Companies running automatic transmissions?

WOW! Been driving truck since 1982. Just bought my 1st truck with an Ultrashift transmission, 2014 Peterbilt 579 ISX 15 450hp 10sp Ultrashift plus transmission. FYI automatic trucks shift for optimal fuel mileage has nothing to do with whether or not you can drive a manual. As far as a sissy truck I bet you I can put my sissy automatic truck in manual and shift and get up to speed faster than you can shifting a manual. As to the post a lot of companies have a mix of both manual and automatic trucks., just call the company your interested in and ask.

 

KLLM are shifting their fleet (no pun intended) from manuals to autos very soon. Words from an instructor there.

 

I love my Ultrashift, I'm getting 7.3 mpg with my setup. Sold my 2001 Classic had a 10sp manual that thing was killing my knee when I get into rush hour traffic. 2 pedal automatic is nice.

 

They're switching over to automatics to try and lure in more drivers due to the shortage (opinion)

 

Your probably right but it's also a lot to do with wear and tear and fuel mileage. Automatic transmission will shift for optimal fuel mileage while most drivers with manual transmissions are winding out each gear on the upshift bad habit a not a good way to get the high numbers for fuel mileage. I'm an O/O I pay for my own fuel so thats important to my bottom lune.

 

But in the mountains an auto will tend to get less mpg than a manual imo. But then again I’ve never worked at a place that cared about fuel mileage.

 

I disagree. It's no different than a manual transmission when in mountains you put it in manual mode you shift when you want it to until your out of grade areas then put it back in auto mode. Alot of drivers are skeptical about the automatic transmissions (I was to till I drove one) about power, mountain driving ect. Problem with most company trucks with automatic transmissions is that the company has cut the settings back in the name of fuel mileage. My truck has had everything bumped up to maximum settings my ecm would take, completely unrestricted along with a performance tune, I took my ecm off truck and sent it out to get that done plus a complete EGR and EGR cooler delete with aftertreatment delete.

 

In manual mode and not cut back they are still a slow and notchy shifter.

A good driver is able to shift quicker, smoother, and more efficient.

The automatic is only gets better fuel milage when it is used to factor out the bad drivers in a fleet. It is a hindrance to a good driver.

 

Why would you not want a feature which makes your life easier?
I've loved the T680 and 579 autos
My whole short career..won't drive anything else.

 

Shifting isn’t exactly hard. It’s a simple action.