Automatic transmissions get you killed. To elaborate:the transmission is a key component in the safe descent off any mountain. Allowing a computer to hold a gear or not allowing you to downshift because of speed/RPM is just a bad idea. There have been a marked increase in runaway trucks since the inception of the autoshift. It may not nessecarily be directly related to a malfunction of the autoshift but most likely a misunderstood transmission whose complex nature require MANUAL intervention to help in a safe descent off a mountain. Stop trying to fix what's not broken and shift manually! No amount of training for the autoshift can substitute for downshifting a stick into 8th without thought or concern. As a driver we do little enough as it is behind the wheel.
Well, what about truckers like me that have had four right shoulder rotator cuff tears and two surgeries?
My surgeon recommended I use an automatic because if I have one more tear, I'll need full shoulder replacement and medicine has perfected hips and knees, but shoulders, not so much.
Going downhill in an automatic just means you have to rely on driver skill and not the transmission to slow you down. Besides, automatic transmissions can be used to slow a rig, you just need to manually downshift from drive.
I believe US Xpress has some autoshift trucks. At one time Big G Xpress had autoshift. Others have been mentioned at various times, but those are the only ones that come to mind. US Xpress is based in Chattanooga, TN and Big G is headquartered out of Shelbyville, TN. Other than those two, you may want to call some carriers and ask. Covenant may offer some autoshift trucks. They are also out of Chattanooga, TN. I have driven autoshift. You can manually downshift, but they can be a little challenging to get used to for someone who has only driven manuals for most of their career. My biggest complaint with them is driving in mountains. They seem to downshift later that I would manually and you still need to downshift going down the mountain. Maverick is another carrier that has autoshift. I didn't mention them due to them being a flatbed carrier. However, I believe they are now running some reefers. Good luck with the job search. Let us know if you find one that will work for you. It might help someone else.
Companies that are mostly automatic:
Averitt Express
US XPress
Maverick
CR England
TransAm
Hirshbach Motor Lines
Hardy Brothers
Companies that have some autmatics:
Werner
Smith Transport
Quality Carriers
Swift
This isn't an exclusive list, but it's something.
Kool trans are all the new freightliner cascadia evo's with the dt12 transmission, very different than the old autos in the past. Up hill does good and down hill that jake is awesome and strong. They just didnt work out for me but very nice trucks with fridges and they are adding inverters as you get back to main terminal.
Perhaps you are unfit to drive. I suppose your truck better have power steering and extra hand rails to enter and exit the truck. I apologize but we have gone from real CMV drivers, to steering wheel holders, and now companies just want "meat in the seat". Add enough Nanny systems and all will be well.... NOT!
Well, what about truckers like me that have had four right shoulder rotator cuff tears and two surgeries?
My surgeon recommended I use an automatic because if I have one more tear, I'll need full shoulder replacement and medicine has perfected hips and knees, but shoulders, not so much.
Have you consulted your doctor about the advisability of handling freight??