automatic or manual?

Our fleet has a lot of late model VHD D13 Volvo's with 12-speed I-Shifts. I don't have many other automatics to compare to since I've only driven Eaton Fuller 10 and 12 speeds from 2005 but the I-Shift easily blows them out of the water. We're on a lot of rugged terrain and soft ground, especially at the beginning of construction season. My only complain is that it will shift and occasionally bog down when you're trying to keep the RPMs a little higher than normal, but this can be fixed by entering manual mode and using your side stick to control gearing. I've driven in snow, rain, hail, icy conditions, up & down grades and at obscene angles and can't say enough about it. Perfect for city driving with lots of stops on the daily. Haven't noticed a problem with surging from the compartments when shifting either.

We also have 8, 10 and 12 speed Petes and I do like jumping into them as well. Our 367 is a workhorse and it shows all of its 300,000kms but it's a gem to drive and work from. Like others have said, learning your shifting techniques is comparable to riding a bike. You might be rusty if you haven't done it in awhile, but once you get back into the swing of things it'll come back to you. I keep an open mind to both and was honest to my current employer about driving an automatic truck last year. They were fine with it, but the road test was performed on the 10-speed. Oddly enough, we have drivers at our company now that can only drive automatics. New era of drivers?

 

I drive an auto and always have control of my rpms. There is a "manual" mode that allows me to change gears with the push of a button. I haven't read anything that mandates drivers driving automatics must use "auto" mode.

 

Meh, the ones I drove had three buttons. R, N, D. Then I drove one more that had three additional buttons (and this was a few years later). It had a "Mode" button, and an up & down arrow. Presumably, they were for manually overriding the automatic. Those are all fine, but I rather not be fumbling around with switches while I am focusing on holding the wheel and dealing with super slick roads.

I am sure things have changed in the last 8 or 9 years since I drove one of those.

I will agree with Chinatown, go with the one that pays the best and has the best benefits. The OP may never have to worry about driving another manual again.

 

And why can you not take the power off in a auto?
Really,explain it pls.

 

Due to the ever increasing governments regulations about emissions and fuel usage we are entering an age of engine transmission combinations which will have little driver input. Within 5 years almost all big fleets will be dominated by these types of power trains.

 

These guys that say stay away from auto are idiots. Autos give you as much control if not more then a manual. I can hold gears, up shift, downshift same as a manual. I drove in snow, ice, mud, dirt etc and have 0 problems. I pull tankers too. We got super singles too. According to a lot of drivers this setup is just doomsday waiting to happen.
A lot of the guys saying stay away have never even drive a auto or didn't drive one long enough to lean how to PROPERLY drive one.

 

This is me...^^^^ ....right before retiring my company had purchased a couple of auto's. Never had the desire to get in one and with the seniority I had they gave me a choice , and I chose to stay with a manual. That being said , the OP or most any new driver really should consider becoming proficient with a manual , never know when you might be forced to drive one , if you break-down and they re-power you with a manual.....Auto's may/are gonna be the future of trucking , idk....but it will be more than a few years before manual's are completely phased out.

 

Well is this "auto job" one you want to be happy with or just wanna gain experience and jump ship.
What's the goal?

 

If it were me and I wanted to get the best job out there after gaining experience, I do would stick.
Remember you want to prove yourself and show your worth.

If there's one opening between a guy with auto experience or stick.. who do you think they'll pick?
I have been offered an auto job, sure it would be easier but I chose a different job...
why?
I don't plan on doing OTR for long.