usx is going all automatic with their fleet. i really hate the automatic trucks and wanted out of that mess. i applied with mds carriers here in crossville tn where i live. they wanted 2 yrs experience but because of my experience driving in the north east and me living 9 miles from the terminal, some strings were pulled and i have done a drug screen and physical and am going in to orientation in the morning. what rare luck this is. all trucks are petes and they say they will not be going to automatics. in addition, all trucks have APU and i will be home every weekend. pay will start at .40 per mile with a top pay of .51 per mile after a year. seems like i may finally be going in the right direction. not to mention that they guarantee me 2500 to 3000 miles per week. maybe now i can feel like im driving a truck again instead of an oversized car. oh one question i have though, do all the automatics back weird like jumping backward or is it just me?
No it's not just you with the problems backing. I had the same problem with a Freightliner when backing. Also, when stopped on a steep hill at traffic light it was almost impossible to get it moving without rolling back. Didn't have those problems with a Volvo that had the Volvo engine and Volvo automatic. Is MDS the dry bulk company? Hope you enjoy the new job and it works out for you. If not, look at A&R Transport.
We have autos in our company. Thanks to inexperienced drivers starting out in 4th and 5th gear on a straight 10 speed loaded at gross weight. They were going through so many clutches they just went to autos. Now they're spending butt loads repairing the autos. I hate having an automatic and our company doesn't have owner ops or I'd look into buying a truck. I love my job but my biggest frustration and con of my job is dealing with these hesitant automatics. They Make backing a pain and never know what's the correct gear to be in. I've voiced my opinion multiple times to management though I know it'll never change. Half the guys that work here have never driven a stick. I say good luck with your new company, I'll just deal with these dang autos and stay where I'm at.
The only time I drove a manual was in CDL school. That was 7 years ago, been driving auto every since.
I think the problems with is autos is the person controlling it. I have driven this auto for a year and love it. I pull smooth bore tankers so I know the troubles of trying to back up. It's all in how you control the throttle. Too many guys get in and try to floor it like a car. Can't do that. It takes more skill to drive an auto than a manual.
I had 2 autos at my current company before I wound up in my current 10sp. Had no issues with the autos, many times I miss them. Something tells me THIS sentence is gonna keep this thread going for a while LOL!
Why does it matter? Your not selecting gears and normally there is a display that tells you what gear your in. You better stick to a manual. Autos are probably a bit advanced for you it sounds like.
The only good auto shift is the I Shift Volvo. All Eaton Ultrashifts suck. The older autos w/clutch pedal were much better. Ultras jerk and jump in reverse. Can floor it and it is going to run the way it wants. Volvo can outshift any driver. They are really amazing and light yrs ahead of others. And still have feeling and response like clutch. Glad you found a place you like. Sounds like decent wages ahead.
