Why Manual Transmission Semi Trucks Are Going EXTINCT

Do you believe that almost everything will be automated in the next three to five years? Is driving stick a lost art?
In this video, Ronen shares why manual transmission trucks seem to be a disappearing breed. Should those die-hard manual shifters in our profession prepared for when manual transmission trucks go extinct?
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[@semiretired6033]

Drove manuals many years and wasn't sure about the autos when they first came out. Now you couldn't pay me enough to go back to a stick! .

[@Dababster1]

I’ve been driving since I was 15 and learned on a manual transmission. Took up truck driving at age 50 in manuals and made the switch to automatics 2 years in and I won’t go back. I can operate either type but prefer the efficiency and comfort and convenience an automatic truck. I personally think everyone should learn on a manual and then switch to automatics.

[@WastdTrashPanda]

You mean the efficiency of it choosing the wrong gear to go up a hill, bogging down, downshifting(slowly), then slowy getting up speed until it upshifts and the repeats the process again? Or how about the efficiency of it skip shifting on a light load or empty even though you really need to get up to speed to get out of they way? The shifting logic of the auto trans is "you know what, we're making good time, let's not do that anymore" and then it shifts into high gear going 50mph, and you're even more of a moving road block.

[@davidhill1911]

@@WastdTrashPandacouldn’t have said it better automatics suck! If folks can’t learn how to manual properly and be professional, which they should because they are a professional driver, then damn that should be just too bad.

[@LittleBear379]

First off, Id like to say I'm a 20 year old Class A woman truck driver. Shifting never stressed me out, and I very much disagree with what you said about automatic drivers being more concentrated on the road. Shifting is a natural thing that I just do without even thinking about it. While all the time my full concentration is on the road(not my shifting, cell phone, or anything else). And another point I'd like to make; manual trucks are not going to have less value in the industry, but rather the morons who don't know how to drive them. Thank you for the video, I still enjoyed watching

[@luisescalante1391]

I like your answer you a very brave woman

[@samr5075]

Honestly, I think I see automatic drivers on their cell phones more than I see manual drivers. It definitely takes away from the value and the skill that you used to need to do this career.

[@truckme198]

Yes! Not only are you not distracted, but if you talk to some older, veteran truckers...you're also not being made lazy. Truckers who shift, are actually driving their truck. ...nuff said.

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

With a manual, even if you have your eyes on the road at all times, the fact that you have to sacrifice one of your arms for shifting will always be more distracting in an emergency situation versus auto driver who is doing nothing but holding a steering wheel. And the people who don't know how to drive stick are not morons, they are perfectly capable of going through the hoops to learn stick the same way you did, they just don't want unnecessary labor when they can just drive auto. They are smart enough to accept the same pay for less physical work.

[@AustinBeCrazy]

Hey that’s not nice. I just want to drive automatic.

[@joshjosh6526]

I was always told that if you can drive a manual transmission vehicle, you can drive anything. Thankfully when i got my cdl i was in one of the last classes to learn on a manual truck. I prefer a manual transmission just for the fact i can “feel” the truck/engine. They do suck in heavy traffic though.

[@dchawk81]

As a local I have one of each, and the dumber these other drivers get the more I appreciate my auto.

[@randallraszick6001]

I drove stick in the schoolyard but auto for the DOT exam, so I am auto restricted. I have the manumatic option but only use it in the mountains.

[@preppertrucker5736]

Better get used to that as traffic is only going to get worse in the future……

[@joshjosh6526]

@@preppertrucker5736 if that isn’t the truth! I live out in the sticks and traffic is getting to be insane and the amount of people “driving” and not paying any attention is growing as well.

[@francomtz7115]

A good driver will save more fuel, brakes, rear ends, tires, etc etc, on a manual. The problem is back to good drivers are the ones becoming extinct, so big companies hire just a warm body to hold the steering wheel and hit the accelerator or brake pedal.

[@dchawk81]

A lot of drivers think they're better than they are.

[@jdm1039]

Franco Mtz - Not true with today's modern automated manuals. And if you are saving on brakes with a manual its because you are downshifting early increasing the rpms and therefore the fuel use.

[@davelovell4005]

@@jdm1039 If your foot is not on the accelerator pedal you are NOT burning more fuel no matter how high your rpms are. Common knowledge, that is the way diesel injection systems work.

[@dchawk81]

@@davelovell4005 You can't downshift an unsynchronized manual without the accelerator. Even the automated ones use the throttle. You have to rev the engine to match the RPMs when you downshift. An automated can give the tiniest amount to minimize the fuel usage. A human tends to give too much or too little. Too much wastes some fuel, too little requires another blip wasting even more because it won't let you put it in gear that first time when floating - if you double clutched it it's going to let you but it's also going to bang the drivetrain around.

[@davelovell4005]

@@dchawk81After 44 years of driving class 8 trucks all within the tanker industry I am very well aware of how downshifting works. The point that I was making to JDM was that after the downshift is made the higher rpms do not burn more fuel because your foot is off the throttle. We are an all Mack fleet having both manual and automated manual transmissions, and having driven both I can tell you for a fact that the auto does absolutely nothing better that a properly trained driver can do. Some of the autos are only 3 years old and are already having transmission issues. By the way, no properly trained professional driver floats gears, they all double clutch. When I started with Bulk Carriers in Sarnia back in 1977, I was told during my road test to double clutch ONLY! That was good policy then, and still holds true today.

[@claudem.p.7969]

I like the manual a lot BUT in a urban area with bicycle, walking people who do not look around traffic jam and the eternal road repairs. I prefer automatic. Manual is my first choice reality push me towards automatic.

