The trucking industry is transforming significantly, with many companies transitioning from manual transmission trucks to automatic and automated manual transmission (AMT) trucks. While manual transmissions were historically favoured for their durability and efficiency, advancements in technology have made automatic transmissions more reliable, fuel-efficient, and cost-effective.
This shift has been driven by several key factors, including a persistent driver shortage, the need to improve fuel efficiency, and the desire to reduce maintenance costs. Large trucking companies, particularly those with fleets exceeding thousands of vehicles, are increasingly moving to automatic trucks to remain competitive and attract a wider range of drivers.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the industry shift towards automatic transmissions, highlight the benefits of using automatic trucks, and provide a detailed list of major trucking companies that have adopted automatic transmissions.
Table of Contents
The Shift Towards Automatic Transmission Trucks
The trucking industry is rapidly evolving, and one of the most noticeable changes is the widespread adoption of automatic transmission trucks. As technology advances, trucking companies prioritise efficiency, safety, and driver comfort, making automatic transmissions the preferred choice. With improvements in fuel economy and reduced maintenance costs, automatics are proving to be a wise investment for fleet operators.
Decline in Manual Transmission Trucks
Manual transmissions were the gold standard in the trucking industry for decades due to their durability, ability to handle extreme loads, and lower initial cost. However, as automatic and AMT technology has improved, trucking companies have recognised their advantages and are gradually phasing out manual transmission vehicles.
Statistics show that over 70% of new heavy-duty trucks in North America now come with automatic or AMT transmissions, and this number is expected to rise further as companies transition their fleets.
Growing Driver Shortage
One of the biggest challenges in the trucking industry is the growing shortage of qualified drivers. According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), the industry was short by over 80,000 drivers in 2021, projected to double by 2030.
Automatic trucks are easier to drive, making the job more accessible to individuals who may have hesitated to join the industry due to the complexity of manual transmissions. Younger drivers, women, and older individuals re-entering the workforce are more likely to choose companies that offer automatic trucks.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
Fuel costs are among trucking companies’ most significant operational expenses. Modern automatic transmissions optimise fuel usage by ensuring smooth and precise gear shifts. Companies such as Freightliner, Volvo, and Kenworth have developed advanced AMT systems that improve fuel economy by 5-10% compared to manual trucks.
Some of the key benefits include:
Elimination of human error
Automatic trucks shift gears at optimal times, reducing excessive fuel consumption. Unlike manual transmissions, which rely on the driver’s judgment, automatics ensure smooth and precise gear changes, preventing unnecessary fuel wastage and reducing wear on the engine. This consistency improves overall efficiency and a lower carbon footprint for fleet operators.
Adaptive technology
Many modern automatic transmissions adjust to terrain, load weight, and road conditions to optimise performance. These intelligent systems can detect inclines, heavy loads, or slippery surfaces and automatically select the best gear for maximum traction and stability, improving safety and fuel efficiency.
Integration with telematics
Automatic trucks can be linked to fleet management systems to monitor driver behaviour and maximise fuel efficiency. These systems provide real-time data on acceleration patterns, braking habits, and fuel consumption, allowing fleet managers to identify areas for improvement and implement data-driven strategies to enhance overall performance.
Lower Maintenance and Repair Costs
Manual transmission trucks require frequent clutch replacements and gear synchronisation, which can lead to higher maintenance costs over time. In contrast, automatic transmission trucks:
- Have fewer mechanical components that wear out.
- Reduce the risk of driver-induced mechanical failures.
- Extend the lifespan of the transmission system.
- Lower maintenance-related downtime, leading to increased operational efficiency.
Safety and Reduced Driver Fatigue
Driving a manual truck requires frequent gear changes, which can be physically demanding and lead to driver fatigue. Automatic transmission trucks simplify the driving process, allowing drivers to focus on road conditions and safety rather than shifting gears.
Some safety benefits of automatic trucks include:
Reduced risk of distraction
Drivers can concentrate more on road hazards rather than shifting gears. Without constantly needing to engage the clutch and manually shift gears, drivers can keep both hands on the wheel and stay more alert, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by momentary lapses in attention.
Better handling in urban areas
Automatic trucks allow for smoother acceleration and braking in stop-and-go traffic. This is particularly beneficial in congested city environments, where frequent gear changes in manual trucks can be exhausting and lead to increased wear on the drivetrain. In contrast, automatics provide a more seamless and stress-free driving experience.
Enhanced control on inclines and declines
AMT trucks adjust gears automatically to prevent rollback on hills. By optimising power delivery and engaging hill-start assist systems, automatic trucks provide better traction and stability, reducing the risk of stalling or losing control on steep slopes.
Higher Resale Value
As more companies shift toward automatic trucks, the demand for manual transmission trucks in the resale market has significantly decreased. Automatic trucks have higher resale value because they appeal to more potential buyers.
