Is automatic restriction not a big deal? Choosing CDL schools.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by chrisdab, Nov 17, 2021.

  1. Aamcotrans

    Aamcotrans Road Train Member

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    I do have an auto, but replacing it with a 13 speed.
    My heaviest load was 90k
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Minimum Requirements for Driver Applicants

    We offer local work, excellent benefits and wages to drivers who meet our qualifications. Please note that in order to complete the prequalification form you must meet the following requirements.

     Minimum Age - 23
     Class A License with tank and hazmat endorsements.
     Stable (verifiable) work record.
     No major chargeable accident within last five years.
     No more than four points on license.
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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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  5. chrisdab

    chrisdab Bobtail Member

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    Why are you deciding to replace it, if manual costs more to purchase and gas mileage can be less efficient? How does manual best help with heavy loads that automatic does not?
     
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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  7. Aamcotrans

    Aamcotrans Road Train Member

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    Because I can’t get an automated 18 speed for over a year. so I am buying a used 13 speed to haul for a google project. Also, my current truck is a condo sleeper, I need a mid roof with a longer wheelbase.
     
  8. seagreg

    seagreg Light Load Member

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    There are lots of non-major fleets who want to hire drivers who can drive anything they have that will be a problem with a manual restriction.

    Given the choice I would always suggest at least learning in a manual. Mostly because the automated manual transmissions have similar limitations to manual transmissions shifted by a competent driver. IMHO it is an important safety factor to realize why an automated-manual will not downshift in particular conditions like with a heavy load and going down hill.

    I had a cement mixer with an Allison pull in front of me and then gently slow down from 30 to ~10mph going down a steep mountain town gated community the other day. I was in a 5 axle dump very heavy with boulders and my pucker factor was huge as on a 10% grade there was nothing I could do but hope that my brakes would hold out and my RPMs dropped so low that I was afraid I was going to stall as I was targeting ~20 mph and the speed limit was 35 for four wheelers.

    Had that mixer driver ever driven a heavy vehicle with a manual on a steep grade they would have realized how much effort and terror there was being behind them.

    Even if you never use it, understanding the limitations of those using manual transmissions can help all of us stay safe.
     
  9. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    I’d pass on the restriction.
     
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