THE DEMISE OF ARROW TRUCKING
BY DRIVER & POET TREVOR HARDWICK
By now you’ve all probably heard about the fall of Arrow Trucking and the predicament they left their drivers in right before Christmas – hundreds of drivers left stranded without a job, a paycheck or a ride home. I’ll never understand how big companies can arrive at a decision to treat their workforce in such a way. It reminds me of a time when my dad was leased to Pirkle Freightlines in the late 1980s and they left their drivers and owner-operators looking for a new home on the Christmas Eve of 1989. There was no warning – they just shut their doors! I’d like to take this space to thank the drivers out there who stepped-up and made the effort to get these Arrow drivers home. I’ve never driven for Arrow, but I wrote this poem immediately upon hearing the news of their sudden demise. I remember how devastating it was for my family when the same thing happened to my dad. I’m praying for a fast recovery of the careers and finances for those who lost their jobs, and for the drivers who helped them. I’m also praying for forgiveness for those involved in making the decision to pull the plug on what used to be a strong U.S. trucking fleet. I dedicate “Broken Arrow” to the drivers. I’d also like to thank Hank Suderman for allowing us to use one of his photos, which we found on his website at www.hankstruckpictures.com.
BROKEN ARROW
By Trevor Hardwick
Isn’t this a cryin’ shame, my paycheck ain’t no good.
I just fueled up and now my card, ain’t workin’ like it should.
I walk back out there, to my truck, and call to tell the boss.
Just to find they’ve closed their doors, and now my job is lost.
What the heck do I do now, as I’m told to park the truck.
I have to find a new way home, and now I’m just plain stuck.
Thoughts are racing through my mind, I haven’t any cash.
I could sell some pieces off the truck, and leave them with the trash.
I wouldn’t in a million years, but what else should I do?
I call my family back at home, and tell them all the news.
I won’t be home for Christmas, and I can’t afford the gifts.
I guess I’ll have to go and ask, a trucker for a lift.
What kind of ethics must they have, to pull the plug like that?
I should’ve guessed ‘cause all this week, all I’ve done is sat.
I’ll sell my C.B. radio, my books and DVD’s.
I guess I’ll give the fuel desk clerk, my good-for-nothin’ keys.
I’ll overcome and rise above, I’ll start from scratch again.
Meanwhile, I’ll be headed home, with my thumb out in the wind.
Happy New Year, big boss man, I hope it’s prosperous.
I guess I wasn’t working for, an outfit I could trust.
I thought I did my very best, to represent your fleet.
You’ve turned your back on all of us, and left us in the street.
I’m still a damn good driver, It’s just wheels that I lack.
As I head toward new beginnings, with an “Arrow” in my back!