Wanting to use a stick instead of auto

Give him an 18 speed and let him rip.

 

Yep,, I use 40 litres less on my run now than last truck which had identical power with stick
40 litres per day very significant over life of truck
Snow/ice not a issue, I just leave it in “D”.

 

Buy a couple of individual lessons. Be sure to tell them that you just need a refresher. I can't think of any trucking school that wouldn't agree to that.

Also, if you sign up to a driver services agency, the chances are good that you'll slip seat a number of grimy local daycabs.

 

The modern day tractor is looked upon as a piece of equipment by the megas just as a saw is looked upon by a carpenter. Many years ago they saw the need to engineer into the tractor any and everything that would take the control of it's profit making pieces out of the driver' hands. Hence autos, aerodynamic cabs,reduced speed, and anything else you can think of. As soon as they can replace the driver they will. See Tesla.

 

My company mechanics 20-30-40 year employees won't allow a full auto fleet. No job security. Thankfully these ole timers keep a few of us in manuals. Not about MPG here, We idle all shift. It's a PITA when a new truck automatic goes down and days at a dealer. . Back up trucks are all Manuals ( yes even the front loaders and roll offs )

Work for a Mult-Million dollar MA and PA around 30 trucks. Garbage / Roll off trucks aren't cheap. Wheels have to roll.

Automatics have way too many quirks and being new, new set of headaches.