A hub and drum assembly includes a recess around one or more stud holes in the drum and a shipping nut threaded onto a stud and contained in the recess. The recessed shipping nut securely fastens the hub to the drum during shipping. At a destination facility, the shipping nut does not have to be removed before wheels are installed on the huh and drum assembly. A method of assembling a portion of a drive train including a hub and drum assembly with a recessed shipping nut is also provided.