new driver?

First step is to contact some good OTR companies and ask what you need to do to be hired. Don't worry about shifting, you'll do OK there and many companies use automatics anyway these days.

Schneider Bulk
Superior Carriers
Groendyke Tranport
CTL Transportation-has their own 3 week course for driving.
SVTN
Tidewater Transit
Trimac Transportation
A&R Logistics

 

It would not surprise me if more companies use automatic transmissions as time goes by.

 

Companies will give you a road test and more than likely put you with an OTR trainer fora while to get used to the Elogs because you were with an oil field exemptions on the HOS.

 

This is kinda funny, but I you are the 3rd driver that had asked about looking for trucking companies, in the Road King magazine there was an add that is called Professional Driver Agency, I think they help drivers find employment, check it out it might be worth looking into.

 

Maverick would be a good fit. They will put you with a trainer if you ask for it and they use automatics.

 

When they take u out on road test if u fail u go out with trainer. This is what u wanted anyway. With any company I started out with I always asked will I get points deducted on clutching or floating the response I always get drive the truck like u do. As far as for backing I was out truck for about a year because of injury and my shifting was rusty I hit curbs. The guy that took me out he say he passed me caz he watched me how I backed up and he saw I was a good driver. So for u the backing skill will come if u choose to change jobs. Don't stress yourself out. I was just like u I was worried over my shifting and driving. I used to dodge truck stops caz I knew the drivers were looking at me and maybe laughing caz I couldn't back up. Until one day I realized I backed up in a hole and hit it the first time. Some drivers help others laugh. Now shoe is on other foot I dont laugh I try 2 help because I remember I started too and didn't know nothing. Train or not u are not gonna learn till u get out on your own anyway.

 

Eagle Pass or Del Rio? Trinity Logistics is in Eagle Pass. You have a bunch of Stevens tankers that hang out at that Petro truckstop in Pearsalls, Tx (exit 101?) I would go after one of those gigs lining either side if I35 south of San Antonio before I'd go drive for a mega. Plenty of trucking companies to the south of 35. Be sure to ride by the dealerships east of San Antonio too. I've seen people come into that kenworth dealer looking for drivers.