USA Truck Driver Newbies, this post is for guys who are wondering what usa like

I thought I heard something, LOL! I'm in Van Buren now. I start orientation tomorrow morning. It's kinda cool seeing all these USA trucks at the Meadors Inn. I've only ever seen 1 of them before coming down here. Can't wait to get in my own. Hopefully not a Volvo though. The ones I drove in training have no power.

 

Volvos?? Not at USA.

 

Good. Are any of you going to be in Van Buren this week?

 

The only thing that doesn't pass a Volvo going up a hill is a Prostar with a Max Force engine. Water runs faster uphill than a Volvo climbs. The only ones at USA are owner ops that needed something cheap to drive.

 

I'm sure it's been covered somewhere, but I heard again today that USA has mostly automatics. How close is this to being true?

 

They still have some but they are going away. Now, as I'm not privy to the exact make up of our fleet and to lazy to look, I'd guess less than half or even 1/3 is auto.

Something I realized about a month into being solo and in an auto shift. Why do I care if its auto or manual (other than practicle shifting experience)? ? I'm here to make money as a company driver. Ill get my own truck if the set up becomes that important. I've heard drivers gripe because they want a pete or refuse to drive an international. And many other excuses. As long as I'm not broke down all the time and I have the opportunity to make money then I don't care what I drive. Cold ac is a must too lol.

 

This is true. But you have to remember, I have never taken a test drive in an Automatic. I kinda feel bad for those people who come right out of training and are put in an auto. Because after a year, it's hard on them for those test drives to find jobs more to their liking. I had to take a 50 to 60 mile test drive for Ryder. That the longest I've had to endure. It was at night too. Because we only deliver at night on this particular fleet.

 

Shouldn't matter auto-shift or manual. Both work on the same principle. Testers are more concerned with backing, turns, setups, and road worthiness. We only test with manuals.

 

I understand that I haven't even been on the road yet, but MY main concern is not having full control of my speed in an auto. I've never been in one, let alone drive one. I would just like to go out in something that I half-### understand, rather than the complete unknown.

 

They have Jake brakes. You can manually select a gear for going down a mountain or something of that nature.