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Tulsa's Arrow Trucking Suspends Operations; Drivers Stranded

Tulsa, Okla.-based Arrow Trucking has suspended operations, laying off drivers and other employees right before the Christmas holiday, according to published reports. The company employs about 300 administrative staff and about 1,000 drivers, The News On 6 reports.

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."

Several drivers have told publications that they're stranded in the middle of their routes, as they've been forced to stop delivering and give up their company trucks. However, drivers of Freightliner trucks are being provided with bus tickets home, courtesy of Daimler Financial Services. A telephone message at the trucking company's terminals gives instructions to drivers of Freightliners. Daimler has been providing bus tickets or $200 in cash. Drivers of International trucks have not received instructions.

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.

People all over the country have been pooling their resources to offer help to stranded drivers. A Facebook page, "Support for Stranded Arrow Trucking Drivers - Coordinate Efforts HERE", has been flooded with public comments, offering help and expressing sympathy for Arrow's employees.

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!"

To help out or comment on the Arrow situation, visit the Facebook page by clicking here .

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