Truck Driving Jobs

dieselgrl · #1 08-17-2006, 12:40 AM

I know I've not said much on here as of late, but I figure it's about time to pipe up again.

I've jumped ship to a new carrier, and a new trailer at that - I'm going flatbed with Arrow Trucking Company out of Tulsa, OK.

I just wanted to make mention of Arrow's Orientation program... frankly, it has blown my socks off. The company is quite thorough - orientation lasts approximately a week, but the most impressive parts of it are offered by the Safety Department - live truck demos of stopping distances and cargo shifting problems, mirror setups that proved to all experienced drivers here that we have been cutting our vision dangerously short by how we normally set our equipment up, and a backing demo of how those mirrors actually work. Add into that a top notch lease program, and instructors that want to see you succeed, and I'm really liking the company so far.

The only major downfall I've found so far? If you are an experienced driver with no flatbed experience, they still put you with the old time flatbedders to learn load securement and tarping - which only lasts about an hour on two days in which time you learn NOTHING and are then expected to be able to test out. I am voluntarily staying in Tulsa to put myself through the "rookie" securement course on Friday after the other experienced drivers leave so I have a better handle on the situation before I'm at a shipper somewhere.

Add to that, I'm venturing into business for my own through Arrow's Lease-Purchase program. I am impressed by how everything is up front, and the entire process is completely "no pressure". Arrow even released a copy of the lease contract and the sign on contract so I could have them examined by an attorney if I chose - something which I've never succeeded in getting from any other company I considered.

Tony_Soprano · #2 08-17-2006, 01:13 AM

if you're determined to be an o/o, are you going to join ooida?? it's the best investment in your future.. they'll look over the lease for free, and you can find out if it benefits you, or the company... good luck whatever you choose

dieselgrl · #3 08-17-2006, 01:22 AM

I've carried membership to OOIDA as a company driver, and this is not a decision I've come into lightly or on a whim. Extensive research, number crunching, and business plans have been done. My main point here wasn't to talk to the lease side, but instead the orientation. Impressive company driver, owner operator, or lease contractor alike.

keeso · #4 08-17-2006, 04:31 AM

I went to Arrows orientation in Tulsa... I agree with you...Their take on proper set-up on mirrors was especially impressive.

Colin · #5 08-17-2006, 07:16 AM

I guess this is why your Swift blog has not been updated in 3 months... :wink:

I hope your choice is a good one.

keeso · #6 08-17-2006, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colin

I guess this is why your Swift blog has not been updated in 3 months... :wink:

I hope your choice is a good one.

Actally I went to Arrows orientation about 2.5 yrs ago....I left orientation when I found out my wife was diagnosed with liver cancer. I did not begin my trucking 'career' untill after my wife died in June of '04. I would not work for Arrow.

dieselgrl · #7 08-18-2006, 12:04 AM

So far all looks well, and yes, that's part of the reason why I shut down my Swift blog 8) Of course, things may change when I get my truck and get out on the road, but after testing out of all my training classes today, I'm feeling rather good about the company - but like anything, the real test will be forthcoming out on the road.

heavenbound · #8 08-18-2006, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tndieselgrl

So far all looks well, and yes, that's part of the reason why I shut down my Swift blog 8) Of course, things may change when I get my truck and get out on the road, but after testing out of all my training classes today, I'm feeling rather good about the company - but like anything, the real test will be forthcoming out on the road.

Well good luck to you at arrow and when you get to the Houston terminal, give me a shout out.

dieselgrl · #9 08-18-2006, 12:49 AM

heavenbound, do you work for Arrow?

I figure I'll see Houston more often than Tulsa since I live smack dab between Dallas/Houston and the route to Laredo. I love living in a major freight lane....

sbphilli · #10 08-23-2006, 04:24 PM

tndieselgrl, i too drive for arrow. hired on back in march and am running the ne regional. i agree with what you say about the orientation and the lease. i had a minor heart attack the end of june and am looking at getting back into my truck the first part of sept. everyone there4 in tulsa has done everything to help me along and hopes i get back soon. maybe we can meet up in tulsa and grab some coffee when we do. i'll let you know more when the time comes.

Steve