Why did all mega carriers stop using manual transmissions?

Maybe I’m an outlier, but I’ve always enjoyed shifting. Either city, road, yard dogging with a manual, never bothered me. Looking back on the jobs I had before getting behind the wheel, shifting is one of the easiest things I’ve done.

 

I drove an auto for a little while. TBH it wasn't much fun. Just like driving an oversize car. To me, shifting gears is what makes a truck a truck.

 

I was told that you can't buy a new truck with manuals anymore, and I'm pretty sure they've stopped producing manual transmissions.
I can do both but prefer auto just cause well I'm lazy

 

Because any Tom, Dick or Linda can get a cdl with an automatic.

 

To the best of my knowledge that is untrue on both counts. Be that as it may, there may be certain models of trucks, were a limited number of transmission choices are available.

 

Same reason they put automatics in all the school busses .
So they could have a much larger pool of applicants .

For the school busses , that meant women would now be able to drive the busses .

for the bean counters at the trucking companies it’s an easy choice .
You can program it to do what you want , the driver can’t control it and thus can’t mess it up or fry clutches or snap U joints .

 

You can fry a clutch with an auto-shift, at stop lights on an incline, just hold your position with the accelerator like you can do with a car.

 

Higher rpms use less throttle in the power band then lugging the engine in the torque band.

Also maintains speed better. Gets to destination faster. Less engine run time. Less fuel used.

Less rpms requires more throttle and takes longer. More engine run time. That's 2 things that go against economy.

The 3rd thing that works against you. Climbing hills. You need that fan spinning faster to cool the radiator.

A perfect example is Phoenix to flagstaff.

 

2012 kw isx15 18sp. 7 mpg pulling 100k

2019 kw 13sp auto mx13. 100k. 4.75 mpg.

The 12 had alot more power also.

The 19 cranks out to 2300 rpm and requires button pushing to make the first 6 gears shift. Most times.

Or I have no clue how to drive an auto. Nor do I have the desire to learn.

The 19 also struggles to stay out of the shop.

 

I liked driving a manual before my lower back got all messed up. You never realize how much starting and stopping you do using the clutch until you feel pain everytime you do it. So driving an automatic is a relief but not as fun for sure. I feel like an idiot making a turn every time because it's like what the hell am I supposed to do with my right arm?