Help Me Off The Ledge
Topic 19694 | Page 1
I love the Volvo automatic!
I have no experience beyond the Volvo, but this thing amazes me on some days. It goes down a mountain like an old pro!
Ours will be International. I've heard a lot of folks that say like the automatic. I just can't help but feel like they're taking a toy away from me. Can't imagine it not being nice around DFW, Houston etc....I have been told there's a lag when starting to back up that you have to adjust to....Any quirks that you've encountered?
This Volvo I-shift has been flawless for me.
I transitioned to auto-shift about two years ago. At first I had similar apprehension. After a bit of time with it, no real complaints.
Backing? Yes there is a minor learning curve. Took me about 10 repetitions before I had it dialed in.
My terminal manager told me that he's ordering a new truck in a couple weeks. That's exciting! I've never had a brand new truck -- never even set foot in one!
He also said that starting with the 2018s, all of the new trucks will be automatics. Wait, what!? One of the greatest things about getting a new truck is a new clutch and new transmission that hasn't been ground and scratched by anyone else!
So, mixed feelings. I'm also a little apprehensive about not being able to control backing speed with the clutch. I almost never touch the accelerator when backing. Freaky. We'll see.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
You eventually just get over it lol. I've gotten so used to driving these automatic yard trucks that I don't even think twice about getting in an auto-shift semi tractor anymore. It's all the same to me now.
TWIC:
Transportation Worker Identification Credential
Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.
Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
I have spent my training time in the Freightliner autos. I like the ease of control, and def not getting a workout in Cali traffic. However the shifting it does sometimes, just doesn't feel right. Going uphill in day 12, it drops to 11 ok cool. Then it drops to 9 right before the top of the hill. Now my RPMs are all over 1500, and thus thing sounds like it's ready to explode. However the hill decent mode holds the truck at the desired speed all the way down the hill no matter what grade.
My trainer's truck is a KW T-680 with an auto shift. It takes getting used to while going slow. Like backing and driving on a yard. I haven't been on the road in it yet, it seems like it will have some pep. CFI is in the process of changing their fleet to autoshifts. They say it's become cheeper to operate them and there is a safety factor. It's less to do and concentrate on while backing. It seems this is the way the industry is trending. So, I guess we will all eventually have to get used to it.
I shall adapt and overcome 😂...We are also dropping the super single and going back to duels
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Kidding kind of....We just got word that our new trucks beginning in 2018 will be coming in the form of automatics !!! Not quite sure what I think of this.