Automatic Vs Manual

I apologize if I offended anyone. Thanks for pointing out that Manuals are still required for some jods and I believe I pointed those out. Didn't mean supertrucker as and insult but some drive manual as a hobby and put down anyone who drives auto. I apologize if that offends you. My question is why did that upset you?

All good Thomas, I may have overreacted a bit. Bobcat is right on the money…I saw the thread last night and definitely was annoyed partly by the supertrucker comment and more so the comment by Errol.

Not arguing the facts at all and I don’t have anything against autos. I’ve driven both quite a bit and I think they both are valuable tools and both have their strengths and weaknesses. You’re absolutely right that a lot of people that prefer manuals look down on and insult others that prefer autos.

I was just disappointed to see that sort of judgmental attitude on this forum, that’s all. It’s easy to get in our own bubble and forget there’s more to trucking than whatever segment we happen to be in. Btw nothing against Errol. We’ve actually met in person. He’s a great guy who I respect and he has valuable insights we all benefit from on the forum

No worries, and know this conversation is old. I just felt like giving an answer. Automatic has improved a lot in the last 3 years. Thanks for your input. Im still learning.

The conversation about auto or manual is like pay by hours or miles. They are different and each has it's advantages and preferences.

It's like your personal 4 wheeler. Almost all are auto except for certain sports or hi performance cars.

The main problem is the restriction placed on your driver's license. You do not need one to operate any other vehicle except a semi. If you remove the existing restrictions for operating an auto in a semi the problem is solved.

It's easy to learn how to shift a manual like all of us old "dinosaurs" did.

I read through this thread. I’m always amazed at how things can twist and turn.

How many in here has ever driven a version of the early auto’s. If you haven’t all you can do is repeat something you were told.

I have driven auto’s of several years from 09-15. Since the model year 15 I haven’t driven one, so I can’t tell anyone anything with first hand experience. The ones I have drove each had their quirks. The 15 was much better than the 09 models but they all have one thing in common. Expensive to repair!!!

I owned a 15 Volvo with an auto and it was ok for some things, but not good for other tasks. Backing on an angle was always a challenge.

My Pete has a manual 18. It is good for all tasks and my preference.

These auto came into existence at the urging of the larger carriers. Several reasons, easier to train people on, and since they generally don’t keep trucks much past a few years they don’t care about the repair costs nearly as much as O/O’s do.

Many aspects of our society have been “made easier” standards changed to accomodate more folks. This is another example of that. How many people washed out of driving school because they could not master shifting??? Since auto’s how many have washed out??? Just a point to think about.

Since auto’s how many people haul butt in parking lots??? How many did it before auto’s??? Another point to think about.

What was the percentage of crash’s involving trucks before auto’s??? What is that percentage today???

FMCSA preaches safety daily and keeps coming up with think tank type solutions through more regulations. Each one is going to “be the one to make the roads safer”.

Lets try attacking the real problem of safety for once. Better trained and experienced drivers would be a good start. I have seen 6 month drivers training brand new drivers. Probably not the best approach since the trainer is still learning.

What happens with just about every new regulation?? Large carriers apply for exemptions, and a vast amount are approved, usually quietly.

I don’t care what a truck is equipped with as long as the driver is properly trained how to safely operate it.

Transmission choice is just that a choice.