[@chipinfoos]

I have tried a 13 speed currently in CDL school and i still have trouble downshifting. As a new driver is it a nightmare to be a newbie and grinding gears in a traffic jam. As a priority id prefer first to learn to drive properly and have the manual hours at work if the company as manual trucks

[@haroldbacker5915]

@@chipinfoos same here in CDL class and for me kinda hard to focus on all the parts or steps to shift correctly yes I know I may learn later but for me to pass my CDL first time I ratter focus on the road for now

[@claudem.p.7969]

@@chipinfoos You are right. Sometimes I have the feeling I am using a grinder. My knee hurt. The worse is unknown road repairs, these guys knows all the good way to piss me off with these orange cones. Invested so much time in manual to realize roads are a war zone in Canada. HOURRA.

[@josephrobi6806]

@@haroldbacker5915 if you start automatic you normally will never learn manual sorry 😐

[@weirdfan88]

@@haroldbacker5915 That's what everyone says and then a majority never go back to get that restriction removed

[@David-yy7lb]

Im a die hard manual transmission operator, and I love my 18 speed👍🏿👍🏿.....automatic transmission trucks are for steering wheel holders and cdl graduates but anyway In my opinion it is very difficult to teach someone how to drive a manual transmission and I think this is the main reason trucking companies are going automatic transmission

[@wesman7837]

When I learned to drive semi truck's I had already been driving manual transmission car's, and pickup truck's so it wasn't very difficult to learn. I started out on a split axle, and I think those are probably the most difficult, but the rest seemed to come pretty naturally to me. I would prefer a manual, but I'm paralyzed now so it's not really an option anymore, and it bums me out.☹️

[@Goodfella1999]

@@wesman7837 damn bro sorry to hear that. Had an accident?

[@victorbernier4765]

For someone who has severe arthritis that’s an insult

[@DanielEspinoza-ip5kx]

if you can drive manual transmission you can drive automatic, not otherwise

[@schfiftyfive9680]

My whole time at Schneider having a manual, I averaged 7.8 mpg in a 2016 cascadia and 10 speed. When they made me go into a new 2019, my MPG dropped to 7.2. the fleet average was about 7 even and I was almost one full point above that with a 10 speed. There is ZERO benefits to an automatic other than companies hiring idiots that they don't have to train.

[@JamesDavis-vm9gw]

Really. My fleet average was mid 8

[@jdm1039]

schifftyfive - Find your numbers very hard to believe. May have been an individual truck issue. Automated manuals is what they really are in trucks, are much more efficient. In what few cars that manuals still exist, the automatic transmission equipped cars perform better in all regards. Years ago this wasn't the case but today it is.

[@schfiftyfive9680]

@@jdm1039 not if you know how to coast and keep your RPMs low. I never went above 1400 unless I was downshifting or pulling a hill. The new autos constantly shift and blip the throttle, always revving ultra high and sitting in 11th for no reason at all. Stupid. I am well aware of what an AMT is. Still dumb.

[@jdm1039]

@@schfiftyfive9680 I've driven several autos from both KW (sleeper) and Freightliner (day cab) and never experienced any of the characteristics you are mentioning. Maybe that was in older autos. The first KW auto that I had was a pain to modulate the throttle backing up but in the newer ones that has been corrected. I have also driven manual and currently do in a local job in an older truck. I'll take an auto any day of the week. You can pay more attention to the rest of the process of driving. Especially in this local job where I am constantly shifting. I work twice as hard for no appreciable reason. The company I work for now is transitioning to autos. I spelled out auto vs automated manual because it seems like most people I've seen on the internet bashing autos do not seem to know what they are talking about, have never driven one or only have only driven an older generation auto when they were first coming out.

[@davelovell4005]

I agree with everything that you have said. The company that I drive for has started purchasing manuals again, and there is a waiting list of guys wanting to get back into them and of young new hires wanting to learn how to drive them. We are a tanker fleet hauling up to 62000 kg GVW, and as such we can not afford to hire the nincompoops that are so prevalent in the industry today.

[@kmg501]

Been driving over thirty years, as you can imagine I have vast bulk of those miles on manual transmissions. Everything from five speed to 18 speed (yes believe it or not there were class eight trucks with five speed xmissions). At this point I don't care what I drive, I only care that it is working and performing properly in ALL respects. I'm not wedded any given tech, as long as that tech works properly I'm good to go.

[@josephlewis5614]

One of the trucks I learned on was a 5 speed ford if I remember correctly

[@rp1645]

Kmg501. YES you are correct. My 1971 SeaGrave Fire Engine is a 5 speed. It has a 750 gallon water tank. I find it enjoy to drive. One of the first things I had to do after buying it was a whole Transmission overhaul. Think about 50+ years no clutch work or overhaul. The main grease fitting in center of yoke was over greased by looking back on all the maintenance Records. I got great history printed Records from when the city used it. Lots of TLC by shop maintenance people. They over greased the Yoke. According to my shop, the owner who took a lot of time explaining to me don't grease that zert,as much as they did, it doesn't need it. He showed me what happened when grease builds up. Anyway it's just a restoration for me. For kids to get in driver seat of Fire engine. I always loved the cab over the look of those vintage SeaGrave. I do double clutch it. It seems to shift easyer, than no clutch Or just regular clutch shifting. But I totally understand why FDs. went to Automatic, same with Garbage truck, most Government Road crews all there trucks are Automatic now. The Automatic makes a big difference when plowing snow.

[@kmg501]

@@rp1645 Interesting stuff. I've never driven any municipal equipment except possibly a old and very worn dump truck that was bought by a micro farm. The five speed I drove was a Mack day-cab COE (very short in fact). I believe it was circa mid 90''s equipment.

[@rp1645]

@@kmg501 I drove two different MACKS both dumps. One had the shifter on side of nob, with the ( OD) shifter. Plus the very low low range lever on floor. Short stick. The other had a Mack engine with a Allison Automatic. The big one with more gears. They were both strong trucks. I backed down a steep drive with the low geared were we dumped are are waste dirt at yard to just try the low,low gears. It crawled up the dirt cliff, never spinning a tire. I lost my clutch pedal, because I had been shown double clutching in CDL training. You did NOT need to use clutch to shift. My lead showed me NO clutch shifting. When I started at company the owner just showed me the Mack and said get in and drive.

