Seek and Deploy: Truckmakers hunt down missing trucks

TULSA, Okla. — Truckmakers are still busy tracking down hundreds of trucks across the U.S. abandoned by drivers who were unexpectedly laid off just before Christmas by bankrupt flatbed carrier Arrow Trucking Co.

Meanwhile, one of those drivers who’s been missing since the company shut down its fleet two weeks ago turned up in Iowa, reports Tulsa World.

The former Arrow driver, John Eischens, ditched his truck on Christmas Day in Montana and made his way back after hitching a ride with another trucker. 

But there’s still trucks and trailers scattered across the country that haven’t been accounted for.

Navistar and Daimler are struggling to retrieve hundreds of pieces of equipment.

Of the 125 International trucks and 125 flatbed trailers, Navistar has found 43 trucks and trailers, the World reports. It is offering a $200 reward for tips that lead to the equipment.

Daimler has been somewhat more successful. It has tracked down 835 out of 967 trucks, but still has 429 trailers missing.

Arrow ceased operations on Dec. 21, without warning. It layed off all 1,400 employees and drivers without notice after its main creditor froze the company’s fuel credit cards and operating capital.

A class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of many of the drivers left stranded.