I have to smile a bit when a truckload driver will come in the office and ask for a daycab to go grab something to eat. Usually it's in the evening so they are almost always welcome to have one but asked to take a single axle in case they take longer than expected, the shuttle guys need the tandems when they come in. More than once I've watched them walk back in and say they couldn't drive the standard the single axles have.
Hmmm, given a choice would I prefer to be in stop and go traffic on a daily basis with a stiff clutch or automatic, would I prefer to be blind side backing up a hill off of a 4 lane road leaving little space for error with a stiff clutch or an automatic? Give me the automatic volvo any day, you can keep the standard, you can keep the freightliner, good for the road but not in tight spots in town