Automatics For Millenials?

Since you constantly hear "driver shortages" for new truck drivers then why dont these companies start offering automatics instead of stick? The older generation of truck drivers are retiring and this would be the perfect time for companies to transition within the next 5 years into all automatics. New jobs would open up for technicians for repairs and maintenance and stopping and going for new drivers would be more focused on. If they are trying to intice younger/new drivers, then a smart move would be to get rid of all the manual stick shifts. Its an easy write off for the companies and easier for you. (for the new drivers) Driving stick must also be a waste of fuel. For uphill or downhill with full load they can install simple switch for grade slopes, still auto.

Hello Eri, where have you been? Did you just wake up from some other dimension?

Most drivers now days are driving trucks with automatic transmissions.

I'm not sure if this is a troll post.......

Are you aware that almost all of the major companies are already deep into transitions to full auto fleets? Or is that the whole point, and this post is sarcasm? Usually my sarcasm meter is working better than this lol

You obviously have much to learn. For starters the "shortage" is for QUALIFIED drivers. A new inexperienced driver has absolutely nothing to offer a company other than being a risk.

That said, many companies do offer mainly Autoshifts, however there are many drivers who have no interest in driving anything but a manual. Autoshift transmissions have nothing to do with millennials.. it's not relevant

I think you need to do your homework all the ACCURATE information you need is right here on this website.

Welcome aboard Eri, I hope you don't mind us giving you a hard time - it's all in fun!

But seriously, going to all automatic transmissions will not flood the industry with new drivers. This is a very challenging endeavor, and shifting gears will be the least of a millennial's concerns. If you're interested in a driving career you've come to the right place.

Join in our conversations and read some of our materials - you will learn a lot by hanging around with us.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

For uphill or downhill with full load they can install simple switch for grade slopes, still auto.

Did he say something about a full load?

We already have two switches like that...the throttle pedal thingy and the service brake pedal thingy. They are on the floor, one is on the right and one is on the left. I have an "R" marked on my throttle pedal and an "L" marked on my brake pedal so I can remember them. At my advanced age, the memory ain't what it used to be. I digress...

To go faster up a hill, push the throttle (the one with the R) all the way to the floor. To slow down going down a hill, push the brake pedal (the one marked with an L). Never push them both at the same time, that makes the truck very angry. I know, cause I did that once. Haven't seen my teeth since.

Anyway, if you learn to work both of those pedals without hitting anything, guess what? You get a trophy so you'll feel really good about yourself. We will share in your joy and award you one of these...

And you thought your switch was simple...and something new. We gotcha covered Skippy and we'll give you another trophy just for thinkin' that up all by yourself. And of course another...

Is it time for milk and cookies yet? I'm starving! Oreos please, it's the cookie of choice for us older truck drivers. The milk softens em up real nice, easier on the gums...

Stop back after reading all the stuff Old School sent you. Maybe next time...get serious.

We're here for yah...ready to flip that switch.

I'm getting used to the stick just fine and I consider myself the generation after millenial.

According to many people's different definitions, I'm either the youngest millenial or the oldest Generation Z. The bad border zone!

Just got an Automatic today, like the previous comments companies are going towards them more and more

Welcome aboard Eri, I hope you don't mind us giving you a hard time - it's all in fun!

But seriously, going to all automatic transmissions will not flood the industry with new drivers. This is a very challenging endeavor, and shifting gears will be the least of a millennial's concerns. If you're interested in a driving career you've come to the right place.

Join in our conversations and read some of our materials - you will learn a lot by hanging around with us.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

Very true old school there was a time I said I'd never drive an auto now I like it just fine takes a little getting use to but you always have to adapt to change or be left behind

JD