Wondering if I should pursue trucking

Automatic transmission trucks get getter fuel mileage.
Stick shifts are practical for specialty trucks, such as heavy haul.
Most companies are getting rid of stick shift trucks.

 

If you enjoy living in a 6 by 6 cubicle with no heat or running water and be treated like a dog- that is worse than a dog all the time; working for less than a McDonalds worker, sure by all means go into trucking.

In my opinion its one of the worst industries to get into right now. Hands down.

 

Just a little inspiration for you. Glenwood Springs, CO, last week or so. And I am absolutely not mechanically inclined myself.

 

Most smaller companies dont have "terminals" all across the country... They may have one or 2 yards and a shop, usually where they are based out of.

My company doesnt have terminals, we have 1 yard that has the office and shop. No facilities for the driver at the yard other than bathrooms during office hours. But it is a small company of about 70 trucks. I run from the Rockies to the Midwest every week and average about 3700 miles every 8 to 10 days (thats including 1 to 3 days home between every trip).

Anither reason many companies are switch to automatic transmissions is that it is much easier to find and/or train driver to drive an automatic. Many people these days cant drive a manual car... And a manual truck does not shift like a manual car, it is much more complicated. Some smaller companies still believe the old adage, "If you cant shift a Rig proficiently, you probably should drive one." So learning to drive a manual would Definetally be a good thing... But Definetally not required.