Manual vs Automatic Transmissions

If there is already a thread about this, my apologies; however, I have not been able to find one.

I understand that MOST companies run manual transmission trucks, but it seems as if they are incorporating automatics into the mix, or are solely automatics.

My question is: once of out school, would going to a company (like Maverick) who has automatics or being issued an automatic truck "ruin your career?" What I mean by this is that if you are new to the industry and haven't had much experience driving manual transmissions, then being issued an automatic transmission, could this hurt your chances of future employment?

From my understanding, most companies want you to take a driving test, administered and issued by them. So, if you have hardly any experience driving manual transmissions and the company you want to go to has manual transmission trucks (and you've been driving an automatic for a year), could this affect you?

I know I've, now, asked this question 3 different times, but just looking for some clarity on this topic, as I feel it is important for all newbies (including myself) who are thinking about trucking. This thread is based along the lines of 1-2 years down the road!

Hopefully this makes sense. Thanks for looking and answering this question!

 

IMO I think you would be better off learning to drive a manual transmission first. That is the industry standard at least for the time being.

 

I will NEVER drive a truck with an automatic. I'd rather drive a 9 speed over a auto, there worthless junk for lazy drivers. Go with someone that has trucks for real mean and women that want to work.

 

LMAO! Agreed! I just thought I'd throw this question out there, seeming how automatics are coming into the mix. Maverick seems like a great company, minus the automatic transmissions. I'm looking heavily into Melton Truck Lines, as I know they have some automatics in the mix. I'm just trying to cover all of my bases is all.

 

I always suggest TMC to those who want to flatbed.

 

I was looking into TMC, until I saw their age requirement of 23 years old; I am 21, unfortunately.

 

I think just about all of the big companies are testing automatics now. Teaching someone to shift properly is the hardest part of it IMO. And the manufactures are making the statement that they can achieve better fuel mileage than a manual transmission.

 

I have never driven a semi with an automatic. I will starting next Tuesday. I drive a car with a clutch but I do not think less of a person who drives an automatic.

What makes the decision is the technology. As automatics get better then more companies will use them. In my house we use electric lights instead of sitting around in the dark. I am a real man and not after of the dark but we use the lights because they make life better. Someday, I believe the majority of trucks will have automatics. There may even come a time when the driver just rides along as a safety feature.

Now, to fire up the gang. I do feel that women in trucking should only do so in trucks that equipped with full kitchens.

 

I drove a manual from February 2004 thru February 2009, drove an automatic for 3 weeks and have been manual every since. When I originally trained my trainer said that some drivers a year out of school had only driven automatics and that when his company hired them they had to go out with a trainer for 4 weeks at trainee pay.

 

Props to you for starting at the age of 21 I suggest Melton in that case.