Automatics..for newbies..really???

It is my understanding that not a lot of companies use 18 speeds anymore. Is this not the case?

 

This is assuming that they go to a company which does training, which many drivers with two or more years under their belts won't be looking to do. I'm sure they'd get looked at, but if they fail the road test on account of not being able to shift, and that company doesn't do training, then there really isn't much recourse there.

While I'm sure they'd be in the minority, there are plenty who would turn down a driver who wasn't able to shift during the road test. I've witnessed this myself quite a few times. I've road tested some of them for my employers. There's still a fair number of companies out there who hire only experienced drivers, and don't do training unless it's for particular equipment they run (such as walking floor trailers, booms, etc.).

I agree somewhat, but I still think it's something they should be mindful of. Automatics are more commonplace, but they're not in the majority. Yes, if someone gets a great job opportunity in an automatic truck, that should be no reason for them to walk away from it. I agree with that.

There are plenty which still use 9, 10, and 13 speeds.. if you get hung up on an 18 speed, you'd get hung up on those, as well. The 18 speed uses the same shift pattern as the 8LL, 9 speed, and 13 speed transmissions. It would take a little adjustment for someone to transition from a 10 speed to an H-pattern transmission, but if they have the basics of shifting down, all they have to do is familiarize themselves with the shift pattern, which will come easily enough.

 

And that's all I'm really saying. The transmission type is no reason a new driver should avoid applying to an otherwise good company or accepting a job from one. The resulting lack of manual shifting experience is a problem isn't impossible to solve. Its not any kind of career ender or even a career stopper. If it ends up being a problem (and there is no guarantee that it ever will) its a problem that can always be solved.

I mean I've gotten jobs because I happened to have flatbed experience. But no one is recommending new drivers to go out and make sure they absolutely positively drive flatbeds because it might end up being important later. I really think having a mastery of manual shifting that kind of thing. Its nice to have if you can get it, but don't go turning down jobs simply because of the transmission.

 

Well I guess the reason you and I disagree is you seem to feel that no new driver is capable of learning to shift without the help of a trainer.

Lots of drivers on the road never spent any significant time with a trainer and yet they shift just fine. Are they freaks of nature? I don't think so. Some guys do better with the help of a trainer I suppose but it just doesn't seem absolutely imperative to me. At least not as far as shifting goes.

And like I said even if it does end up being a problem, there are lots of ways to solve it. If company A won't hire you, more than likely companies B C and D will. Do 6 months with one of them to get shifting down and then go anywhere you like. And keep in mind, you'll now have some amount of driving experience under your belt. So backing, getting around corners and all the other challenges new drivers face will be no problem. So all you'll have left to learn is shifting. Should take a driver like that no more than a week or two. I just don't see the problem with it.

 

when i was in Truckingschool, 1 of my Instructers said this

-stickshift is where the action's at

-an automatic is like a taco with no meat in it, or a Burrito with no Tortilla.....

 

I am a trucker for money. And I find Auto is easier and faster money. Also, when I was a newbie, I preferred to driver Auto so I can learn EVERYTHING else about trucking and not be distracted with gear shifting. Once ALL that was accomplished, learning to shift gears came naturally and effortlessly.
As a company owner, I'd rather put all the newbie's in Autos = safety, lesser tranny repairs, cheaper trainer costs, better fuel mileage, saving on insurance = more money. Just my 2cents.

 

I dont mind the thought of automatics for a new driver. mind you i am a new driver, but it took me all of 2 hrs over 2 days to learn to shift properly without grinding too much. Im probably not the greatest at it. but if i were to not have to shift for 6 mos to a year, id be able to pick it up easily enough.