anyone train and run on full automatics??

Would just like to tell you in case you forget, if you train and test on an auto, you WILL have a restriction placed on your CDL.

 

I agree, You will adjust to shifting like you would driving an an automatic.

 

And I will too probably. If I buy another truck, it will most likely be getting an auto put in. But not some goofy AMT idea, probably a Allison TC10 real automatic. While everyone else tests their testosterone level by how well they can use a manual, after 3 decades of using them I am ready to relax a little more. Work smarter not harder philosophy. I had an opportunity to use a Allison auto equipped truck for a while when I lived in Alaska during the 80's. I was pleasantly surprised how it handled everything, including going heavy down the side of a hill. Was very reliable. Been drooling for one ever since. Now that Allison has a dedicated automatic designed primarily to compete against the AMT market, I am drooling for one again.

 

I don't have a dog in this fight. I never drove a manual over the road. My first driving job was a auto. Been 8 years driving an auto.

 

at this time US Xpress doesn't have a cdl school and havn't for 8 years. they are talking about starting 1

 

If you learn to drive an Automatic you

Automatic Transmissions are not the way of the future in Big Trucks. They have a lot of disadvantages over a Standard Transmission. There will always be Standard Transmissions. It's the Mega Companies that are switching over to Automatics because they are so desperate for Drivers they will hire almost anyone that can hold a Steering Wheel.

 

Ha! Auto's are much better on fuel economy. Thats the only reason Mega's are switching. Mega's don't give 2 squirts about drivers.

 

I'm sure I will get ripped about this, but think it through.
Manufacturers develop for the future as much as for today. They are developing and producing more automatics. Years from now there will be, in some capacity, self driving class 8 trucks. They will not be stick shifts.

 

I couldn't care less which personally. It's just a matter of preference. My first several cars were stick, and I was a little militant about it back then, but with older age I realize there are bigger things to have strong opinions about.
I do have a hunch that auto's are only going to grow in market share, and not just with mega's.
As the technology gets better, the downsides are fewer.
Driverless trucks might be a bigger concern before/if manual's ever get fully phased out.
Maverick has full auto's, and I think they have a training program through ASU Newport, but I know nothing about it beyond it's possible existence.
The trucks are fine, and I've never come across a situation where I felt like I just had to have a stick. Also, the '16 is noticeably better than the '12 I started out with as far as shifting when you want it to.
They have flatbed, glass, and refrigerated divisions, regional and long-haul, as well as dedicated local work if you live in the right areas.

 

I know I have no desire for a stick in my personal vehicles. I play with a manual in my truck all week, I have no desire to mess with one in my pickup. And if another truck is in my future, more than likely I will go with an Allison auto. I have had enough of manual shifting for one lifetime. Over 5 million miles dealing with them, I am ready for an automatic. But no AMT.