Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Arrow Driver Officially Missing Person

Land Line Magazine reported that a missing persons report was filed yesterday after an Arrow driver went missing just before Christmas.

John M. Eischens Jr. of Mabank, TX, was deemed “unaccounted for” by volunteers, who were working to bring all Arrow drivers back home safely.

Eischens’ family contacted police to file a missing persons report last night after weeks of not hearing from him. “It’s not like him to fail to call on Christmas,” Eischens’ mother told Land Line Magazine.

Eischens drove truck number 6325, which was found at the Pilot in Butte, MT. The keys were still in the ignition, but all of Eischens’ belongings were gone.

Land Line Magazine posted contact information for anyone that knows the location of Eischens. The information is as follows:

If anyone has information on whereabouts of Eischens, please call Det. Williams of the Anna, TX, Police Department. The office phone is 972-924-2848; after 5 p.m. calls will be handled by dispatch at 972-547-5350.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Tech Tools for Truckers

etrucker.com published a great article by Misty Bell describing new technology helping to make truckers’ lives a whole lot easier.


The most popular tech toys include laptops with wireless internet and iPhones, giving drivers the ability to access Google Maps and other features that help with directions.


But Google Maps isn’t the only navigation tool available. ALK Technologies developed CoPilot Truck, which can be purchased through 4 State Trucks. This GPS software can be used for both a laptop and iPhone, and includes features that identify roads with height and weight restrictions, finds the best course sequences for up to 50 stops, and reduces fuel costs by providing the most efficient routes.


iPhone has a number of apps that help make a driver’s life easier. The most notable of these being Trucker, which offers trucking videos, weather updates, a mileage calculator, traffic alerts, and even a lowest fuel cost finder.


Another iPhone app called Maps & Compass “combines everything you love about Google Maps with the accuracy of GPS and a built-in digital compass,” as described on apple.com.


Engine-monitoring devises, such as the Pittsburgh Powerbox, and in-car tire pressure monitors offer digital readouts on your dash board helping to increase fuel power and mileage.


These are just a few of the great innovations available to modern-day truckers. What’s the one tech tool for your truck you just can’t live without?


TruckGuysTV

Monday, January 4, 2010

Arrow Trucking anticipates lawsuit

According to the Journal of Commerce, former employees have decided to sue Arrow Trucking for violating the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.


Arrow Trucking closed its doors on Dec. 23 without giving prior notice to its employees. Many drivers were left stranded after their fuel cards were cancelled.


Representing about 100 employees, a Philadelphian attorney planned to file a lawsuit against Arrow Trucking for its violation of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. The act requires employers with at least 100 workers give 60 days notice before shutting down.


The Christian Science Monitor reported “the suit will also address other violations of state and local laws that Arrow employees have alleged, including bounced paychecks, unpaid medical premium payments, and nonreimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses,” said Chuck Ercole, the Philadelphia attorney filing the suit.


But once again, it’s important to remember the generosity of some of the trucking companies that stepped in to help stranded drivers over the Winter Holidays. Daimler Trucks booked about 75 free Greyhound tickets for stranded drivers and gave $200 to over 150 drivers to cover travel expenses home.


TruckGuysTV