Automatic vs. Manual Transmission Trucking

The automatic vs. manual transmission trucking debate is nothing new. The first version of a semi truck was created in the late 1800s. It paved the way for the future of trucking. The first semi was a modified tractor with a cart attached, paving the way for the first automatic semi truck. Automatic transmission trucks arrived in the 1930s.

While manual transmission was dominant for a long time, automatic transmissions have caught up. Which is better? Here are some pros and cons for manual and automatic trucks to help your debate on automatic vs. manual transmission trucking. 

Pros of Manual Trucks

One huge pro of manual trucks is the control drivers have over their vehicles. Drivers with years of experience can get the most out of manual transmission trucks. They can shift gears faster than the computerized automatic version. Drivers with a manual shift can have better control and traction on snowy, muddy, or slippery roads. Even if the truck gets stuck, manual drivers can get unstuck faster than their automatic counterparts. 

The possibility to save money is another benefit of manual transmission trucks. Manual transmissions have fewer pieces and parts. Therefore the maintenance and repair costs are less than those for semi trucks with automatic transmissions. Many manual semi trucks sell for less than automatic ones. 

Cons of Manual Trucks

One major drawback of manual transmission trucks is the fuel efficiency or lack thereof. While manual transmissions used to have greater fuel efficiency, technological improvements have made automatic vehicles more efficient. The automation can analyze speed and conditions to run at higher fuel efficiencies. However, the most experienced drivers can create similar fuel efficiency with a manual.   

The need for experienced drivers is also a major con of manuals. Most cars you’ll find on the road in the United States today have automatic transmissions. Since automatic vehicles became common in the 1980s, many new drivers have never even been in a stick-shift car, either as a driver or as a passenger. It’s easier for trucking companies and fleet operators to opt for automatic trucks than to find drivers who know how to effectively drive a stick shift or train new drivers on driving a manual truck. 

The physical act of constantly shifting gears on a long haul is sometimes a drawback and sometimes a benefit. While some drivers say shifting gears is physically exhausting and leads to more drowsiness, others share that having to focus on shifting gears forces them to be even more alert and prevents them from zoning out as one might. 

Pros of Automatic Semi Trucks 

Gas is the most significant operating expense for trucks. One major benefit of a semi truck with automatic transmission is improved gas mileage, especially in newer trucks. Newer transmissions can reduce yearly fuel consumption by as much as 5%. While five percent isn’t a big number, take into account the average fuel mileage for a semi truck and driving an average of 100,000 miles a year – that five percent can mean huge savings.

The computers and automatic shifting can take some of the stress out of driving. Not having to think so much about switching gears around every corner, up and down every hill, and in challenging weather allows the driver to focus more on the road in front of them. This improves safety. While some drivers argue not having to shift gears manually opens the possibility for drivers zoning out, many argue the physical exhaustion and added stress from shifting all day is more dangerous.

If you’ve ever been in a stick shift car, you probably know they aren’t known for being very smooth rides. A smoother ride is even more critical when carrying thousands of pounds of cargo. Semi trucks with automatic transmissions offer smoother rides, meaning more comfort for the driver and more security for the cargo. Driving an automatic is simply easier for most drivers. 

Cons of Automatic Semi Trucks

Automatic semi trucks aren’t without drawbacks, the biggest being maintenance costs. Automatic transmissions are more complicated – there are more pieces and parts and technology involved. This increases the risk of something breaking, the cost of repairs, and the overall regular maintenance costs. Automatics also generally require more maintenance than manuals, all adding up in time and money. 

Another roadblock of automatic trucks is veteran drivers resisting change. Truck drivers who have been on the road for long careers, driving manuals the entire time, are likely to resist moving to automatic transmissions. 

The Third Option: Automated Manual Transmissions 

There’s another contender in the automatic vs. manual transmission trucking conversation. Transmissions are not limited to manual or automatic. There is the option for an automated manual transmission or AMT. These transmissions have all the gears like a manual would, only there’s no clutch pedal. Rather than a driver shifting the gears, the vehicle’s computer does. That’s where the automated part comes in. AMTs are easier to learn than standard manuals and provide some of the benefits of a manual with an automatic’s smooth ride and fuel efficiency.

The debate between automatic vs. manual transmission trucking isn’t ending anytime soon. However, automatic semi trucks and automated manual vehicles seem to be here to stay. Both manual and automatic transmissions have their distinct benefits and drawbacks. Whichever transmission type you decide on, Chicago’s Handshake Fleet can help you find your next semi truck or trailer.