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Nearly every private consumer vehicle in the market is automatic nowadays. But what about trucks, specifically UPS trucks? Are they manual or automatic? If you’re curious to find out, keep reading!
The Manual vs. Automatic Debate in UPS Trucks
Most of the UPS fleet consists of automatic trucks in 2023. However, there are still some manual trucks in circulation. The type of truck you drive determines whether it’s automatic or manual. Freight/semi-trucks are manual, vans are automatic, and box trucks can be either manual or automatic, depending on the facility. Keep in mind, knowing how to drive a manual vehicle is a requirement for UPS drivers.
Are All UPS Trucks Manual?
Technological advancements have driven UPS to transition from manual to automatic trucks. However, not all UPS trucks are automatic yet. The manual or automatic status of a UPS truck depends on its type.
- Freight and semi-trucks are primarily manual vehicles, with few exceptions.
- Box trucks, which handle package deliveries, can be either manual or automatic, depending on the facility.
- UPS also uses vans, which are almost entirely automatic vehicles.
Manual Transmission in UPS Semi-Trucks and Box Trucks
UPS employs semi-trucks and freight trucks for long-distance transportation of packages, especially for services like UPS Ground. On the other hand, box trucks handle residential and commercial deliveries, transporting packages from the facility to their destinations. All semi-trucks and freight trucks used by UPS have manual transmissions. However, box trucks can be either manual or automatic, and each UPS facility has a mix of both.
Driving a Manual: A Requirement for UPS Drivers?
Any job involving heavy machinery typically comes with stricter requirements, and being a UPS driver is no exception. All drivers must have a Class D license, pass a standard drug screening, and complete a Department of Transportation physical examination. Whether you need to know how to drive a manual vehicle depends on the type of truck you’ll be driving. For freight trucks, semi-trucks, or box trucks, manual driving skills are required. However, if you’re applying for a van driver position, knowledge of manual driving is not necessary.
Being a UPS driver involves more than just operating a manual vehicle. Drivers undergo rigorous training, including navigating slippery surfaces and learning proper truck entry and exit techniques. If you want an insider’s perspective on UPS driver training, check out this insightful article.
Will UPS Provide Training for Manual Trucks?
While UPS offers limited training, it’s advisable to know how to drive a manual vehicle before applying for a driver position. However, some UPS employees have reported receiving training on manual driving after being hired. The extent of this training depends on the facility and the type of vehicle you’ll be responsible for. Freight and semi-trucks require prior manual driving experience, as it is a requirement for a CDL license. For box truck drivers, there may be more flexibility, as these trucks can be both automatic and manual.
For more information on UPS services, check out our posts on tracking updates, door-to-door delivery, and Sunday deliveries.
In Conclusion
While not all UPS trucks are manual, freight and semi-trucks are always manual. If you aspire to be a UPS driver, you must know how to drive a manual vehicle. Box trucks, commonly seen in neighborhoods, can be either manual or automatic, depending on the facility. Remember, being a UPS driver involves more than just driving. If you’re interested in the world of UPS drivers, check out our other engaging articles.
