Automatics in LTL

i am thinking the newest generation semi-automatics are way better then the first generation i had.

 

OD I think has 6 Volvo I shifts in testing. Do not see them switching any time soon.

 

YRC and the regionals bought their first batch of Pete's their trying out. Haven't seen any yet but seen pics. I think they want this cause it saves the transmission from the rookie drivers. Plus they can get people off the dock easier to get them their CDL.

 

I feel your pain road_runner. I think driving habits change when running an automatic - with the new push-button Allisons if not standing on the brakes hard can wind up into stopped vehicle ahead of you. Had a few dumb incidents already.

Like other industries the race is to bottom, the lowest common denominator, with us independent thinking 'old-timers' definitely OUT!! The next step is no 'drivers' @ all!!

 

We're getting em.

 

Dayton Freight has them in all the newer trucks. It is supposedly for fuel mileage, not to hire rookies (the road test must be done in a manual, and the majority of the drivers they hire have over 10 years experience).

I had the same opinion, but I'm not letting my trucker pride get in the way of the best job I've ever had. There is a learning curve and I don't exactly like them, but I'll drive whatever they give me, whether it's an 06 or older manual with over a million miles or a brand-new cushy truck that happens to have an auto in it. It's just a tool as far as I'm concerned.

 

I do about two hours a day of each city and interstate driving. I've driven autos before. I don't like autos because manual shifting is part of the whole driver involvement portion of driving. I know it sounds trivial and silly cause as pointed out... A truck is just a tool to do your job. But to me driving is all about being part of the entire process. Much like cooking or brewing beer, you can micromanage each step vs buying something that someone else had control of.

 

We're getting them also, company says it's strictly fuel mileage related. However, they recently relaxed their hiring standards to a minimum of 2 years experience where it used to be 5...