Arrow info wanted for newbie
#21
09-23-2007, 12:00 PM
Questions about Arrow
Originally Posted by tndieselgrl
I can't speak for SMX, since I've never worked for them (but interestingly enough, the new President at Arrow is from SMX) - but I can say that the folks at Arrow will be straightforward with you. Sometimes things go well here, sometimes they just plain suck - but that's the nature of the industry. It's the people here that keep me with Arrow - I could make better money elsewhere with my experience, but Arrow's never lied to me like I've experienced with other companies out there.
One note about the regional...I ran Dallas, TX Regional when I first came to the company in 2006. The plus about Regional was the hometime - down there I was often home 3+ times a week at least for the night and still bringing home a decent paycheck. The downside of Regional is that if freight dries up in a region, you suffer the lack of loads. That took a toll on me as well, so I can speak to that one. It's easier to budget on a linehaul deal - you know how many miles you need to run to make your money to pay your bills. But if hometime is a major issue, you may see if there are any openings on a Regional board. If you're in OK, I'm assuming you're looking at Tulsa Regional. That can be the hardest one to get on with honestly. All you can do is ask. I'd recommend you going linehaul for just a little while though to experience some different roads and driving conditions, but that's just me. I will probably be starting with Arrow on October 8. I do not mind being out on the road since I do not have a family. I want to run at least 2500 mi a week. Never less than 2000 average in a month or I would not be able to pay my bills. Is this a problem with Arrow? Also, since we are out for a month at a time, how are the trucks? Condos or raised roofs? 10 speed or auto? Hookups for microwave, tv, laptop, etc? Opti-air or Idle-air paid fully. Expenses other than food that we are responsible for? Lastly, if you could make a list of items to make a flatbed drivers life easier what would they be? Thanks in advance for your input.
#23
09-24-2007, 12:37 AM
Originally Posted by dcedlr
I will probably be starting with Arrow on October 8. I do not mind being out on the road since I do not have a family. I want to run at least 2500 mi a week. Never less than 2000 average in a month or I would not be able to pay my bills. Is this a problem with Arrow? Also, since we are out for a month at a time, how are the trucks? Condos or raised roofs? 10 speed or auto? Hookups for microwave, tv, laptop, etc? Opti-air or Idle-air paid fully. Expenses other than food that we are responsible for? Lastly, if you could make a list of items to make a flatbed drivers life easier what would they be? Thanks in advance for your input.
Equipment - Freightliner columbia midroof, International eagle midroof, or Kenworth T600 flat tops are most common. Lately, arrow has been buying kenworth T600 condos (mostly going to trainers and current arrow drivers), and some older Freightliner columbia condos are still in the fleet. IMO, the freightliners have the most room. All trucks are wired for inverters from the shop - you are allowed up to a 1000 watt. I run a real fridge, and a cooking eye on mine - but it will only run the smallest truckstop microwave. All trucks are 10 speed eaton fuller transmissions. Idleaire is paid in full for company drivers. Though any extras like the premium channels on tv, or internet is not paid by the company. Some trucks are now being equipped with APU units, but that's still a luck deal. Only going on 2007 and newer from my understanding. As a company driver, you are not responsible for anything the truck needs. You are reimbursed for tolls not covered by ezpass or the oklahoma pike pass and scales. Arrow does pay the reimbursements on time and in full. I've never had an issue with payroll on that. I am a lease purchase operator, so I can only tell you what my miles look like. Like any segment of trucking, there are ups and downs. I, nor anyone out there can guarantee miles unfortunately. I've had great weeks at 3200 miles...I've had lows of 1500. It depends on the market. Generally the figure of 2000-2500 is attainable so long as you are willing to run anywhere and haul anything. The northeast is the strongest region in winter - if you are willing to run that, you should be ok. As for the list...I think there was a thread not too long ago about flatbedding tips...but ill see what I can think up...right now, I've got to cook breakfast for my rider :wink:
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"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but straps and chains excite me!" :lol: ~ Flatbedder's Credo
#24
09-24-2007, 12:42 AM
Originally Posted by swampman
live in south alabama and was wondering about the southwest regional. i am wanting to know how often arrow runs thru alabama.
__________________
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but straps and chains excite me!" :lol: ~ Flatbedder's Credo
#26
09-26-2007, 03:40 PM
Stand up room
I drive a Columbia Mid-Roof and have plenty of headroom at 5'9" . . . I'm just trying to figure out where I can carry my golf clubs and my folding pull-cart!
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Git along little doggie
#27
09-26-2007, 03:57 PM
Arrow info
I am also an Arrow driver (linehaul out of Tulsa) and have been driving since Mid May and have around 43000 miles so far . . . I've been in all but 9 of the lower 48 (nh, vt, me, ri, ct, id, wa, or and mt) I've been home twice this last month for a total of 7 days . . . they have reimbursed for everything I've reported so far . . . they just put a cap on Idle-Aire at 9 hours a day . . . and my DM and I chatted on the qualcom about it (basically I vented about our 10 hour breaks and only 9 hours of IA or a 34 hour restart and only 18 out of 34 hours paid by the company what's a driver to do?) Basically, people were taking advantage of the company and they just had to cap it. I'm glad to be with Arrow and probably will stay . . . like the other guy said, they're good people.
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