coach, an optional feature available on both the Eagle Kingsley and the Federal Heritage, including the patent pending Ultimate Urn Carrier. This innovation ensures that whether a family chooses burial or cremation, the farewell journey reflects the same care and respect.
Dignity in Every Farewell #
The Eagle Kingsley has long represented elegance and tradition in funeral service. With the addition of the Ultimate Urn Carrier, the same vehicle can now be used for both casketed remains and urns. This dual-purpose design gives funeral directors the ability to offer seamless, dignified transportation no matter the family’s choice.
When in use, the Ultimate Urn Carrier presents the urn in a way that is visible from the rear windows of the Eagle Kingsley, creating a reverent focal point for families and guests. The carrier’s movement is fully automated, emerging gracefully into position and returning to onboard storage at the touch of a button. Inside, the interior transforms into a more intimate setting, ensuring the cremated remains are highlighted with the same solemnity as a traditional service.
Responding to a Growing Need #
Studies show that families are often unaware of the possibilities for meaningful cremation services. According to the Foresight 2025 Funeral and Cemetery Consumer Behavior Study, only 67 percent of consumers realize that cremation can be combined with a funeral or memorial service, and less than half are aware of the memorialization options available. One in four consumers admit they do not know what to do with cremated remains at all.
These gaps not only create missed opportunities for funeral service professionals but also mean many families may lose out on the comfort and healing that structured ceremonies can provide. By offering the Ultimate Urn Carrier within the dual-purpose coach, funeral directors can give families a clear, dignified option that preserves tradition while respecting choice.
From Selection to Final Resting Place #
The Ultimate Urn Carrier is designed to remain with the family’s chosen urn throughout every stage of the journey. It can begin in the funeral home’s selection center, serving as a presentation platform. Once an urn is chosen, it is paired with the carrier, which enables dignified movement throughout visitations, services and processions to the final resting place.
Families can personalize the carrier with flowers, engraved nameplates, photographs, or religious and cultural symbols. This attention to detail ensures that even as cremation becomes more common, families experience the same opportunity for ritual and remembrance that has long defined the profession.
Preparing for Tomorrow #
By 2025, cremation is expected to account for a majority of dispositions in the United States, with traditional burial continuing to decline. The Eagle Kingsley dual-purpose coach with the Ultimate Urn Carrier equips funeral directors to meet this future with confidence. With one coach, they can provide two essential services, ensuring that no family feels their choice of disposition diminishes the level of care their loved one receives.
For funeral homes, this dual-purpose solution is also a practical investment. It maximizes the use of the coach across both casketed and cremation services, aligning operations with evolving industry trends while maintaining the highest standards of dignity and respect.
Federal Eagle remains committed to supporting funeral service professionals as they guide families through life’s most difficult moments. By combining tradition with innovation, the Ultimate Urn Carrier helps funeral directors honor every life with the same compassion, reverence and care.
To learn more about how the Eagle Kingsley dual-purpose coach with the Ultimate Urn Carrier can serve your funeral home and the families you care for, please contact Federal Eagle. Our team is here to help you prepare for the future of funeral care.
