Automatic Vs Manual

Let me start with the pros and cons. So first of all, let's start with manual transmission. Manual is gonna be cheaper to buy, easier to work on, and you can buy the classic manual transmissions which are far superior and built to last, compared to the newer models. You're gonna have less electronics and computers involved. Which means there's gonna be less hiccups, less breakdown.

You're not gonna have fuses blowing all the time. And you're gonna have probably less maintenance cost. Especially if your mechanically inclined. You could do a lot of the maintenance yourself. You're gonna have more fatigue driving. Especially with your shoulders, arms, knees, and feet. It's gonna be more difficult in rush hour traffic.

The truck is more labor-intensive to operate. There's more that can go wrong when driving. It's less safe, not as fuel efficient, and not everybody has license to drive a manual. Everyone has license to drive an automatic. Some people can't be trained on a manual.

Now For the automatic... the automatic has a sophisticated computer thats built in just for the automatic transmission. It's gonna regulate your RPM. Its gonna be better on your engine. It's gonna be more fuel-efficient. Anyone that's licensed with a class A can drive an automatic transmission.

I find that even the old-timers are liking the automatic compared to the manual, because it's easier on them. It's less labor-intensive. And your focus could be more on the road. Which can prevent an accident. Automatic also has dissent control feature. Which will allow you to set the descent to where it will automatically regulate your speed for you when going down hill. It also has creep mode when on yards.

Also, you can program the computers, so even those who are logging companies, construction companies, mining companies, they can program the computer to set the RPM where they want, and you have a manual paddle shift feature where you can control the gear your in.

So all in all, I would say that manual transmission is becoming a thing of the past. It's more of a hobby and for super truckers. Right now, automatic transmission is dominating the industry. They are safer than the manuals, more fule efficient, they can be customized and programed, anybody can be trained to use them, and save companies money in the long run.

So yes, I would say that Manuel's are going to eventually phase out unless you own your own. If you can get licensed for a manual, you should do it, because then you're not gonna be limited in what you can drive. Only like 2 companies use Manual only that I know of that are big and drive OTR. Only local companies, construction, logging, mining, oil, and over-sized seem to prefer Manual right now. Most are now offering auto as well.

You can alway do driving later to remove manual restriction. You can eaven bobtail and do test. Its super easy to deal with later if its needed for your work.

Old topic relates to my new thing here in the Philippines.....I went today to transfer my Calif CDL which probably is downgraded to class C from A since I retired and never renewed my med card. Doing so before my current DL expires I don't take any written or drive tests. SO, at least now I am fully legal, my car's licensed 'n insured ($21 a yr. liability).

So my hunny has a bro in law who works for the Transportation office here their form of a DMV. He pushed me thru ahead of others so it went fast. I had a small medical check, BP weight/height, color blind test.

The kicker was he tells me I will have an auto restriction, can only drive automatics. My lil 4x4 SUV is a manual. I tried to explain to him my CDL auto restriction meaning to no avail. Within just over an hour I was done, and on my way out with my shiney new Filipino DL.....

Just decoded everything, yep Auto only, up to 8 passengers, and 5,000 vehicle weight. Kinda funny actually, no big deal, I don't drive down into the big city often, if at all. Plus they do not have traffic cops roaming the roads like in the US.

They have cops on the roads on foot, either directing traffic in spots, or mostly doing scooter stops to check papers, exhaust etc. Lucky here if they impound a guys scooter he don't pay a fee to recover, just fix the reason they took it away.

It's election time, so there are more cops on the roads standing and watching. Plus a holiday & long weekend, Monday, Oct 30th election day,All Souls Day Nov 1, and All Saints Day Nov 2,...... We already have a small xmas tree up at home, Xmas observation starts in the "Ber" months !! Stores and malls already decked out in xmas stuff !

It even lists on the back I am NOT an organ donor, and my girlfriends name and cell number as emergency contact.

There are some components that absolutely want you to be able to drive a manual. But it seems like the industry has really moved towards autos.

Pelican

We can have all the Driver Lounge talk we want. But most companies are here to make money, which includes spending as little as possible on operations (read fuel). Anything to improve MPG is a go - wheel covers, trailer skirts, governed speeds, and yes, auto-shift transmissions. If you want to be a C W McCall Convoy driver, and feel the asphalt through your gearshift, go right ahead and be an owner operator. Company drivers (and I'm one) will not need to use their left foot on the clutch any more*.


*This is not a place to discuss glide shifting. I'm just writing for this topic here.

This is such an old thread I’m not sure why we’re all jumping on this one but while the data supports the pros listed for autos it’s a little sad seeing even a mod hop on here agreeing that preferring a manual is akin to super trucker status (yes I’m paraphrasing).

While the evidence shows that overall autos get better fuel efficiency, that is still largely dependent on the driver. An owner operator wanting to have a manual because they know they personally can achieve better fuel efficiency in one doesn’t make them a “C W McCall Convoy driver.”

And yes, manuals are still preferred in certain segments of trucking because the main issue with autos is they still suck off road and are waaaaay easier to get stuck in (speaking from personal experience).

