Starting Arrow on Monday; Any Advice From Current Drivers?

[dcedlr]

Well, I am heading out for Arrow on Saturday and starting orientation on Monday. After a few weeks of research I think they are the best company to start out with.

If you drive for Arrow and can give me some advice on orientation and the training I would appreciate it. Also, if there are any other drivers starting orientation Monday October 15, leave a message with your e-mail and I will get in touch with you. Maybe we can get together for dinner on the weekend.

[tootie04]

not there now BUT my boyfriend drove for Arrow for 3 years. Unlike some we didnt have alot of the problems some guys have had. Orientation is good and the training is better than most. make sure you take clothes for BOTH seasons this time of year!!

Are you an experienced driver or will you get a trainer??

We leased our truck and were never a company driver, but I do know that they can be slow in the winter (just like all the other flatbed companies) so you need to be patient and smart when running. Try to stay out of Texas and the Southeast in the winter time.

I know it didnt help much but hope it helped some!! 8)

tootie

[Texas88]

My son just started with them. On his 2nd week as an experienced driver, but not flat bedding.
Had no problems yet, but way to soon to tell. Heard some good things, and some bad. But just like his last company, good one week, and terrible next.
Good Dispatcher, keep busy. Bad dispatcher, sit around and cuss.
So far he has a load before he drops the last one. Will see how long that lasts???
One complaint is deadheading to the next load. No mileage pay unless over 200 miles. That can be very discouraging... But his goal is to get 6 to 8 months experience and go to the heavy haul division where his wive can run as chaser...
They both lost 5 lbs since they started. Not drop & hook any more, but has to work preparing his load.

[tootie04]

My son just started with them. On his 2nd week as an experienced driver, but not flat bedding.
Had no problems yet, but way to soon to tell. Heard some good things, and some bad. But just like his last company, good one week, and terrible next.
Good Dispatcher, keep busy. Bad dispatcher, sit around and cuss.
So far he has a load before he drops the last one. Will see how long that lasts???
One complaint is deadheading to the next load. No mileage pay unless over 200 miles. That can be very discouraging... But his goal is to get 6 to 8 months experience and go to the heavy haul division where his wive can run as chaser...
They both lost 5 lbs since they started. Not drop & hook any more, but has to work preparing his load.

He must be regional then....the OTR guys and lease guys get paid for every mile....DH and loaded.

tootie

[namakanta]

for flat bed companies arrow is the lowest of the low. the pay is below what some van drivers get. but you will work twice as hard as them.
the equipment is mostly 4 year old flat top freightliners that you can not stand up in the sleeper unless your are undr five ft. tall.
most of their loads go back an forth from tx to ok. not a real over the road co.
they have drivers with one hand on the wheel and the other on the meth pipe.
if you whant a first class flat bed outfit try melton transport, also in tulsa

[dcedlr]

for flat bed companies arrow is the lowest of the low. the pay is below what some van drivers get. but you will work twice as hard as them.
the equipment is mostly 4 year old flat top freightliners that you can not stand up in the sleeper unless your are undr five ft. tall.
most of their loads go back an forth from tx to ok. not a real over the road co.
they have drivers with one hand on the wheel and the other on the meth pipe.
if you whant a first class flat bed outfit try melton transport, also in tulsa

I appreciate the advice on Melton. However, I have no driving experience and just got my CDL so I need to start somewhere. Arrow is actually the highest paying company that I could find that accepts drivers with no experience. If Arrow does not make me happy, Melton looks like a great opportunity, but they require experience. Crete is also on my horizon when I get a little experience. It appears that after 6 months both companies would be available if I am not happy at Arrow. Thanks again for the heads up on Melton; looks like a good company from what I read on the website.

[dcedlr]

for flat bed companies arrow is the lowest of the low. the pay is below what some van drivers get. but you will work twice as hard as them.
the equipment is mostly 4 year old flat top freightliners that you can not stand up in the sleeper unless your are undr five ft. tall.
most of their loads go back an forth from tx to ok. not a real over the road co.
they have drivers with one hand on the wheel and the other on the meth pipe.
if you whant a first class flat bed outfit try melton transport, also in tulsa

I appreciate the advice on Melton. However, I have no driving experience and just got my CDL so I need to start somewhere. Arrow is actually the highest paying company that I could find that accepts drivers with no experience. If Arrow does not make me happy, Melton looks like a great opportunity, but they require experience. Crete is also on my horizon when I get a little experience. It appears that after 6 months both companies would be available if I am not happy at Arrow. Thanks again for the heads up on Melton; looks like a good company from what I read on the website.

[dcedlr]

for flat bed companies arrow is the lowest of the low. the pay is below what some van drivers get. but you will work twice as hard as them.
the equipment is mostly 4 year old flat top freightliners that you can not stand up in the sleeper unless your are undr five ft. tall.
most of their loads go back an forth from tx to ok. not a real over the road co.
they have drivers with one hand on the wheel and the other on the meth pipe.
if you whant a first class flat bed outfit try melton transport, also in tulsa

I appreciate the advice on Melton. However, I have no driving experience and just got my CDL so I need to start somewhere. Arrow is actually the highest paying company that I could find that accepts drivers with no experience. If Arrow does not make me happy, Melton looks like a great opportunity, but they require experience. Crete is also on my horizon when I get a little experience. It appears that after 6 months both companies would be available if I am not happy at Arrow. Thanks again for the heads up on Melton; looks like a good company from what I read on the website.

[Arrow Driver]

for flat bed companies arrow is the lowest of the low. the pay is below what some van drivers get. but you will work twice as hard as them.
the equipment is mostly 4 year old flat top freightliners that you can not stand up in the sleeper unless your are undr five ft. tall.
most of their loads go back an forth from tx to ok. not a real over the road co.
they have drivers with one hand on the wheel and the other on the meth pipe.
if you whant a first class flat bed outfit try melton transport, also in tulsa

What???, I drive an arrow freightliner, arrow doesn't have any flat tops, they are mid roofs, I'm 5'10 and I got atleast a foot over my head in the sleeper. I love people who love to talk about things they know nothing about.

[Texas88]

My son must have lucked out? He got the only FL condo in the yard? But then again, he has his wife & dog all the time..... :wink:

[Arrow Driver]

I joined arrow just like like you, first otr job I've had, The most important thing to remember about arrow orientation is it starts on monday, but your not hired untill thursday, 60% of your class will be cut by thursday, most for driving record, or heath problems, they sent a guy home out of my class for low blood pressure, they almost sent me home for low protien count in my urine. Don't sweat the backing and driving tests, I know a guy who couldn't hit the dock in the 15 minutes they gave him, but he still made it, they understand some people get stressed when being watched, well atleast everybody but craig understands. Keep your nose clean at the hotel to, they are watching!!!, be careful what you say to your room mate, he may not be another student, my class had a trainer acting as a student, don't go to a bar, and just because there is an arrow truck parked out side of the strip club doesn't mean it's a good idea to go in. Any other questions, just ask (ArrowDriver@hotmail.com)