Driver abandoned truck and trailer.

Try contacting Geyer auctions. Search "Ken Geyer Real Estate Auctioneers."
They are currently liquidating the largest Porsche dismantling yard in the US.
I have no affiliation with them, but was a satisfied buyer/customer several times.
Don't be surprised if he calls you right back personally.

Another option is make a listing on "Bring a trailer."

There are auction sites that let you set the minimum you would accept.
Sell them on the same auction, but list each separately.
Add any other items you may want to liquidate; nothings too small.
Prices you quoted were ridiculous.

 

Apparently you can sue up to $20,000 in Texas small claims court. I suspect that you would never collect on a judgement against the driver, but it might be nice to have it hanging over his head.

 

It's been there for some time. Don't rush to call the ex-driver a thief. Anyone could have rolled up there at night and grabbed stuff. Heck. Could have done it in broad daylight for that matter.

 

Suggestions? Yes. Sell the truck for whatever you can get for it. Take the hit financially before you get in any deeper. Declare bankruptcy if you have to but get away from the debt.
Quit expecting the government to be your safety blanket. You made bad decisions. Maybe they were made in honest ignorance but they're costing you more than you've gained so far.
The only enemy you have is yourself and your unrealistic expectations.
If you decide to stay in the trucking business, remember the lessons you've learned. Or, get out of trucking entirely. Your choice entirely.

 

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. If you were near me I’d slap you and tell you to be a man. Stand up straight, pull up your pants and get to work.

Just because some POS crapped on your parade, doesn’t mean you have to throw it all away. File your police reports for the theft, and keep on trucking. Karma will either run into, over, or pepper this mother####er in the face 54 times with a 12 gauge.

Man up and get back to business. Don’t sell your truck for pennies on the dollar.