Companies running automatic transmissions?

Why are u guys so rude about ppl wanting to drive automatic???
It sure helps when ur stuck in traffic.

 

Most, if not all states, require that you test with a manual transmission. They're are some that even think you're not a truck driver if you can not float gears. The way I was taught, so many moons ago, was with a manual because there were no auto's back then. Then when the auto's started coming in the drivers had a hard time because we were set in our ways and resistance to change. Here's what I believe, start out with a manual transmission and learn as much as you can from it. Then move over to auto's if you have a choice. I'm sure the state will want to see how you drive with a manual and you know what gear to be in at any given time. There's a lot more to the know how to shift the manual than an auto. The auto is nice if you're in traffic and a lot easier on your arm and leg. But you're skipping a lot if you only train on auto's. I have even seen CDL schools teach only the auto's because it's faster for them to push a student out. I call truck driving schools CDL school because that's all they need to teach. They do not teach the in's and out's of a truck because they pass that on to the company that will employ the new guy. Just my 2½ cents.

 

There are people driving trucks that have no business driving period. but if you look at real facts instead of gossip and bs. you will find that most truck driver wrecks are caused by the super truckers in too much of a hurry to get to the meth dealer at the truck stop than new drivers. I am personally not a fan of automatics but if you do a lot of city driving they are a knee saver.

 

I love automatics; drive manual too many times not going back. God bless Allison transmissions.

 

Well, well, well...

Glad to know who the "real" drivers are. Meanwhile, in another ten years manual transmissions will be in the distinct minority, with about 5% of trucks having them, at best.

Welcome to the future, whether you like it or not. While it's true that student drivers should have at least some training on how to operate a manual, that training will be less and less relevant as time marches on.

I used to be one that swore up and down that I wouldn't drive an automatic transmission, but after about a year now, I'm not sure I would go back, unless I have to.

But it's good to see you folks encouraging the next generation with your kind words...

 

Look Im sure ppl said the same when trucks came out with the 1 shifter instead of 2...trucking is hard enough...automatic for me all day

 

20-30% of industry and climbing quick.

A lot of local LDL's/ hazmats will run all autos.

My company uses all automatics for bobtails and transports. Save a few of the old girls that wont die.

I've driven both. An auto means less work. Period.

Definitely some situations where a manual is better, but with the drastic improvements in Allison autos there isn't a lot of room left for argument. Especially with the ability to manually shift primary or secondary gears with a button. Companies will start to jump for them, and with less variable on part wear from driver to driver they save $. No grinding or clunking, just the occasional relay. Fine tuned MPG and HP. It's coming.

OTR is one thing, but weeding through traffic or work sites? I'll pass on the hip cramps and keep 100% attention on the road.

 

I've been driving a 13 speed in a truck, licensed at 50K pounds, for 7 years. I watched LoShawn's youtube on automatics. I must admit. It sounds interesting.
Yes, in cities. I'd much rather have automatic. Darn traffic.
I'd hate to get caught without automatic going from LA to Vegas on a Friday evening. It can be stop and go the whole way.

 

People wouldn't think there's that much traffic going all the way from LA to Las Vegas but on a Friday night it's packed. I would want an auto too except for Baker Grade. But I understand you can turn it off, if so I'd drive an auto