Learning on auto trans

So I’ve been looking at TMC and their training, it looks like they train new guys on automatics only anymore unless I’m mistaken.

Would there be any advantage to going to school and learning stick and then going to a place like TMC?

Do you severely limit your future opportunities by starting out with an automatic? Does it really matter anymore?

 

I think something like 93 percent of new trucks are auto shifts. So it doesn’t matter so much anymore.
However if you do your road test with an auto shift , you’re not allowed to drive a manual without doing another road test.

 

Only issue most have is when their company auto truck breaks down . The rental truck needs to be a auto which more are nowadays.

 

Thanks!

 

Wouldn't waste the time to half-### it. May as well just do the test once and never worry about it again. Why kneecap yourself right out of the starting gate?

 

You limit yourself if you want to get into more specialized things, because sometimes an autoshift will simply not work.
Other than that, everything is going to autoshift these days.
And unless you want to get into the types of jobs that require the manual trans, auto is better in so many ways.

 

Learn to drive a manual, you won’t regret it. You may never need it, but chances are you will want to sometime in your career.

 

Facts...

 

....but hooking a trailer is not one of them.

 

I enjoy driving my 18 speed manual. My boss has been buying allot of autoshifts but recently he's changed his mind about going full autoshifts eventually. Last two trucks he bought were very lightly (like 10k miles each) used t880 Cummings x15 with 8LL, he got them at many many thousands below MSRP. He since swapped 18 speeds into both and had them turned up to 550 hp. He ordered 2 brand new day cabs with Cummings x15 and 18 speed manual. Guy in the shop says I may end up with one. I think delivery may be delayed because of covid but I know he did in fact order them. Right now I'm in a 2017 t880 paccar mx13 with 148k. I'd really like that Cummings I think

Anyways he has said now he wants a fleet mixed of autoshifts and manual. Manuals for the guys that want them, and autoshifts for those who were never trained to shift. Sounds like a good plan.

Manual transmissions are still very common in milk hauling. They work better with heavy loads, hills, and backing.

Personally I love grabbing gears