Training With Manual Or Automatic?
Topic 31193 | Page 1
These days the automatic restriction isn't as important but since its free (to you) I'd go with the manual. If you cannot pass the driving test with the manual then switch to the auto.
The trucking school I want to attend has the option to train in a manual or an automatic. Manual costs more money. It's $3500 to train with automatic, and $5000 to train with manual. Is it worth it - do I really want to learn manual? I won't have to pay either way. Tax payers will be paying. I think I'd rather drive an automatic, but I'm not sure I want to limit myself to only being able to drive automatics.
If this matters, my ideal trucking job would be to drive the same route every night. I like night driving... there is less traffic, and it is more peaceful until someone with their high beams tailgates me).
Thanks.
Chris P., I totally agree with Mikey.
Plus, if you are looking to drive nights and routes, you may want to look into Old Dominion, and I'm pretty sure you won't want that restriction driving for them. Many LTL companies run manuals.
Same for where my guy drives. Some of the trucks at FAB are manuals, as well.
WIOA grant, right? Go the full Monty. I would, too.
~ Anne ~
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
- FedEx Freight
- Con-way
- YRC Freight
- UPS
- Old Dominion
- Estes
- Yellow-Roadway
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carrier
WIOA:
WIOA - Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (aka WIA)
Formerly known as the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), the WIOA was established in 1998 to prepare youth, adults and dislocated workers for entry and reentry into the workforce. WIOA training funds are designed to serve laid-off individuals, older youth and adults who are in need of training to enter or reenter the labor market. A lot of truck drivers get funding for their CDL training through WIOA.
Mikey B and Anne are correct go for the manual. If you want to work at night linehaul is probably your best option, it is almost exclusively nights. I have a run that starts at 9 am but not every company or terminal has them.
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.
Linehaul:
Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.New Reply:
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The trucking school I want to attend has the option to train in a manual or an automatic. Manual costs more money. It's $3500 to train with automatic, and $5000 to train with manual. Is it worth it - do I really want to learn manual? I won't have to pay either way. Tax payers will be paying. I think I'd rather drive an automatic, but I'm not sure I want to limit myself to only being able to drive automatics.
If this matters, my ideal trucking job would be to drive the same route every night. I like night driving... there is less traffic, and it is more peaceful until someone with their high beams tailgates me).
Thanks.