Does Pepsico Have Automatic Or Manual Transmissions?

I had my interview with Pepsico and was asked if I had any restrictions on my license for automatic or manual transmission. I do not have any restriction BUT I also am not comfortable at all driving a manual. I learned on a 10 speed in school, but that was two years ago and when I went solo, I had an auto. If I am hired, can I express my being uncomfortable with a manual? What would happen if I did?

Hey Nick, welcome to our forum!

I honestly don't know if we have any current members driving for Pepsi. I also have no clue about their transmissions. My guess would be they are manuals, but that is only a guess - I could be dead wrong. You could probably find a driver at a convenience store and ask them. As far as asking for an auto, the worse they can do is say no. Are you employed as a driver currently? Is this a local job that you want to switch to? I'd make sure about this before quitting your other job if it is important to you. You should be able to find out this answer by talking to a local driver. Or if that is out of the question just call the folks doing the hiring and ask them about it. It won't be the first time they have been asked about it.

Banks briefly and recently worked for them. He should be able to answer

The building I was at had one manual transmission and the rest were automatic. When I got hired, I road tested in an automatic and they made no mention of needing endorsements or whether or not an automatic restriction would be a problem.

My experience was trucks are assigned to routes not drivers. If you're relief like I was, you'll be using whatever truck is assigned to the route you're on that day. Some senior guys might fuss about sharing and their truck will sit in the yard when they're off and the relief guy takes a spare.

My guess is that the building you interviewed in is the same. They probably have some manuals, but are transitioning to automatics. You can ask when you go back for your medical and road test. My guess would be that they need drivers and wouldn't make a fuss about you not wanting to use a manual, but if push comes to shove and that's all they have that's what you get.

Thanks Banks!

I had forgotten that you had driven with Pepsi for a little. That was all good information and up to date. Thanks, I know Nick appreciates it.