Does It Matter If I Train In An Automatic?

I'm going to visit a few CDL schools in my area next week and one that I called told me that they train in automatics because "that's the way the industry is heading." I was looking at the Type Of Transmissions Used By Trucking Companies and it seems that most of the mega carriers are transitioning to auto. Is there any reason for me to specifically look to train in a Manual? I understand that I could miss out on some opportunities, but it seems like those will be fewer and fewer as the years go on. Is there something that I'm missing?

A lot of companies are going auto not just mega. I doubt you would miss out on very much if u trained on automatic. If your joining a mega carrier and your gonna settle with them then ya just get trained in auto. If your getting on with a small company and all they have is manuals then train manual.

I'm going to visit a few CDL schools in my area next week and one that I called told me that they train in automatics because "that's the way the industry is heading." I was looking at the Type Of Transmissions Used By Trucking Companies and it seems that most of the mega carriers are transitioning to auto. Is there any reason for me to specifically look to train in a Manual? I understand that I could miss out on some opportunities, but it seems like those will be fewer and fewer as the years go on. Is there something that I'm missing?

Hello, I will put my 2 cents in... While yes, most companies are heading the way of automatics, and there are no big downsides of training in an automatic. The only 2 that I can think of off the top of my head are 1)what happens if the only truck a company has to offer you is a manual? and 2) some states have and "automatic only" restriction on the licenses, so that will limit you on some job prospects. I would look for a school, program, or company that will train you on both. This way you can drive either. Also, if you train in both, you will get a feel for which one you prefer.

No school will need to "train you in both". Just like with cars, whoever can drive a stick can also drive an automatic.

I know people want to feel restricted somehow if they have any restriction on their license. Sorry, this is a mountain vs mole hill issue. I suggest you don't waste energy on worrying about it.

The "what if" thing about having only a standard shift truck available is like worrying if one of you're shoestrings might break.

Thanks for the responses! Sounds like it's not going to be as big of an issue as I thought it would be. I'm going to go with whatever school sounds like they offer the best training and not worry about the transmission.

Yes, it matters. I just got my dream job. The location is right, the money is right. I spent two years with a big company and got head-hunted for this new job. Had my license been restricted I wouldn't have been able to get this job.

Learn manual.

Mike, one more thing. You mentioned

I'm going to visit a few CDL schools in my area next week...

Are you only considering private schools where you need to pony up the tuition? How about Paid CDL Training Programs where your company will finance (often interest free) your training? Also, when you are admitted to a company training program, you all but have a job to walk into when you're done!

Apply For Paid CDL Training