Wondering if I should pursue trucking

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Lisa9, Oct 18, 2020.

  1. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    How's everything in Nashville these days?
    Been to Wyoming recently?
     
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  3. dngrous_dime

    dngrous_dime Road Train Member

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    *Allerbammer
     
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  4. ad356

    ad356 Road Train Member

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    I know a few women that can grab gears as good as any man. Learn how to shift, and DO NOT get your road test in an autoshift. Still allot of great jobs driving manual, plus it gives you better control and is more fun to drive. My personal favorite is an Eaton 18 speed, what a great transmission
     
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  5. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    90+% of all trainees will be in an automatic going forward. Not saying she could or would be unable to operate a manual transmission.
    I too started out on a 13 and even spent some time on a 2 stick spicer 16.
    But since the 90s have been in 9 and now 10 speeds. Currently we only have 6 manual trucks in the fleet as they are going to all auto.
    Over 40+ years of shifting and given a choice I'll pick a manual but gotta say an auto is not a problem for me.
     
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  6. Just passing by

    Just passing by Road Train Member

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    Hi. Female driver here. Started in 2007. Oilfield in southern New Mexico. Tanker hauler since the beginning.
    I say go for it! And keep reading thru TTR forums, lots to learn and share in here.
    Best of luck to you!
     
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  7. Lisa9

    Lisa9 Light Load Member

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    Thank you, Cattleman84! That's impressive you taught yourself how to drive these large trucks. Sounds like backing up is one of the harder skills to learn. It's nice to know even the pros have an off day.

    A couple of you all have mentioned trucks are automatic nowadays instead of manual. It would be good to learn manual just in case. Plus it might be fun to work the gears (although I say that now without any experience).

    Appreciate your input! Ty!
     
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  8. Lisa9

    Lisa9 Light Load Member

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    Will do! Thanks for the link and for your encouragement, Dockbumper!
     
  9. Lisa9

    Lisa9 Light Load Member

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    Thank you again, JoeTruck! Your comments have helped me feel much more comfortable. And it's a relief to learn that a trainer will be with me when I start.
     
  10. Lisa9

    Lisa9 Light Load Member

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    Appreciate your input, ad356! Helps to hear that women are doing well driving these trucks.

    Will I have an option as to testing on an auto vs a manual? Or does it depend on what the school/company has available? I wonder why trucks became auto when it sounds like manual has more benefits. Why do you prefer the Eaton 18?
     
  11. Lisa9

    Lisa9 Light Load Member

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