>but torque converter automatics aren't strong enough for use in a big-rig like this. Not true Allison makes pretty standard 6 speed automatics with torque con

>but torque converter automatics aren't strong enough for use in a big-rig like this. Not true Allison makes pretty standard 6 speed automatics with torque converters that can handle class 8 trucks, look at the 4500 series. They aren't the most efficient for long haul steady state highway though, Allison introduced a sort of hybrid 10 speed with torque converter back in 2012 for highway use called the TC10. Other makers of automatics are Detroit, Eaton and Volvo I believe they are all dry clutch designs. The automatics can have better efficiency do to fast optimized shifting and are of course easier to train. I believe that majority of newer trucks (2015+) are built with automatics now.