[@renaldojason]

I drove a 6 speed mack before

[@ksunofficial]

Low Repair cost and a much better understanding of the truck/car are the biggest benefit to a manual. I recommend anyone young or old learn manual before it's too late. You never know when it will save your life.

[@leroymickle2998]

Automatic is a joke in a semi. That's the problem with driving schools, they don't use manuals in schools.

[@Farrell0208]

Eventually they won’t need to. All the new trucks are being made as an automatic. Look across the board at Pete, KW, Volvo, International, Freightliner…unless you spec it new yourself from the factory, these new trucks are coming standard with an automatic transmission. They’re getting to a point they don’t need to. In about 5 years or so, the “auto only” restriction is gonna become obsolete because there will be so many automatic trucks on the roads that the likelihood of new drivers getting into a manual will be rare. I can drive just about anything but why shift gears in LA traffic if I have the option not to?

[@davidestrada7337]

Yea its sad i will never buy an auto truck as a owner operator love my 10 speed standard on my cascadia

[@evguenimertodjan9783]

I'm all about control, manual all the way, love 13 speed, especially for snow and ice, mountains and downhills. And love the feeling for sure!

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

I start with schneider next week and the training is an auto and I'm soooo glad. Call me whatever you want, but I would rather focus on driving the truck safely instead shifting gears.

[@jasondwimes8612]

Facts

[@otisdriftwood6723]

Shifting doesn't take away from focus if you're skilled it's second nature but since you're new you're gonna be nervous and mega focused. After you drive that dog up a few hills you'll be focused on how many stickshift trucks are blowing your doors off

[@scottjonassen81]

I’m a gear jammer. Only drove one auto tractor and hated every min of it

[@samr5075]

An experienced driver with a manual will get better gas mileage than an automatic, generally in ideal conditions. Also if you're using clutch to shift you're either new and still need a trainer with you or you don't belong behind a manual. We all grinded gears including myself but I never missed one because I knew the consequences of it. It helps you understand the truck better and the feel for it. You can get that feel a little bit from an automatic but not like a manual. I think it's a real tragedy that manuals are dying and that the ability to understand how that elevates this as a profession is part of the reason we have so many steering wheel holders out here on the road.

[@StarPartners]

Perhaps ... However it’s proven that you’re able to concentrate better on the traffic/weather & your gauges/mirrors with AMTs and PARTICULARLY towards the end of a long day you will find not having to shift in traffic a major blessing... I’d NEVER go back to “gear jamming” 😎

[@samr5075]

@@StarPartners I understand completely. However, I still think it is important to at least learn on a manual. For me I hate the automatics. I just feel like you don't have as much control. And like I said in my comment, I feel like it takes away from some of the knowledge and skill that you need to do this profession. But automatics are not ultimately what's going to ruin the trucking industry. There's a million other things going on that are way worse than an automatic truck. I just wish people could appreciate that feeling of shifting gears and feeling that power that we all know and love, and I don't think you can fully appreciate it until you've at least driven a manual a couple of times

[@mscheuer1977]

Don't forget you drive Fuller in the US, In Europe it's a different System or you have a semi automatic like the Mercedes Arctros had

[@wasibara]

Tragedy? No, is called technology. Todays transmission communicate with a computer. They know when to shift, and there is no way you will beat a computer. Automatic transmission is the future.

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

Its also just as likely that the manual you drove were more geared for fuel economy and the auto was not as specialized. a modern cascadia with an auto will blow away any manual transmission. You can never beat a computer (like the other guy said).

[@zelalemmekuria4349]

I personally love to drive manual transmission but the technology changed everything so I have to access my self in to the market 🙂

[@austro3852]

Let's hope self driving trucks don't steal our jobs... :)

[@keough-rc6552]

I drive a 04 KW with a Detroit, with 13 speed, and I average 7mpg. Manual trans give you power to choose which gear you feel you need to be in when pulling, and descending hills. Also, once you know how to shift, it becomes second nature so it’s not a distraction when driving. That’s just my opinion.

[@bolognasammich]

I graduated CDL school in January. I specifically sought out a school that trained us on manuals. I learned on an Eaton 10 speed. All of the big mega carrier recruiters I talked to told me "nobody uses automatics anymore." I paid for my CDL out my own pocket so I was not obligated under any contract with a carrier. I chose a smaller company in my area, they have about 3 dozen Freightliner Columbia "glider" trucks. The entire fleet are the same Eaton-Fuller 10 speed I learned on in school, excpet for 1 or 2 "Super 10" transmissions, and ONE automatic. The automatic is the "breakdown" truck that we have to use if our assigned truck needs repairs or maintenance. Every driver who has used it absolutely hates it and many drivers will take vacation time if thier truck breaks down rather than spend any time in the automatic. I drove it for one day, I hated it. And yes, the 10 speed manual was the most difficult thing for me to master, I've been driving for 4 months, I will still miss a gear now and then, especially when loaded heavy, but I absolutely love driving a manual and dread the day I get forced into an automatic. I'd get so damn bored! Ronin, I drive in Michigan. Detroit area mainly. About a month ago, at a TA TravelCenter truckstop in Battle Creek, Michigan, I saw an older driver at the fuel island with an "ET Transport" hat. I told him I was a huge fan of the channel and that your videos were a big part of my decision to quit 29 years of factory work and become a truck driver, which was the best decsion I have ever made for myself. He laughed when I asked him if he watched the channel and if he knew any of you guys. He said he was your father! I told him to tell you hello and thank you for this awesome channel and the great work you guys do. Did he ever get the message to you? It was about a month ago or so, so that would be April/March timeframe, again, at a TA in Battle Creek, Michigan.

