Are "manual Transmissions Only" Drivers Supertruckers?

I just trained and tested on a manual with ABF Freight so I have no restriction. While most of the fleet consists of Auto’s, there’s still some manuals in the mix. I’m glad to be able to drive any truck I get in but am totally fine and looking forward to driving an auto.

Up to this point, my only time in an auto has been around the terminal so I can’t make a true comparison as to which I like better just yet never being out on the road with an auto. I have to imagine driving an auto will be less stressful/easier since you don’t have to worry about shifting on top of all the other things that need your constant attention while driving.

I can say that I prefer a manual for backing up over an auto as of now. I have much better control with the clutch on the manual then with the brake on an auto. I have struggled a bit to back smoothly with an auto around the yard due to the brake assist function. Maybe its just the Freightliners, haven’t backed an auto Mack yet. The other drivers at my terminal said I will get used to it, figure out how hard to push the brake pedal and get smoother with more repetitions.

The nail was hit squarely on the head already. Big companies figured out years ago shifting was the biggie problem for alot of students. So go to an auto. 1 big problem solved or was it???

Our entire society keeps duming down, instead of maintaining higher standards. Is lowering a standard going to put safer drivers on the road??? It will put more drivers out there for sure.

Look at what trucks are speeding through parking lots and truck stops sometime. It is mostly trucks with auto’s because all the driver does is push the pedal and the truck does the rest. The truck doesn’t know any better, and alot of drivers these days don’t seem to know better either.

I don’t give a rats behind how trucks are equipped we need to put back some higher standards and hold drivers to those standards.

Just my 2 cents.

100% agree with this!!!! There are some real clowns out here…it’s gotten worse.

The nail was hit squarely on the head already. Big companies figured out years ago shifting was the biggie problem for alot of students. So go to an auto. 1 big problem solved or was it???

Our entire society keeps duming down, instead of maintaining higher standards. Is lowering a standard going to put safer drivers on the road??? It will put more drivers out there for sure.

Look at what trucks are speeding through parking lots and truck stops sometime. It is mostly trucks with auto’s because all the driver does is push the pedal and the truck does the rest. The truck doesn’t know any better, and alot of drivers these days don’t seem to know better either.

I don’t give a rats behind how trucks are equipped we need to put back some higher standards and hold drivers to those standards.

Just my 2 cents.

Alright Jake B. Not sure if you are just bored, trolling or looking for attention. I checked out your post on ttr. And there wasn’t a single comment of “autos being for sissies” or what happened to a man’s pride. The only one who said that was you in your initial post on ttr. I’ll give credit where credit is due it was actually a constructive conversation on it. Bizarre man.

Go over onto thetruckersreport.com and you'll find the people I'm talking about.

Autos are for sissies. I want full control over my truck. What happened to a man's pride in being a man. Etc.

I don't know how have a stick that you move and a third pedal makes you better but ok. Just look at some of the auto vs manual discussions on the forum over there. There's no shortage of testosterone filled Rambo types shaming the auto drivers.

What do you guys think?

It is not really that easy to get the e restriction removed. I’m not sure if it’s the new ELDT requirements or not. I think it was different before Feb but I have had at least 2 people come through the school I teach at that already have a cdl but want to get the restriction removed. They have to go through the whole course to be able to test out in a manual. Being able to drive a manual makes doesn’t make you a better trucker. I have taught some idiots how to shift proficiently. It may make you more marketable if there is that perfect job but they may have 10 speeds instead of autos. Being a safe, courteous, and smart professional is what makes a good trucker IMHO. Someone who can trip plan and work around their clock who will consistently get the freight there on time , undamaged. Someone who doesn’t park at the fuel island and go in for a shower lol. Someone that suprises their FM when they get an empty call hours or a full day before expected.

Then again what do I know?🤷🏻‍♂️

I drove the Ole Pete 379 18speed "raw raw rawr" wrecker for years. I do agree on the whole "control" thing. The automatic truck looking for a gear really bothered me, but you just "bop" the Lil flapper and BAM got a gear. I'm totally sold on the automatics. I don't even cuss in traffic anymore because I gotta split a gear every 20 seconds. I just came out of Los Angeles last night at 530pm.....530pm wtf!!!!..... cars swearving in, cutting off, brake checkin.....all handled with a couple beeble bobble beeps on the wheel. Now let's figure how to automate tarping. 😂

Now let's figure how to automate tarping. 😂

Curtain-side is pretty darn close.

I tested in an International Prostar with a 10 speed. I love the fact that I don't have to worry about being able to drive either transmission. The 10 speed is fantastic but the automatics I have driven so far have far exceeded my expectations of tractor autos, especially being as new of a CDL driver as I am.

The drivers who appreciate an auto the most might just have left knee problems like I do. Thankful to have an auto.

You always crack me up on this topic Bruce. You act like using a clutch is the equivalent to doing squats in the gym or something. We have drivers over 70 years old using 13 and 18 speed manual transmissions and do just fine.

The drivers who appreciate an auto the most might just have left knee problems like I do. Thankful to have an auto.