Arrow Trucking Co. closed its doors on Dec. 22, leaving many drivers stranded all over the United States. But in the face of adversity, people from all over the country rallied together to help out their fellow man.
According to The Trucker, Arrow Trucking Co. shut down Tuesday morning without informing their employees of the closure. They cancelled their fuel cards leaving drivers stranded throughout the country. Those within the United States were told to drop their trucks off at the nearest dealership, then call a hotline to organize a bus ticket home. However, without a fuel card, most could not get to a dealership, and for those that could, they still had to find their own transportation to the nearest bus station.
Luckily, citizens from all over were willing to lend a helping hand. Using the Internet as a catalyst, Facebook pages were set up in order to organize rides home for marooned drivers.
The Examiner.com reported that OOIDA created a Facebook page to help coordinate support efforts for stranded drivers. The response has been so overwhelming that the page already has nearly 4,000 fans. OOIDA has also offered a free bus ticket or $200 to any stranded international driver. And they’re not alone.
According to northstatetrucks.com, Daimler Truck Financial was offering bus tickets home as early as Tuesday afternoon.
It’s amazing and inspiring to witness so many people pulling together to offer help. Offers included rides to bus stations and driver’s homes, food, and even shelter.
But the question remains, how accountable is Arrow Trucker Co. to its employees? Can a company of this size shut its doors without informing its employees, or organizing a better way home for its drivers? How can drivers protect themselves from being in a similar situation again?