[@bryannoel9221]

Stick sift is not a lost art, for me stick sift keep a driver more alert, takes his or her time to drive, and if the truck is geared and tune it will be a good fuel saver, automatic is less work

[@Freightlinerbob]

30 years of driving, 28 as an O/O. 11 months ago I bought my first truck with an AMT. I’m not going back. It’s awesome. Anyone that thinks they’ve somehow “lost control” with an AMT hasn’t bothered to familiarize themselves with one or the owner of the truck has locked out part of it’s functions. That there are so many applicants in the GTA that can’t drive a manual indicates they are mostly all brand new inexperienced drivers. No doubt experienced drivers won’t work for what is being offered in compensation.

[@TheMootster16]

I run Brooklyn almost daily. Prefer a manual yes even in NYC. I actually get better mpg with my 10 speed than our newer 2022 autos. Mpg really comes down to your driver and how it's spec. Than what transmission is in it. I personally have run both. I just feel a big lose of pride and control running a auto and have yet to personally see a advantage. The best part of rolling a stick in a large fleet is all the auto restrictions drivers can't hop in when I am off for my reset

[@c.thompson9771]

Lol! I've never considered that!? Bravo.

[@dwightmitchell1464]

The biggest disadvantage to an auto-shift is the reliability. We have enough reliability problems with the emissions system already.

[@javiercadena206]

I love stick shift, but i absolutely believe the numbers dont lie. Im also practical about fuel economy, maintenance.

[@stevehillbilly5797]

Move drilling rigs and for that line of work the extra control over the transmission pulling wheelers with heavy loads off road is a must, however on a bed truck moving rigs an automatic is pretty slick. Great 👍🏻 video Peace from Alberta

[@zachpare206]

I feel like manual transmissions would help with the immigration loopholes you mentioned in a previous video. It would heighten the minimum skills to drive a truck instead of grt in and go.

[@ZefixYT]

That's not correct. At least in Europe all manual Trucks have a synchronised gearbox. So while they have a rangeselector and a splitter (most of them are 16 speed) they just shift like a regular manual 4-wheeler. I have a Truck-Driving-License (Germany), can drive a manual Truck here without trouble - but i would have to learn the double-clutching or floating just as a newbie.

[@MrFriday83]

@@ZefixYT I think you're an acception to the rule. You have prior experience, and would adapt within a day. The problem is here we're recruiting people who have never even driven a car before, tossing them with a truck license and sending them on their way. All this before proper training, adapting to our road culture and not before they can read our signs. It's a recipe for failure. I'm a big fan of automatic but forcing them to train in the manual would filter out the people who aren't ready or at very least add a hurdle

[@scottyphillips8406]

Not too sure about that one. Here in ATL, Amazon flies them in from Africa. I see Amazon driving them around by the van load, teaching them how to drive an auto. They hit the clutch in an auto, just like me.

[@StevenBrown-to7ls]

Learning to drive the stick gives the driver more flexabilty for their carrer. it is the reason big fleets refuse to teach new drivers. Learning manuel teaches the driver to be safer becuase you have to pay attention to the truck more as well as the road,, ex downgrade, hill, exit so on. however and Automatic spoils the heck out of the driver and makes traffic jams less of a pain in butt.

[@survivetothrive21]

I’ve driven both, but have only owned manuals. My last truck, a Cascadia with a ten speed manual, the mere fact it had a manual saved me from a tow bill TWICE. That’s because the starter went bad twice, but because I had a manual, I was able to roll start and be pulled the second time to allow me to jump the clutch to get it started so I could get it to a shop. That sole advantage has really sold me on my manuals.

[@Josiah_Harder]

Learning in an automatic would be a huge benefit I agree. I remember learning to drive it was really difficult to focus on the trailer while shifting at the same time

[@David-yy7lb]

So I guess you can't chew bubble gum and walk at the same time....😂

[@Josiah_Harder]

@@David-yy7lb funny guy

[@Josiah_Harder]

@@luisescalante1391 So do I. Can you read tho? I said while learning

[@luisescalante1391]

@@Josiah_Harder oh yeah it is true you say when learning I didn't see that part sorry.

[@Josiah_Harder]

@@luisescalante1391 it's okay haha

[@greentruth89]

Shifting the truck as a newbe never stressed me out the problems are trainers suck and big companies don't care who they hire. The way I see these new drives take off in these automated trucks I think they need manuals because they think they're driving a race car

[@pankajpurushram1055]

It will never go out of style .. I would like to see eclectic truck and automatic truck go off roading with 80 to 120 thousand lbs .. I would like to see your company an all these mega carriers with these type of trucks you like doin storm relief ..

[@dewaynejay1032]

I started off with a 10 speed, and I enjoyed it. I started in 2008, and I'm a local driver now. So I have almost 20 years of experience. I never driven an automatic until 2018, and it feels weird when I started.

[@Artur_Khazin]

No way, I don't think manual transmissions will disappear, specially in the USA because there is still a huge market for them. Secondly you need to get a actual driver that drove both to make a list of positives and negatives and comparisons between a company driver and an Owner Operator. Thanks

[@Mr.Uninteresting]

I recently passed my class A and am glad the company that hired me still has manual and I’m getting good at the 10 speed.

[@daveanthony3153]

......it's funny I know of 3 carriers now on western Canada are the process of returning to manual transmissions ,they claim that the automatics doesn't last long and are costly to repair.

[@McClellan5172]

On a auto transmission. We had a driver in my company who did pull the air drain in that little tank ever. He went into a cold area. And I heard his tank froze up. Because he never drained the air out. For me it gives me more control of the gears and truck when I need to do what I need it to do

[@samueledward5078]

I love my 2020 freightliner 13 speed, im going to drive until the wheels falls off.

