Should I specialize

Should I specialize in one area or tinker with everything? For example should I go with flatbed or tanker? I plan on getting all the endorsements I can so its hard to turn me down. I'm not going limit myself but is it a smart move to stick with flat bed trucking?

 

I've moved around quite a bit in my last 20+ years in this industry. I would say by doing so has served me well, as I eventually had enough varied experience where I could get hired on by almost anyone, doing almost anything.

It really depends on what work you like to do? Do you like deck work, and are satisfied with that? Then there may be little reason to change... I became tired of long-haul after a few years, so the ability to make money running local depended on me being able to do other things.

 

I have done most all of it, but I'm an O/O. I would say yes, keep the endorsements on the license, go where the money is. One year it will be tankers, the next it will be flats and than reefer. The more varied experience the better. Oh, and please know how to shift a truck manually.

 

Never really had to mess with a manual transmission. I'm going to school for this reason as I don't want a cdl easy. I want to know how to drive the truck not just pass the test. If it has to do with a tractor trailer I want to know it even if I'm not good I want to know how.

 

Good attitude, many potential drivers are passed over due to the fact they are only licensed to drive an automatic. Also, pay attention to the mechanics of the truck. A good driver will be able to change out a lightbulb or fix a trailer tail light. If you are sitting, you are not making money. And learn as much as you can about these new emission systems, nothing worse than going into a derate in traffic when you could have avoided it by paying attention to the truck. Knowledge is your friend, and there is a lot to learn out here. More to it than just holding a steering wheel and getting signatures.

 

Automatics make sense from a fleet point of view, as my ex boss will only spec new trucks with automatics.

However, plenty of companies still run Eaton-Fuller non-synchros, and they can be easily worn out and damaged by new drivers.

I personally would NOT hire a driver for my manual shift truck, unless he had a solid year driving manual shift. Even then, at road test time, only half seem to be able to smoothly shift them.

Automatics are the way of the future, but you'll want the skill of being able to hop into any truck with a manual, and be able to shift it properly.

 

How common are automatics becoming? I have read that more companies are going with this. How long before most trucks are this way? One of the reasons I have never messed with a stick extensively is because I've never had to. Anything I have driven was always automatic. Is it better to stick with double clutching or floating after the test?

 

Well, if you test in a stick, you will need to double clutch, and don't ask me how as I have forgotten that long ago. And yes, many fleets are going to automatics, but not all of them. Most of your mom and pops will stick with manuals, mainly due to cost and maintenance. Those mom and pops usually pay much better than the Mega fleets too, and have a tendency to not let you sit, they will keep you rolling. Rolling = $$$$

Learn to drive a stick, they will be around for quite a few more years.

 

Seems most of the megas are implementing auto transmissions, so it’ll be more and more common in the near future. As far as double clutching or floating, once you know your truck that’s up to you.

 

I would not hire someone that even attempts to "double clutch."

Double Clutch is a term, and a method, used by people that cannot properly shift an Eaton Fuller.

If you CANNOT float ALL gears properly, you will NOT touch my stick!