Tulsa's Arrow Trucking Suspends Operations; Drivers Stranded
Tulsa, Okla.-based Arrow Trucking suspended operations Tuesday, laying off employees and leaving drivers stranded right before the Christmas holiday, according to published report
Tulsa, Okla.-based Arrow Trucking suspended operations Tuesday, laying off employees and leaving drivers stranded right before the Christmas holiday, according to published reports
. The company employs about 300 administrative staff and about 1,400 drivers.
The flatbed carrier has not made any formal press announcement about the suspension or about the future of the company. Arrow has sent everyone home, telling them that operations have been suspended, reports Tulsa's local KJRH Channel 2.
"It's not the Christmas present that everybody wants," trucker Jim Carroll told KRMG Local News. "It's the trucking industry and things right now are tough everywhere."
Drivers have been stranded all of the country, as they've been forced to stop delivering and give up their trucks. Drivers of Freightliner and Kenworth trucks are being provided with bus tickets home or $200 in cash, courtesy of Daimler Financial Services. A telephone message at the trucking company's terminals gives instructions to drivers of Freightliners and Kenworths. International, although a day late, is working with Daimler to offer the same for drivers of its trucks, who are instructed to take their vehicles to the nearest International dealership.
According to The News On 6, employees were not surprised by the failure, as the company hasn't paid them in months and has had problems buying fuel for the fleet.
Over night, the closing of Arrow has brought together people all over the country who have been pooling their resources to help stranded drivers. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association created a Facebook page, "Support for Stranded Arrow Trucking Drivers", to match Arrow drivers with those willing to help.
"We had no idea that by this morning, we would have a thousand people," offering help, said Sandi Soendker, managing editor of Land Line Magazine, the official publication of the OOIDA. "It just went viral."
Renee Paravecchio Trueblood of Interstate Distributor Co. posted this: "We're sorry to hear about Arrow. If you're looking for a new opportunity give us a call 1-800-DRIVE4-US."
"We live in West TN and ready to help out," said Wendy Smith. "We can help out in our personal vehicle today and tonight. Can put you up for the holiday too!"
Schneider National has also offered its services by asking stranded Arrow drivers to seek out Schneider drivers, who will help them get home for the holidays. "Once drivers are safe at home, Schneider's focus will be on helping employ the displaced drivers," the company said in a statement. Schneider drivers will take drivers as close to home as possible, if they're headed in the same direction.
Flatbed carrier System Transport has also offered to help. Drivers who need assistance can call 1-800-ROAD-PRO.
"We understand those Arrow drivers have some tough days ahead," said Jeff W. Benesch, System Transport vice president of personnel. "We want them to know that System Transport drivers and staff are here to help and want to do all we can to help get them home. I hope any of them who need assistance, will call us."
People all over the country have been volunteering to take Arrow truckers to bus stops, put them up for the holidays, feed them, put their personal belongings in storage, and much more.
If you need help or wish to help out with the Arrow situation, visit the Facebook page by clicking here, or call the OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791. After today, drivers can still call the 800 number, press one, and leave their name and phone number.
Drivers of International trucks who need to get home can call 1-800-233-9121 for instructions.
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