For this bid I "occupy" a new Volvo, automatic- it's the best tractor I have driven. It's like driving a pickup. I don't miss driving a manual here- since the majority of the clutches and brakes are gone, and they grind constantly. FedEx is getting away from clutches for maintenance and ease of hiring/training inexperienced drivers. The only problem I have encountered and don't like, is the jake brake coming on without notice and abruptly. I don't think it will be good in winter crawling along on ice, or coming up slowly on stopped traffic. The older automatics were difficult to hook up- slamming you into the back window, now the new ones "slam" you into the windshield- take your pick. The "people in charge" obviously never drove for a living. The out of lane buzzer is annoying too, and loud. The delay button helps in the city and in the yard. Since the new Volvo is so quiet- it must be used to keep you awake. Trains have a button simular to this, engineers have to push it every so often or the train comes to a stop. I guess we just push the button and fall back to sleep, then drive off the road.
ANYTHING is better than a KW- ANYTHING! I think of a KW as a smart car pulling a trailer, only difference is the horse power.