[@sidallen685]

A automatic transmission almost got me killed once.

[@patchrat1]

I would take that bet I drive for a small fleet we have manually and automatic mostly automatic I do better side by side against the automatic +.2 to +.5 mpg could have more to do with my driving style than the truck the automatic trucks I have driven are a lot harder on my neck as the shift so hard I don’t like the way they back up into loading docks tight parking spots or under a trailer I’ll stick to the 13 speed when I started here 5 years ago they were going to give me a new truck with the automatic I said no thanks and they found me one of there older trucks with a 10 speed the last 2 new trucks that they have gotten for me have 13 speeds and so will the next they like to traid them off with some warranty left so I’m good for a new truck every 2 to 3 years I also don’t like how the automatic preform on slick roads I just don’t have the feeling of control that I do with a manual

[@genaroj.marcelojr.6299]

In my country,autotrans truck are so expensive,so most operator don't buy that, instead they prefer most often,Japan surplus truck,but some of them are grab surplus American truck

[@susanmartinez4549]

that feeling of floating gears and downshifting while floating is unparalleled. if you know, you know.

[@x_flies]

Yes sir, it's such an orgasm for the lack of a better word. Nothing can compare to that, you feel so connected to the machine. Driving automatic trucks I cant help but feel like a complete MORON. It doesnt make me feel good at all.

[@antonjames4867]

When I first got into an automatic truck after driving 20yrs in a manual my first question was how do you drive it I've driven everything from 8 spd ,9spd, 10spds, super 10s, and 13 spd, so when I got into an automatic I had to ask how do you drive it and I got to say I'd rather slide on ice in a manual rather than an automatic because I can control a skid when I have total control of a truck

[@c.thompson9771]

Exactly 💯! I drove SO slowly worried about that. I call it trailer roulette when they're comin' at ya. Tools are useless, without control.

[@rp1645]

Anton YES the ice and snow. My manual transmission 4×4 tracker when I drove going out to tow stuck automatic drivers, and yes I have pulled vehicle twice my wht. The down shifting makes me NOT have to use brakes. I have never spun or skidded at coming to stop. I just don't use my brakes at all when it's real bad snowy weather out. Going out being good guy with tow straps.

[@antonjames4867]

@@rp1645 then they want to put super singles on them as well total uselessness

[@j-lynnm6128]

when i think of driving a semi. i only see a manual transmission. I'm still trying to get my company to switch just a few (3-6) trucks to manual, but the response i always get is that most peoople dont know how. that is because they were never taught in the school system. YES , it is a lost art .... I'm still amazed knowing that there is only a handful of individuals on this earth that can shift those old OLD school shifters with 3 sticks. again i reiterate i canonly see semi's with manual transmission and seeing one with a auto is disgrace to truckers. I have only been really driving for a about 2+ years. fairly new. But to each their own.

[@StarPartners]

With about 2.5 million miles under belt (75 yr old retiree) I’m absolutely very enthusiastically of the opinion that Automated Manual Trannys are the future of trucking - Period !! And pls don’t refer to AMTs as simply automatics. Totally different animal ... Torque converter vs just gears and clutch.. I’ve had the privilege of a couple test drives on AMT & impressed is putting it mildly. Don’t get me wrong; I love my old ‘93 Mack conventional with Rockwell 9 speed overdrive... Put just shy of a million miles in her... But in So Cal traffic - yeah - AMT 👍 And I’m totally convinced of not only better MPG, but even less stress on drivetrains/tires etc.. My bulldog got me @7.8 mpg on average when UVL fleet was running about 5.6 ... Today it appears many AMT rigs are at a closer to average of 8-10 mpg..

[@michaelc9128]

If the "new generation"of drivers was around back in the day manual transmission even in a car was pretty common and if you purchase a car from the dealer you had to pay more for the auto transmission.so it made sense to get manual

[@dougchew5193]

It’s tough to get an automatic unstuck in the snow, you can’t rock it, you push the buttons and it goes into forward or reverse when it wants to not when you need it to no timing

[@StarPartners]

Check out the brand new Cummins Eaton 18 AMT ... It has a “rock it” feature addressing that issue... 😊

[@johnlong9534]

I drove a manual for 30 years, then, seven years ago. the company switched to automatics. When you are going through any major city, bumper to bumper, during rush hour, an automatic transmission is a god send. Just for that reason alone, I would never want to go back to a manual.

[@AceSmoke662]

They going extinct cause schools teach automatics so they can make it difficult for a driver to leave mega fleets I’m going thru that now trying to go to smaller companies and they’re manuals

[@dumpstermaster104]

I once told my student " learn how to drive a manual or learn how to flip burgers. I think every trucker should live by that statement.

[@josephlewis5614]

I was a local driver for 6 years, drove a different truck everyday. When I'd go from a manual to a auto I'd be ghost shifting for sure 😂😂 but I ALWAYS got way way better fuel economy in a manual. I'm getting worse now in my 2020 auto cascadia than I did 9 years ago in the multiple 10 speed cascadias I drove. 2 of those were from hauling tankers that I idled 24/7 and also had to idle high for hours at a time when it was driver unload and I had to run my PTO.

[@MarkOPolo456]

I have driven a lot of cars and pickup trucks with manual transmissions. My dad taught me how do double clutch when down shifting about 40+ years ago, so I was very proficient at double clutching. However, when I went to CDL school, I had to really focus on learning to double clutch when upshifting because this was completely foreign to me. Then there was the range selector (splitter as it is commonly referred to) and focusing my attention on making sure I was focusing on selecting the proper gear when shifting while learning to maneuver the truck on the road. My point is that I think it would be easier to start out in a truck with an automated (or automatic) transmission while initially learning how to drive this huge piece of equipment on the road and in traffic, and transition to a manual transmission after developing some basic skills driving the truck. As Ronen points out, not focusing so much attention on shifting would allow the new driver to place more focus and attention on learning the basic skills. Also, I’m not familiar with all the different truck manufacturers, but I know many of the transmissions referred to as ‘automatics’ are actually manual transmissions with a computer that performs the shifting. There are some conventional automatics (with torque converters, etc.,) out there but I’m not sure about the percentage of these. I did take my test in an 8 speed in which I only had to be concerned about the range selector, but I’d like to learn and become proficient at shifting a 13 speed. Until that opportunity arises, I’m happy letting the truck computer do the shifting for me.

