Automatic transmission with a smooth bore tanker

I prefer auto too even though the Eaton I am driving now isn't as good as iShift or DT12.

I don't need a stick in my hand to feel like a man.

 

I also work for TDC, but so far the guys who work out of my terminal like the autos. There’sa couple things they’d like tweaked, but overall no one seems to mind. It does take some getting used to it though. I know the owner is watching the fuel mileage closely and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if in 5 years were an all auto fleet.

 

John, I think your right. There will be a big shift to automateds. The last couple generation of kids, don't like driving as it is and if companies are going to get new drivers in their truck, automated is going to be the easiest. The learning curve will be lessened and safer in the long run. Frankly, I don't miss my left leg being stronger. LOL

 

I just hit 50 and got my CDL in 1995 in a manual so hardly a new generation kid, but I prefer autos simply because they are easier to operate. I have a philosophy that if I can make the same money doing easier work then that's what I’m going to do.

When companies start paying more to drive a stick vs an auto then I reserve the right to change my stance on sticks.

 

I'll add this;
I was against electronically shifted manual transmissions (not really automatics, unless you're talking about the Allison) until I drove a Volvo with one. I couldn't believe how smooth and nice they are to drive, the first traffic jam really sold me!.
But, when I moved to KAG, and their Peterbilts, I couldn't believe the difference in them.
The Volvo "automatic" was almost as nice as a car to drive, easy to maneuver, back to a dock, or hook or unhook trailers, especially doubles.
KAG now has newer Pete's that are much improved, but their older Pete's were very jerky, sort of like a centrifugal clutch, where you need a certain amount of rpm to get it to move, then it takes off with a jerk. I'd hate to try to back into a dock with one, dropping and hooking trailers was a real adventure in 5th wheel securement testing, and they're terrible in the winter, you couldn't get them to move without spinning the wheels. Trying to maneuver around anything, with all the hopping and jumping, makes you like you've never driven a truck before, especially with a liquid load.
My main reason to not buy a used, out of warranty one, is the cost of repairs. That electronic stuff gets real expensive real fast., but I'd buy a new one with warranty today, if I was going to buy a new truck.