Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) / Automatic Transmission in Bulk Trucking

May 15, 2025 at 08:36 AM CST - 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Looking for some input and legit data on operations that have transitioned to using AMT's (Eaton) or automatic transmissions (Allisons) in the bulk industry. We are an end dump company that operates 25-30 trucks. We haul aggregate, coal and coke products and ag commodities. I know fuel mileage has about 100 different factors ranging from geographic region to engine pairing with the transmission. Ultimately, those that have moved toward using these AMT or automatic transmissions have you seen an improvement in fuel efficiency? Have they been a positive response from drivers? Have they shown any noticable lower maintence cost on the trucks? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

May 15, 2025 at 08:36 AM CST

- 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Looking for some input and legit data on operations that have transitioned to using AMT's (Eaton) or automatic transmissions (Allisons) in the bulk industry. We are an end dump company that operates 25-30 trucks. We haul aggregate, coal and coke products and ag commodities. I know fuel mileage has about 100 different factors ranging from geographic region to engine pairing with the transmission. Ultimately, those that have moved toward using these AMT or automatic transmissions have you seen an improvement in fuel efficiency? Have they been a positive response from drivers? Have they shown any noticable lower maintence cost on the trucks? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Replied on Fri, May 16, 2025 at 03:10 PM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. We have slowly switched our bulk fleet from manual 10 speeds to Detroit Diesel automated 12 speeds. This was done because fewer and fewer qualified drivers could pass the road test in a manual transmission. The automated transmissions are heavier, they cost more, and they require more maintenance. Our seasoned drivers can achieve higher fuel economy with a manual vs automated. However, once all our trucks were switched to automated transmissions the fleet as a whole produced a much more consistent average between all trucks. One plus side is there are more safety features that work better with automated transmission, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Topographical Mapping, and Active Brake Assist. I personally do not like Automated Transmissions but because of the safety features and less and less drivers being able to drive manuals, our automated transmissions are here to stay and every new truck will be ordered with one. Hope this was helpful

Replied on Fri, May 16, 2025 at 03:10 PM CST

+ 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

We have slowly switched our bulk fleet from manual 10 speeds to Detroit Diesel automated 12 speeds. This was done because fewer and fewer qualified drivers could pass the road test in a manual transmission.

The automated transmissions are heavier, they cost more, and they require more maintenance. Our seasoned drivers can achieve higher fuel economy with a manual vs automated. However, once all our trucks were switched to automated transmissions the fleet as a whole produced a much more consistent average between all trucks. One plus side is there are more safety features that work better with automated transmission, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Topographical Mapping, and Active Brake Assist.

I personally do not like Automated Transmissions but because of the safety features and less and less drivers being able to drive manuals, our automated transmissions are here to stay and every new truck will be ordered with one.

Hope this was helpful