[@bryanperrier2219]

I haul super b tanker in Alaska and Yukon. I have driven both manual and automatic transmissions. Hands down after 43 years behind the wheel. I will argue till I'm blue in the face that in the mountains and ice roads of the north. Manual wins every time. Thanks for your channel and keep up the great work.

[@romanshevy257]

I do the Alcan and same opinion, in the mountains, for now, Manual is the way to go. Plus autos can also go into limp mode for stupid reasons.

[@cargotoolshop5319]

Automatic transmission will never be in my truck, I shift just fine, and burn diesel fuel for fun, I believe I can get better fuel mileage with my manual transmission but you have to know how to, stay strong

[@frederickknapp5340]

Driving stick is definitely a lost art. Even our military is going to auto because no one joining can drive a stick. I learned from my great grandpa back in 69 using a road grader and a Willy's Jeep and love it then and today.

[@HaulingStuff]

I remember when cars used to have column shift manuals now you can’t find them anywhere and it’s the same with trucks after a while nobody’s gonna even remember what they looked like.. i still prefer a manual just because I love how they sound with my Jakes and which is just for show of course..

[@detreknash4505]

Glad I can Do Both.

[@hirprimate941]

I was OTR 92-04, I enjoyed the challenge of shifting. It took me years to get truly good, where you can just use 2 fingers and it will just drop in smoothly in all the various conditions. How do the automatics handle declines? Do they shoot down the hills and hope the Jake holds them back?

[@dustintunis9347]

The automatics I've driven downshift when you let off if the Jake brake is on. You can also set the highest gear they will shift to.

[@saruwatarikooji]

Thing is, they aren't actually "automatics" they are automated manual transmissions. The clutch and shifting is just done via a computer and pneumatics. You can shift them "manually" if you want to. Most even have a manual option where you are responsible for shifting up and down. It's not the same way but you can control the gears. I really enjoy the automatic partially for the ease but mostly because I have an injury in my left knee that makes long term clutch use excruciating... To the point where I become unable to walk unassisted. I do know how to drive manual and would like to get the automatic only restriction removed from my CDL but I really don't want to spend my career driving a manual... Mostly because I like the ability to walk.

[@dustintunis9347]

@@saruwatarikooji - Some are actual automatics, some are automated manuals. True automatics are much easier to back into a dock than an automated manual because an automated manual doesn't want to slip the clutch where an automatic with a torque converter has no problem creeping along. The only exception I know of is an auto shift which is an automated manual with a clutch. I've only driven an auto shift maybe 150 feet, it was an awkward dock that you have to blindside angle back (maybe 30° so not terrible) in, I offered another driver some pointers and he just set the brakes and got out. It was push button (R, N, D) but had a clutch.

[@robbinstruckinglandclearin786]

I own a Allison automatic had it for 20 years never had 1 drive line failure it’s in a class 8 dump truck it’s great but I’m going to purchase a class 8 sleeper truck and it will have a 18 speed. Enjoy your channel 👍

[@Josiah_Harder]

Watching this in a hotel while my truck is in the shop at Kenworth for transmission issues in my automatic t680 haha I do enjoy the automatic while in heavy traffic and eating while driving but I miss driving manual to be honest

[@KEVINLEE-pf8lo]

If you can't drive stick, YOU ARE NOT A TRUCK DRIVER!!!!! I agree with Sam R if you know what your doing fuel cosumption can be better

[@rustydemz7919]

Been driving off n' on since 02 and don't miss standard AT ALL.

[@johngoss367]

Wasn't a choice when I started. One day it would be a 15 sod, next day a 9 spd the next an 18. I find that you need the brake pedal more in an automatic than in a manual. "Back in The Day" it was drilled into us to push the brake as little and as infrequent as possible.... but it's a new day and a new way I guess.

[@katman8714]

Heck with those 18s...I can only count to 13😆

[@scottyphillips8406]

@@katman8714 same transmission, different knob

[@mauricecurtis68]

Manually shifting keeps you focused and awake. Better control on grades.

[@markrupprnkamp5832]

The cluch gives better control starting a pto and controlling starts on ice . The automatic in the freightliner I am assigned to chatters and shakes the truck when backing up . I do like a automatic in stop and go traffic.

[@villainjohnnoel8075]

Hi from France, i'm 61 years old and when i started driving trucks they were only manual gearboxes. I live and work here in France,i drive à petrol tanker for a huge transport company where now all the trucks are automatic gearbox's (12 speed) and they are fantastic,but i think that coming from a manual gearbox makes the différence. Yeah the new équipement is pretty good.

[@xX_Gravity_Xx]

I was trained on an Auto because it was free, and I was poor, and I've been looking into learning to drive a manual. The risk of undoing my CDL entirely by screwing up and failing my retest, isn't worth the benefit to learning, until I can hopefully one day get my own truck and put it to use.

[@DJPereira2012]

I'm younger and love my manual in the semi.

[@martygt3357]

I will get better mpg with a manual trans.. I can control the truck in a problem better with a manual. (flat steer tire, snow, rain, icy road, down hill on the jakes) All the above is only correct IF you are always paying attention, like a race car driver at Daytona.

