Transmission manufacturer Allison is noticing a move towards fully automatic transmissions in the Australian freight sector as the driver shortage continues to impact trucking operators.

The medium-duty and light heavy-duty truck categories are particularly strong examples of this, according to Robert Cavagnino, Australian Sales Manager at Allison.

“Allison Automatics allow fleets to welcome drivers with varying levels of experience. With fully automatic transmissions, drivers can focus on the precise task at hand and businesses can have more confidence in their operational output,” he says.

“They can also take comfort that a fully automatic transmission reduces the risk of drivers over-speeding the engine and drivetrain shock loading.”

Holcim Australia told Allison that it has migrated a major portion of its fleet to fully automatic transmissions, which it believes will help to expand the driver pool.

“It means candidates no longer require the specialised skills to drive a large manual vehicle but can still be a great addition to our team,” says Dave King, the Queensland Regional Logistics Manager at Holcim Australia.

“Our concrete agitator truck drivers undergo a comprehensive training program, so this is one less thing to worry about. If you’ve got a newer driver running a manual, with a clutch and a brake and a gas pedal on a vehicle, such as an agitator that has a higher centre of gravity, it can be challenging for them.

“The simplicity of a fully automatic transmission helps us train staff confidently and safely. Furthermore, we do an awful lot of stop/start, a lot of idling, manoeuvring and deal with inclines on sites of up to 12 degrees.

“Often, when we are reversing onto concrete pumps we have two-trucks feeding onto the one pump. The finesse of a smooth, fully automatic transmission helps drivers position their discharge chutes with greater accuracy.”