Standard Vrs Automatic truck

[HeavyLoad]

I heard from a buddy of mine that they made automatic semi trucks.
that companys use.

is this true wanted to get others opinions on automatic trucks vrs standard trucks.

[Cerberus_Kelpie]

For a one word answer--YES!!

US Xpress has been using Auto shift Transmissions since '01.
Swift, Schneider, and the other large companies use them.
There are MANY other companies using Auto shift Transmissions mainly for Fuel economy and other reasons like eliminating costly Clutch replacements.
The standard Auto shift Trans is a 10 speed.
The Super Ten is close to an Auto shift.

Some Auto shift transmissions utilize a Clutch like a manual, and most recently have eliminated the Clutch pedal altogether.

One can still shift the Trans in Manual mode yet it is NOTHING like a Standard Trans as these Auto shifts offer their own variety of problems (like sensors/switches going out and there ARE A LOT of sensors/switches just to maintain shifting).

It takes a wee bit of getting used to yet overall it is actually more fun for some Drivers and aggravating/irritating to other Drivers.
I drove a 2001 Freightliner Century Class with an Eaton-Fuller 10 speed Auto shift for 3 years coast to coast.
I had ZERO problems and it at least had a Clutch pedal.

There are now with the introduction of the Auto shift Transmissions, Drivers that have NO IDEA how to shift a Standard Trans which is sad yet the way Trucking has become.

Auto shift Transmissions have helped create Lazy Drivers.

[bamaboyAR15]

8 out of 10 companies i have called looking for a job that will take recent grad's, all they have is automatics and " a few" manuals left, but they will be gone when they reach the mileage limit to which they trade them in or sell them off.

I really, really wanted a 10 speed...But, if all i can get is a auto, i guess that's how it's gonna be.

[gatorbreath]

Back in 2001, I also got into a brand new Freightliner Classic XL which was automatic and loved it! The only problem is the fact you get rusty with a stick if you decide to drive with some company who only have standards.

[AE Iceman]

Averitt will soon be an all auto fleet.

[4headlogic]

Just like cars, those who never learned to shift, will not be versital in what vehicle they can drive. Joe Blow's trucking will not have the automatics. I really hope the training schools don't drop shifting training. That person who has to drive a 10 yr old truck will be hurtin'