Automatic Vs. Manual Tansmissions?

I am a Class B driver who drives a few times per year. I have a full-time profession in another business. But, I am curious - nearly all of the CDL trucks available for rent now are equipped with automatic transmissions. I recently had a conversation with a driver who was delivering a load to a company I consult for, and he mentioned as how the truck fleets for shipping companies are switching over to automatics - that virtually the only way to get a tractor with a manual is by special order. He told me his own truck (a Volvo, if I remember correctly) had a 10-speed Allison automatic. Does anyone here have a preference one way or the other - manual over automatic or vice versa?

I prefer manual, especially during winter, but have been in a 12 speed auto since Jun 2017. I no longer hate it as I finally got the 5%-7% mountains figured out with these engines. But if I had my druthers.... ;-)

Most all companies are NOT buying manuals anymore, so the automatic restriction will be a moot point soon.

Laura

I love the auto.

Ive driven both, started in an old FLD with a 9 speed, then a 10 speed manual when I moved to my current outfit. About 3 yrs ago I got moved into a 12 spd automatic with a tag axle (only one of the two drive axles is powered). Pros of an auto: chicago rush hour traffic doesnt make my twice operated upon left knee ache, you never ever miss a downshift under load hitting that I44 hill coming out of Saint Louie. Cons: If i ever goback to a standard, its likely to take a while to reacclimate (God, I hate that hill), backing into sloped docks can be surgey, occasionally you'll hit the dock at speed.