Automatic only in school?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Stallonejr, Apr 26, 2022.

  1. CaliRaised

    CaliRaised Light Load Member

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    I think you are the one who actually needs to do that. You overestimate how many companies actually have manual trucks. Companies are not replacing manual trucks with manual trucks. When they get ride of manual trucks, they are replaced with automatic. See where this is going? Now go count with fingers and toes to figure it out.
     
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  3. rockeee

    rockeee Medium Load Member

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    Interesting comparison and response. All I can do is wish you luck.
     
  4. fngmoto

    fngmoto Light Load Member

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    It was harder to learn shifting a manual truck when knowing how to drive a manual car. I kept reverting back to muscle memory on a car, trucks dont like that.
     
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  5. TugHillRider

    TugHillRider Light Load Member

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    I would take the time to learn on a stick shift, unless you physically cant.

    It just keeps many options open.
     
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  6. Kirbs

    Kirbs Light Load Member

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    I think 99% of all paid company CDL schools will have you use an auto. Who wants to drop $5000+ in cash to go to a private trucking school AND still be limited to bottom feeder OTR companies, since most local/good companies want +2 years experience? Even worst, I believe all OTR companies are basically using autos, so you wouldn't even get manual experience after graduating. Almost everyone will choose the option that allows them to earn some money while in training and have guaranteed employment. However this is a trap. Once you've gotten your experience and want to move up to a better paying job, you'll be screwed because those jobs will most likely require you to use a manual. How will you learn to drive a manual if you already have a full time trucking job? You'd have to quit, pay $5000+ to train(and hope you don't get a crappy trainer) and then hope you get hired before your savings run out. Very, very risky.

    It's a really crappy situation all around. You can be a perfect driver with a clean record, 1mil+ safe miles, yet some local company wont hire you because their fleet is half autos half sticks. I've looked around for companies that pay you while in training and also uses manuals, and there's really only 2 or 3 companies.
     
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  7. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    Don't let the misinformation in the above post make you think an auto restriction is going to limit you. There's plenty of good Megas out there. Plus the industry is slowly going towards automatic. You'll never run into a problem finding a good job.

    Unlike how some people like to generalize. Not all Megas are bad and not all Mom and Pop are good.
     
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  8. Todd727

    Todd727 Light Load Member

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    It's really not even slowly, it's rapidly. Look at new trucks on the lots or newer trucks in places like TruckPaper.
     
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  9. firemedic2816

    firemedic2816 Heavy Load Member

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    So your frontal cortex is only able to do one function at a time?
     
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  10. W923

    W923 Heavy Load Member

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    I have to agree it seems like the auto takeover is moving fast but it’s sure not helping the price of 13 and 18 speed transmission at the salvage yard….can’t wait for the day I can buy one for 1000 because there obsolete like the rest of my stuff
     
    Bean Jr. and Wasted Thyme Thank this.
  11. Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

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    My 5 year anniversary was this week. I actually like driving for them. But I am happy that it's my own truck, without their signature colors.
     
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