For the vast majority of OTR dry van and reefer drivers and even flatbed, autos generally make the most sense, but I’m willing to bet none of you like it when drivers refer to you as door swinging monkeys and steering wheel holders. So maybe have a little more respect for your fellow truckers instead of judging them and calling them names for having a different opinion than you?

Also for what it’s worth..many of us who drive very regularly in snow and ice in the mountains every year still prefer manuals because of the additional control we have with them. Autos have vastly improved even over the past 5 years or so and I’ve been extremely impressed with the Volvo I-shift I’m currently driving but I’ve still had more issues in low traction conditions already in this truck than I did in my last truck which was a 13 speed.

Manuals may be fading away for the most part but they still serve a purpose and it’s disappointing to see the forum that prides itself on respecting each other and taking the high road, stooping to calling names and belittling drivers that prefer a different tool for the job. I also think some of you need to “get out more”…there’s a lot more in trucking than just pulling a box across I40. You might have a little more respect for other segments of trucking if you actually learned more about some of the less mainstream types of trucking jobs.

On dry days I prefer the automatics. With snow on the ground I prefer manuals I feel more in control and less likely to get stuck.

This is such an old thread I’m not sure why we’re all jumping on this one but while the data supports the pros listed for autos it’s a little sad seeing even a mod hop on here agreeing that preferring a manual is akin to super trucker status (yes I’m paraphrasing).

While the evidence shows that overall autos get better fuel efficiency, that is still largely dependent on the driver. An owner operator wanting to have a manual because they know they personally can achieve better fuel efficiency in one doesn’t make them a “C W McCall Convoy driver.”

And yes, manuals are still preferred in certain segments of trucking because the main issue with autos is they still suck off road and are waaaaay easier to get stuck in (speaking from personal experience).

For the vast majority of OTR dry van and reefer drivers and even flatbed, autos generally make the most sense, but I’m willing to bet none of you like it when drivers refer to you as door swinging monkeys and steering wheel holders. So maybe have a little more respect for your fellow truckers instead of judging them and calling them names for having a different opinion than you?

Also for what it’s worth..many of us who drive very regularly in snow and ice in the mountains every year still prefer manuals because of the additional control we have with them. Autos have vastly improved even over the past 5 years or so and I’ve been extremely impressed with the Volvo I-shift I’m currently driving but I’ve still had more issues in low traction conditions already in this truck than I did in my last truck which was a 13 speed.

Manuals may be fading away for the most part but they still serve a purpose and it’s disappointing to see the forum that prides itself on respecting each other and taking the high road, stooping to calling names and belittling drivers that prefer a different tool for the job. I also think some of you need to “get out more”…there’s a lot more in trucking than just pulling a box across I40. You might have a little more respect for other segments of trucking if you actually learned more about some of the less mainstream types of trucking jobs.

I apologize if I offended anyone. Thanks for pointing out that Manuals are still required for some jods and I believe I pointed those out. Didn't mean supertrucker as and insult but some drive manual as a hobby and put down anyone who drives auto. I apologize if that offends you. My question is why did that upset you?

Didn't mean supertrucker as and insult but some drive manual as a hobby and put down anyone who drives auto. I apologize if that offends you. My question is why did that upset you?

I do not want to speak for Pianoman and I could be wrong. But I don't think he was offended by your comment, but more annoyed in general. There are certain people here, who tend to look down on those who are seen to be on the "other side" of trucking.

Personally, I prefer a manual in snow or when backing into a dock. I feel I have more control. Automatics are great on dry roads and in traffic. I do not think having a preference one way or another makes one a "super trucker".

I apologize if I offended anyone. Thanks for pointing out that Manuals are still required for some jods and I believe I pointed those out. Didn't mean supertrucker as and insult but some drive manual as a hobby and put down anyone who drives auto. I apologize if that offends you. My question is why did that upset you?

All good Thomas, I may have overreacted a bit. Bobcat is right on the money…I saw the thread last night and definitely was annoyed partly by the supertrucker comment and more so the comment by Errol.

Not arguing the facts at all and I don’t have anything against autos. I’ve driven both quite a bit and I think they both are valuable tools and both have their strengths and weaknesses. You’re absolutely right that a lot of people that prefer manuals look down on and insult others that prefer autos.

I was just disappointed to see that sort of judgmental attitude on this forum, that’s all. It’s easy to get in our own bubble and forget there’s more to trucking than whatever segment we happen to be in. Btw nothing against Errol. We’ve actually met in person. He’s a great guy who I respect and he has valuable insights we all benefit from on the forum

Didn't mean supertrucker as and insult but some drive manual as a hobby and put down anyone who drives auto. I apologize if that offends you. My question is why did that upset you?

I do not want to speak for Pianoman and I could be wrong. But I don't think he was offended by your comment, but more annoyed in general. There are certain people here, who tend to look down on those who are seen to be on the "other side" of trucking.

Personally, I prefer a manual in snow or when backing into a dock. I feel I have more control. Automatics are great on dry roads and in traffic. I do not think having a preference one way or another makes one a "super trucker".

I agree but attitude does. Either way I believe your spot on. Take care man.