Training, manual/automatic?

Deerhunter, when do you plan on getting your CDL ?

 

Oh. Well that makes it easy. Find another company. All the new trucks that the teams are getting are automatics. So Enjoy your other company.

NEXT!!!..........

 

When I started training, I had a 10 speed, but they put me in an automatic a couple months ago. I definitely like it more than the older automatics. I had a 2009 or 2010 ProStar that had an automatic when I was with USA Truck that I'm using as a comparison. Starting is a lot smoother and backing/maneuvering is significantly better; there is almost no difference in feel than a manual, aside from slightly bumping off the dock here and there.

I do believe it is luck of the draw for what truck you get out of training, but if you're polite with the equipment manager, they might be willing to accommodate your preference. It never hurts to politely ask, especially if you're asking for a manual.

 

Summer of 2015. We are waiting till the kids graduate this spring ..

Con-Way TL will be our 1st choice if USX is all auto's .. We just can't afford not to know how to drive a stick properly before we drive an auto.. just doesn't make sense to handicap ourselves..

 

Is it only a DOT physical? Or does USX do one of those agility test, work well type test where you're lifting weights and having your heartbeat monitored?

 

They do have an agility test but its not that difficult unless you are a fatty or really tall and cant fit under a trailer. The OTR test is even easier than the dedicated test and if you have experience you can opt out of dedicated (for dollar accounts) Trainees don't get that choice.

 

I have driven a manual but my hubs and I have a 2015 Freightliner automatic and we LOVE it. Especially for up and down hills, there is no worry that you will miss a gear if you shift up or down. And the freedom to go back and forth between manual and automatic is pretty nice Great fuel economy (7.5 to 8.5 mpg) means less fuel stops.... Plus the sleeper design on them is the one that I like the best out of all the different models out there.