Anyone will try automatic transmission as a new truck driver straight from school?

i thought i would never like an auto but as i sit here in my new t700 i would have a hard time going back. As for all the naysayers that wanna call me a rookie I drove an autocar 10 wheeler in 1975 with a quad box so i guess i am still a real trucker most of u dont even know what that is so go ask ur daddy

 

Just find an old White Western Star with an 8V71 and a 6 and a 4 with no power steering and walking beams. That's what turns a rookie into a driver.

 

I drove for Maverick and am looking at returning as an IC. All thier trucks are autos. Everyone is affraid of them for some reason. Yes its different than driving a manual, but i liked it after getting used to it! There are some advantages and disadvantages to them. In congested traffic/ traffic jams they are great! You have alot more room in the truck (no shifter to climb around to move around)! You can always switch to manual if needed (flip a switch and the controls are on the column). The disadvantages are you need to be more careful on slippery roads, this is also true for manuals anyway. They will break traction easier and you need to know how to control it! "Off road" Muddy yards and such is tricky also, but again, you need to learn how to control the truck. Dont let the people who are affraid to learn tell you about what they know nothing about! Ive been driving for 10 years and am planning on leasing my own truck. It will be an automatic!

 

Got any questions about Maverick ill be glad to help you out best i can!

 

What???? You dont get the true power of the engine? I had no problems getting 50,000 lbs coils moving up hills. Had all the power i needed when i needed it. And yes you have to wait to shift! What kind of transmition do you use that you dont wait to build RPM's up to shft! I want one of those! Must have some kind of Drag Racing Truck with a bang shifter!!!

 

As someone who will be starting school next Monday, I'm definitely wanting to drive a manual for a good while after class. I want to be a pro at the shifting deal, and I think that will heal cement that skill into me. Going straight to an automatic won't help me in the long run, in my opinion.

 

Dude, like, that's kinda lame. I'm planning on not being that kind of driver.

 

Forget about automatics or anything to do with a truck. Your new and learning. Automatics are like driving a car, once you know how to dive either auto or manual your fine. So dont worry about that! I ran flatbed with Maverick, but i also did their glass training in N.C. I have friends who are still hauling glass for them. I will tell you this..... You will more than likely haul more steel (coils,bar) than you will haul glass! But you still get paid your same rate no matter what you haul! Glass is tricky to haul, you do everything slow and smooth so you do not break 48,000 lbs of glass. Mavericks orientation is top notch, thier training program is awesome. Plus you will be with a trainer for about a month learning everything hands on.