anyone know who uses auto shift trucks?

 

I know TransAm does, although they test you in manual, so you still have to know how.

 

Interstate Distributors in Tacoma, WA uses Auto Shift exclusively. Their Web site advertises having 3,000 trucks in their fleet. The recruiter I have been in contact with is Don Smith. His e-mail address is [email protected]. Phone: 800-374-8348.

I've been doing a lot of research in WA. The information I have found says they are a good company. They just recently began hiring student drivers. They have some nice upgrades in their trucks (i.e., inverters, refridgerators, innerspring mattresses, upgraded seats). They also use a laptop communications service instead of Qualcom. I can't remember the service. But, you can send confidential e-mails and do electronic bill pays without having to have your own computer.

Check 'em out.

 

USXpress
Hogan
TransAm

 

"kali06" and "rookie" - being a "n00b" myself who has only been through orientation so far, I probably can't speak with too much authority (so YMMV) but, from what I've been told/read/heard, some (many?) companies are reverting back to manual transmissions in their trucks as new trucks are ordered.

Another thing to consider (and as others have pointed out in previous postings) - at some point you may want to move on to "bigger and better" things with another company which MAY not have autos (at ALL)...it MAY behoove you to learn how to shift a manual/10 speed so your future options are less restricted (if you know what I mean 8) )

p.s. "rookie" - your situation sounds a LOT like mine (ok, "mirror" mine, except I've never married and live on the "right coast" :P in MA); I'm currently awaiting a trainer and hard as it is, I'm learning patience is truly a virtue in the trucking world :lol: )...I'm EXPECTING things to get better as soon as I'm in the truck with a trainer). Welcome to the start of the "second/better half" of your life!

 

dohhh: I have asked myself those same questions regarding going to a company that uses auto shifts exclusively. I was advised to take full advantage to master (as much as possible) shifting a manual 10 speed while in school. Then its like riding a bike. I may be rusty if put into a manual transmission truck, but it will come back to me quickly.

I know that Gordon had some auto shifts in the Century trucks. But, they have ordered new Columbia class with the 10 speed meritors. So, what you say is true in some companies.

For some reason Interstate Distributors seem happy with the auto shifts. They will not be ordering any new trucks at all next year. They have Freightshakers (Columbia and Century) and Volvo's. God, i love the look of them Volvo's. I was told they are going to wait for the truck manufacturers adjust their technology to the new federal laws regarding ultra-low sulfur fuels. So, it will be interesting to see what they order in 2008.

 

Deboer out of WI uses mostly autos.

 

P.A.M Transport out of Tontitown, AR runs a 100% auto shift fleet.

They are great to drive in city traffic. But, I am starting to question the reliability as mine has left me stuck on the side of the road twice in the last month due to computer problems on the transmission.

 

I would suggest you learn how to drive a manual. Because you never know what may happen out here. You may wind up in an all auto company and break down, and then find yourself in a Penske or Ryder 10 speed manual rental to finish delivering a load, etc...

And I believe that in some states, you are required to be able to operate a manual transmission equipped truck.