Question:
are there that many companies out there running automatic transmissions?

Answer:
Wingman, this is an example of one reason we have archives. Please feel free to use them as this subject has been discussed at great length.
Personally, I'm the kind that thinks ALL drivers should learn to shift gears first then move on to the automatics. But, that's just my opinion.
President of TFBU
Vice President: SkidRowJoe
If Love Makes The World Go Round Then Somebody Stop It And LET ME OFF!!!!! NOW!!!!!!!!!

Answer:
It is impossible to say exactly how many companies out there are using auto's in their equipment. About all I can tell you is that more and more companies are switching to them each year.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
They are automated trannys. Automatics use hydrolic pressure and automated uses servo controls to shift gears.
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Patrick Swayze - A Mazda.
From the movie Black Dog
Answer:
U.S. Express is one that I know of for sure. I've got a friend working there that is quite the happy camper. For now, at least.
Take it from me, your friend, that automatics or at least automated are the way to go. Forget about all that macho bs. Your life as a driver is going to be so much easier with an automatic/automated trans'm.

Answer:
Chad...
Agreed that driving is easier with an "automatic" however until the point comes when all, or at least the majority, of the carriers are spec'ing their trucks with them it is still good to know how to shift manually.
More options open to those who know how to do it manually... something like learned how to crunch numbers manually first then using a calculator.

Answer:
Auto's do make driving easier, but like you said until more companies spec them in thier trucks some good manual skills are needed.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
I learned on a manual trans. I did test drive a Volvo with a 500 Detroit and a 10 speed auto-shift. Was the darndest thing to try to get used to.
The problem I see with electronics is, the more electronic gear, gizmos and pieces, the more chance of failure.
I'll take a 13 or 18 speed any day!
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"Got the bird dog on...
Dodgin' the scales...
80 miles an hour and a step outta jail..." From "Rollin' Home, Pirates of the Mississippi)
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"I've always been different with one foot over the line.
Winding up somewhere, one step ahead or behind.
It ain't been so easy, but I guess I shouldn't complain.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane." (from Waylon Jennings)
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Member: Happy Dweller Society
Owner Operator Division


Answer:
And I bet you almost felt naked without that long hood in front of you.
I drove a Pete for a while, then they downgraded my ride to a Volvo. Gawd, felt like I had nothing in front of me!

Answer:
Originally posted by Paul56:
And I bet you almost felt naked without that long hood in front of you.
The salesman is a friend of mine. He was bragging up the auto-shift trannys, so I asked him if I could run it down the road a bit. He agreed.
It sure was weird. Ain't never drove nothing like that before in my life, probably never will again.
*******************************
"Got the bird dog on...
Dodgin' the scales...
80 miles an hour and a step outta jail..." From "Rollin' Home, Pirates of the Mississippi)
*******************************
"I've always been different with one foot over the line.
Winding up somewhere, one step ahead or behind.
It ain't been so easy, but I guess I shouldn't complain.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane." (from Waylon Jennings)
**************************
Member: Happy Dweller Society
Owner Operator Division


Answer:
Interstate Distributors HQ'd in Tacoma, WA also runs mostly autoshifts.

Answer:
You are just embarrassed because you kept trying to reach for the gear shift each time you thought the truck was ready to shift. Come on admit it. It's OK.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
AUTOMATICS have been around for years.
GREYHOUND buses
PAYHAULERS 30 ton and up
WEST COAST log trucks the BIG ones they use 379 PETES as a service / lube truck for
Most heavy earth movers have been AUTOMATIC as well.
They give better fuel mileage , good on hills ( up / down )
Older versions were to big and heavy so HIGHWAY trucks did not use them but newer versions are getting more HIGHWAY applications.
I test drove a new 2004 379 PETE fully loaded with all the options and even an AUTOMATIC. It was a very nice truck and yes it took a bit of time to get use to it , also hated giving it back.

Answer:
Don't know from personal experience, as I have never driven one. However, others I have great respect for say they are good, just (as Hoss said), takes some getting used to.
The drawback is that if autoshift is all you know, you are stuck only being able to work for the outfits that have them. Best to be as knowlegable as you can be with all trannys. Better employment prospects.
Daytripper
Sometimes you have to dig through a lot horsesh#t to find the pony.

Answer:
Originally posted by uturn2001:
You are just embarrassed because you kept trying to reach for the gear shift each time you thought the truck was ready to shift. Come on admit it. It's OK.
Yeah, you're right! But I also found it kinda unnerving to have my foot on the floor 'gassin on it', then it reaches the shift point and the RPM's drop out for a few seconds then pick back up.
If I want the RPM's to change, I'll use my foot.
*******************************
"Got the bird dog on...
Dodgin' the scales...
80 miles an hour and a step outta jail..." From "Rollin' Home, Pirates of the Mississippi)
*******************************
"I've always been different with one foot over the line.
Winding up somewhere, one step ahead or behind.
It ain't been so easy, but I guess I shouldn't complain.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane." (from Waylon Jennings)
**************************
Member: Happy Dweller Society
Owner Operator Division