List of Automatic Transmission Trucking Companies
The following trucking companies have either fully transitioned to automatic transmission trucks or have a significant portion of their fleet equipped with automatics.
Schneider National
Fleet Size: 10,000+ trucks
Headquarters: Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA
Automatic Transmission Adoption: Majority of the fleet
Schneider National is one of the largest trucking companies in North America. It has progressively transitioned to automatic transmission trucks to improve driver comfort and lower fuel costs.
Swift Transportation
Fleet Size: 20,000+ trucks
Headquarters: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Automatic Transmission Adoption: Nearly all trucks are automatic
Swift, part of Knight-Swift Holdings, prioritised automatic transmission trucks early on. The company sees automatics as a way to increase fuel efficiency and attract new drivers.
JB Hunt Transport Services
Fleet Size: 12,000+ trucks
Headquarters: Lowell, Arkansas, USA
Automatic Transmission Adoption: A significant portion of the fleet
JB Hunt has embraced automation, including transitioning to automatic transmission trucks. The company is also exploring electric and autonomous vehicle technologies.
Werner Enterprises
Fleet Size: 8,000+ trucks
Headquarters: Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Automatic Transmission Adoption: The majority of trucks are automatic
Werner Enterprises views automatic transmissions as a way to enhance safety and efficiency while making it easier to recruit new drivers.
Prime Inc.
Fleet Size: 7,500+ trucks
Headquarters: Springfield, Missouri, USA
Automatic Transmission Adoption: Nearly all trucks
Prime Inc. has fully embraced automatic transmission trucks, citing reduced maintenance costs and fuel savings.
CR England
Fleet Size: 4,500+ trucks
Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Automatic Transmission Adoption: Significant transition to automatic
CR England prioritised automatics to attract a broader pool of drivers, including those new to the trucking industry.
US Xpress
Fleet Size: 7,000+ trucks
Headquarters: Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
Automatic Transmission Adoption: Nearly all trucks
US Xpress was among the first large carriers to adopt automatic transmission trucks across its fleet.
Roehl Transport
Fleet Size: 2,000+ trucks
Headquarters: Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA
Automatic Transmission Adoption: Transitioning toward full automation
Roehl Transport has invested in automatic trucks to improve driver retention and efficiency.
Covenant Transport
Fleet Size: 3,000+ trucks
Headquarters: Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
Automatic Transmission Adoption: Majority of fleet
Covenant Transport has increasingly moved toward automatic trucks to modernise its fleet and reduce operating costs.
FedEx Freight
Fleet Size: 35,000+ trucks (including local delivery vehicles)
Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Automatic Transmission Adoption: A significant portion of line-haul and local trucks
FedEx Freight continues to add automatic transmission trucks to enhance operational efficiency.
Future of Automatic Transmission in the Trucking Industry
As technology evolves, automatic transmission trucks will become the industry standard. Some emerging trends include:
- Integration with autonomous driving technology – Future trucks will rely on AMTs to seamlessly interact with self-driving systems.
- Increased electric truck adoption – Electric trucks use single-speed transmissions, reducing the need for manual gear shifts.
- Advanced fuel-saving technologies – Future automatic transmissions will use AI-driven systems to optimise efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Adopting automatic transmission trucks is no longer just a trend but an industry-wide transformation. Companies that embrace automatic trucks benefit from increased driver recruitment, lower operational costs, and improved safety. As more manufacturers focus on producing automatic and AMT-equipped trucks, manual transmissions will become obsolete in commercial trucking eventually.
For trucking companies looking to stay competitive in the evolving market, investing in automatic transmission trucks is a strategic decision that will yield long-term benefits.
FAQs
Why are trucking companies switching to automatic transmissions?
Trucking companies are shifting to automatic transmissions due to improved fuel efficiency, easier driver training, lower maintenance costs, and increased driver retention. Automatics also reduce driver fatigue and improve road safety.
Are automatic transmission trucks more fuel-efficient than manual trucks?
Modern automatic and AMT trucks optimise gear shifts to improve fuel efficiency by 5-10% compared to manual transmission trucks.
Do trucking companies still use manual transmission trucks?
Some companies still have manual transmission trucks in their fleets, but the industry is gradually moving towards automatic trucks. Many companies have already transitioned a majority of their fleets to automatics.
Do automatic transmission trucks perform well in all terrains?
Modern automatic trucks are designed to perform well in various terrains, including mountainous regions, city traffic, and long highway routes. Advanced transmission technology helps optimise power delivery based on road conditions.
Will manual transmission trucks become obsolete?
While manual trucks are still in use, they are gradually being phased out in favour of automatics. Many truck manufacturers are focusing more on automatic and AMT models, and the industry trend suggests that manual trucks will eventually become rare.
Will all trucking companies eventually use automatic trucks?
It is highly likely that most trucking companies will transition to automatic trucks over the next decade due to technological advancements, industry trends, and the benefits automatics offer over manual transmissions.