[@wp5957]

If you can't shift a manual transmission, I can only imagine how you back up a trailer

[@onemancarnage]

I drove an auto shift for 8 months . I hated getting up to go to work every day ! I can't stand them ! I've trained drivers and they need to be scared ! For the first few months ! It makes you pay attention to everything you are doing and if they don't have the coordination to drive a manual , I won't hire them . Just my opinion .

[@marlinpetre788]

Could you hook your automatic cascadias to a heavy load of logs pulling out of the woods? I'm just curious how it would do

[@iWinnipeg]

So what I hear, is companies are forced to buy automatics because of poor training and lack of drivers. And manufacturers are making bank on selling autos with increased maintenance.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Take that info as you will :)

[@kingtrumpet123]

oh wow -- so sad that the manual transmission is going away. I worked at a highway department before I retired 2 years ago. We had 2 new automatic trucks when I left, and 3 manual transmissions ones in the fleet. Way back in 2015, when our 18 speed Mack was on her last legs, I told the newest member of our highway department. ENJOY driving the 18 speed, and honk the air horn with the cable, this is probably going to be the last truck that has any of that. I sort of saw it coming.

[@itsking2u]

if someone was interested in buying a used truck from you guys how would they go about doing that?

[@alimujahid6537]

I drove an automatic Transmission , hated it , when you take the stick shift out of the truck , you’re driving a big bus now , I love the manual transmission I will always drive a manual transmission

[@josephrobi6806]

In a heavy traffic hard on the knees manual. Automatic way easier but later no more drivers because it will be automate self driving that is the end goal

[@jorgeduran4960]

People keep saying hard on your knees so why is there 70 and 80 year old people still driving stick shift trucks? You depress the pedal with foot not your knees.

[@geraldsouza6815]

The only time I touch the clutch is when stopped. If in traffic I try to stay rolling as much as possible. It's pretty simple. Lol

[@dchawk81]

@@jorgeduran4960 You don't know how a leg works?

[@josephrobi6806]

@@jorgeduran4960 aha aha aha of course with the foot. I was driving with another driver one time and he told me about his knee problem. That is why he is driving automatic

[@yuri-he9bd]

I feel like the saddest part for me is it's not that I think that manual transmission should go extinct I think they should still be around I think it's more of the newer drivers in the new schools that are teaching these new drivers they don't want to put in the money or the effort to teach the drivers they just kind of want to put them in the school say here's a truck let's get on the road like they don't want to take the time because they just want more money in their pockets and it's sad

[@loganeayrs4088]

Just wondering how the autos work in adverse conditions like mud snow loose gravel and ice? I have never drove one. I have an 18 speed manual and it works great in adverse conditions.

[@Bendigo1]

It depends on the setup, but i was actually surprised how well the ones I have driven handle the conditions. There is definitely a learning curve to adjust to to compensate for the automatic gear changes, but in general there is not much difference. The main issue I have is the lag time between forward and reverse, making it nearly impossible to rock the truck to get momentum in a situation where you need it.

[@dchawk81]

That's what hibernation is for.

[@patchrat1]

I used to drive a mail route that had a lot of city roads seams I would hit every stop light one day the boss took away the old frightliner 13 speed and put me in a much newer and nicer Volvo automatic it was good until the first time it snowed I told him take this back and give me the old truck back I was slip sliding all over the place no control spin the wheels taking off and at every shift I’ll stick to the manual

[@samfonov]

Drove one, in the manual mode( you can hold gears and manually upshift down shift).. a good driver like my dad would out preform an auto on most days/heavy hauling. In the auto mode(fuel efficient) it's brutal.. super slow to get up to speed and doesn't down shift well without manually shifting

[@c.thompson9771]

@@samfonov I was screaming at it, like that would help .. chick thing. .. lol!?

[@kylesisk3110]

I have a 2021 Peterbuilt it’s a 13speed you just have to get it ordered that wayv

[@harryharmon7720]

Years ago we had 5 and a 4 transmissions.... You had a 5 speed transmission and a 4 speed transmission.... 2 sticks... 20 gears possible.... Then they came out with the 13 speed tranny... It was like a automatic compared to a 5 and a 4

[@burtcampbell1452]

I prefer a manual- ESPECIALLY in the WINTER

[@braddalton9260]

Manual is more efficient with someone who is trying to save fuel less loss through drivetrain a auto is just forced to drive efficient and is why companies get better mpg with them

[@georgewilson1184]

Truckers should know how to drive a manual 5 or 6 or 7 spd gearbox very easy operation the Old Consolidated Freightways founded by Leland James and he invented the FreightLiner truck they only equipped those with Eaton Fuller 6 or 7 spd gear boxes when I drove them late 80s thru Early 90s I had an old 6spd very strange shift pattern took me a week to learn it took another week to become proficient with it I wanted to quit the second day but my Union Steward said don’t give up he encouraged me to get good with it and reminded me that I was a TEAMSTER now I was told that there were 13 speeds in the fleet but I never drove one but I do agree that that running a simple 5 spd with a dog splitter can get tireing in the city stop & go driving enviroment But a 5 or 6 spd can give you some dignity & self respect when you look into your bathroom mirror in the morning an Auto shift may please your maintenance shop manager and the company beancounters but they don’t do any thing for your piece of mind when you go to bed !!!!!!!!!!

[@DaveG7920]

Fuel mileage with an auto or manual all depends on the driver, you can put two identical autos side by side with different drivers and one will be better than the other, same with manuals.

[@cbmech2563]

Volvo I shift reman price just for the center section is north of $21,000. How much for a reman 13 speed these days?

[@medievalman86]

most of the old timers in the fleet i used to mechanic for - preferred manual transmissions UNTIL they got put in a automatic.. They did nothing but gripe if we put them back in a manual.. but, this is of course anecdotal, and only accounts for the truckers that passed through my particular terminal.

[@dchawk81]

Automatic is so chill it's laughable. Unless it's an irritatingly programmed one or an Ultrashift that wants to jerk around the parking lot.

