Well, I guess if nowhere else, this is where I should chime in.... I've worked for both.
That said, if you're wanting to skateboard, I would *highly* recommend Arrow over Swift, and not from the reputaion either company has (or doesn't!).
To put it frankly, Swift is primarily a dry van carrier, only three terminals that I recall even have flatbed planners/driver managers (Phoenix, AZ, Greer, SC and Gary, IN.) Their equipment is generally older on that side of the fleet, and freight much less. Most of the Swift flatbedders I've seen lately have been yanking dry vans around. That flexibility can be nice in the winter to keep you rolling, but it's also going to pay you dry van miles. I worked for them for two years, and really didn't mind it at the Swift camp - but that was as a dry van, when I wanted to go flatbed, I had to look elsewhere.
Arrow's orientation is top notch, even teaching the old timers in my orientation a few new things about their mirrors :wink: The equipment is varied (KWs, Freightliners and Internationals with a range of engines), and usually in pretty decent condition. There's not so much step deck freight, at least in the region I ran, but there are plenty of regular 48' aluminum spread axle trailers and steel flatbeds if you know where to snag one. Generally speaking, the people in the office are helpful and friendly, and the driver managers go to bat for you. I had my own issues with load planners at times out of Houston, but I can't say I never did with Swift either :wink: My suggestion to you though is that if you go to Arrow, stay on the linehaul board - I got penned in on the regional freight, and watched it fall out from under me. Also, the training department is a just a phonecall away if you have a load securement question.
Feel free to PM me if you've got any specific questions I've not addressed.
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"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but straps and chains excite me!" :lol: ~ Flatbedder's Credo
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