Question:
I am starting cdl training on March 5th. I have apps in to TMC, Maverick, and SMX. So far Smx and Tmc are my top 1 & 2. I have not gotten prehires yet but I am hoping to here from them soon. I was looking at US Xpress (all automatic transmissins which I feel is a waste of time after learning the manual transmissions). Was also looking at H.O. Wolding but they do not do anything BUT direct deposit. No comdata and no sending to another card witha routing number. Falcon has no policy for taking the truck home during hometime unless you live close enough to one of there facilities. THAT is important to me. Well I will keep you all posted when I hear more and as I go thru everything. Wish me luck and I'll see you out there after awhile.

Answer:
Good luck. Sounds like you're doing your homework.
One unsoliticed suggestion? Take the US Express auto transmission out of the mix of considerations. Drivers love them -- at least US's model. One of US's principles is Fuller -- of Eaton/Fuller transmissions, an industry leader. This direct relationship with the transmission manufactuer helps insure that they're not only using the top model, but that it's serviced and maintained for peak performance. You'll be doing a lot of stop and go in traffic, and the wear and tear on your left leg can be a problem. It eventually affects your knee, your lower back, and your sitting positon and posture.
The autos are safer on mountin passes, and smoother than a lifetime of shifting experience will ever allow you to do consistently -- not to mention when you're tired or disracted looking for signs, etc.
If you ever have to drive a manual for another company, you'll pick it up in no time again.
I know you weren't necessarily looking for comment -- but US's autos are the best on the road, and when the novelty of becoming an expert gear cruncher wears off, this particular auto on this fleet let you do a better, safer job with more comfort. Even the crusty, multi-million mile, quiche-hating, anything-but pansies, truck-nut, old-timers will admit -- US Xpress' autos shift better and they do.
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Answer:
Auto's aren't the best thing to start on. You do need to know how to shift a truck especially when/if you want to move on to another carrier. There have been several posters here stating their problems with only knowing Autos when looking for a new job. I wouldn't do auto's at first but later on they would be OK and probably the best way to go. I wouldn't do US Express either since I haven't heard much good about them in a long time. They were OK at one time but like allot of companies they seem to be leaning more towards teams than solo drivers. Maverick or SMC would be good choices as would TMC except TMC pays on percentage. I never have liked that much because of big variances in income and pay per load. I worked for SMC and would have stayed there if it wasn't for their 4 week out policy change in the dept. I ran in. Dispatch was easy going and easy to work with. Don't know much about Wolding or Falcon.

Answer:
Shuffler, Stuffs
Hey I will take any and all comments. Wether I ask or not I like the input.
You both make good points. Yeah the auto transmissions would be easier in alot of scenarios, but I do not think they offer weekend hometime (Icould be wrong). very imprtant to me. Plus they have that sliding pay scale which makes me little weary.
I may get problems with a manual in traffic conditions and it may be harder for the downgrades but I feel like going with a manual becuase I will be training in that and dont want it to go to waste. Like you said Stuffs I could change later on if and when I feel a change or something. Like I posted earlier SMX is #1 on my list. Their flatbed division gaurantees weekend home time. I'll make sure I can get that in writing. There dryvan is I think a minimum of 2 weeks out. Tmc says you have the choice of precentage py or mileage pay. They say its up to you. Not sure if true. Any other info appreciated.

Answer:
Teamdotson, seems like you've done your "homework".