[@c.thompson9771]

@@dchawk81 that sounds horrible? Lol!

[@gabinyetov]

In manitoba you can only do MELT and road test on manual, and province will not change that in near future. Im surprised they not testing us to ride horse and buggy here.

[@wooddawg4868]

It was a matter of time considering the technology had been there for a long time which is a no brainer. Tour buses and city buses use the same big diesel engines and have been automatics for decades. Going forward people who don’t embrace technology are left behind, but companies like Harley Davidson are still building manual transmission motorcycles tho.

[@kmelodiq6403]

I work as a trucking instructor yes this subject comes up all the time ...right now we have teach on manual but automatics are slowly coming in student will soon have an option BUT Why have a restriction o you license all because you drive automatics...this is the conversation I have with my students you never know what jobs you won't get in life or good deals on trucks you may have to turn down all because you limit yourself...Its ok to have a preference but to not be able to legally drive a manual and still call yourself a truck drive is a different story.

[@randyrudder2451]

Started out with three sticks will have my 18 over till I die. As for your question I personally know several driver’s that switched companies when they went to automatic

[@briansumner6439]

I recently moved out of a 2020 Cascadia with a 10 speed manual transmission into a 2024 Cascadia with an automatic transmission. I was hoping for another manual transmission like I told my employers but they put me in a 2024 Cascadia with an automatic transmission. Now is it true that the manual transmission on all big trucks are going to extinct and never return?

[@x_flies]

No. There will always be manuals but very rare. I actually quit my job just recently because they bought a 2024 Kenworts automatic, and before that I was driving a Cascadia 13 speed. So I quit, 2 weeks later the boss called me and said, " I bought another manual 13 speed if you wanna come back its all yours" So.. I went back. If you are lucky and you work for a smaller company where they respect your work, they will get you a manual truck. I drove that automatic 2024 POS for 3 days, and I quit. Automatic JUNK you have no control over it and it feels like driving a fucking car, hell, even my car is a 5 speed manual.

[@vancarter3736]

34 years of driving and counting . Breaks over and a good meal and coffee Time to kick the tires and light the fires . Keep on trucking drivers !

[@zackzlatich5383]

The company I drive for hauls tanker in the US with kenworth and internationals. They are slowly getting rid of the 13 speeds and switching all their trucks to automatics. The both have cummins engines with 450 hp and 1800 torque. The manuals were geared ant 3.05 and the autos are 2.79 but I've noticed that both the automatic and manuals get about the same fuel economy is about the same. They both get about 6.8 to 7 mpg.

[@frederickknapp5340]

I love manual and in this past week I lost my clutch and had to float gears. Still love it and will probably quit driving if I have to go auto. I have driven auto in Iraq and don't like it.

[@BrandonTorres7529]

why don’t you float gears in the first place?

[@edgartaylor7421]

My uncle drove a Kenworth cab over with over 9 million miles on the odometer with the original Eaton manual transmission

[@6582rg]

All these comments on here are funny. Like you’re not a manly man if you don’t drive a manual. When I went through driver training at 15 1/2 everyone drove a manual. I took my basic drivers license test in a 71 Toyota Hilux pickup. The reality is you’ll all be driving either auto diesel or auto electric in the near future whether you like it or not. If you won’t, you won’t be a truck driver.

[@dchawk81]

Love my automatic in my own truck, but it was programmed by people who know what they're doing. I've driven company trucks and when they're either a bad design (jerking around the parking lot, constantly hunting for the right gear, always choosing the wrong one) or programmed for fuel economy above all else, they can absolutely suck.

[@petedebo6906]

International is the worst with there automatics never ever finds the right gear jerks backing up into a dock is the worst it just slams into the dock and if your ever in a dock where it's ramped down and there are grooves where the tires sit good luck trying to get out when your loaded heavy it bearly moves another thing there no good in the snow gets stuck in few inches of snow🙄 I asked my dispatch for a manual gearbox they gave me another truck with one I won't ever go back to automatic again

[@JCA-Z]

What about down hill braking performance. Your brakes start getting hot what tranny will work better with the jake brake on a down grade.

[@martygt3357]

Oh, and I forgot my old favorite reason. If your alternator or starter goes out, or batteries go dead you can pop start it and drive.

[@Bendigo1]

Or when you get stuck in a hole, you can rock it to get momentum to get out, nearly impossible to do in an automated.

[@GetForkStabbed]

I got my CDL last year with a manual and drive one every day. I honestly don't know if I could drive an automatic. I do a lot of steep grades and I like knowing the truck is going to stay in the gear I tell it to. Plus snowy conditions manuals are good because you aren't afraid of the truck shifting itself on ice. I'm obviously new, but I love the manual.

[@Bendigo1]

I dove manual for 15 years then had to get into automatic. It takes a bit to get used to, but once you understand how they work and when they are likely to shift, you learn to anticipate it and can react to make up for it. I still prefer manuals, but automated is not as bad as a lot of people make it sound IF they are willing to learn how to drive them.

[@weirdfan88]

@@Bendigo1 I have 3 years and my first company I drove manual and I enjoyed it, but I haven't driven one in almost a year and they're not bad. During bad weather I just switch it manual mode.

[@juanperez-sb1wo]

I never had a problem in traffic with a manual, the only people that like automatics are the people that can't shift...automated transmissions are straight trash, hitting docks too hard, backing under heavy trailers too hard, dangerous pulling out in traffic or crossing railroads because of the long pauses between gears..and don't let the dock be sloped because backing up a slope, either you hit the dock hard as h3ll or the brakes throw you around even though you barely touch them...not to mention all the bs sensors that keep if from shifting, def sensor went bad so it was stuck in 2nd gear

[@timtdog5542]

You gotta tell people what country you're from every country's different

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

We specifically report on North American trucking!