Keep up with the times: New FMCSA training requirements change process of earning a CDL
The process of training to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) — or to add hazardous materials (H), passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsements
Cliff Abbott
- About Cliff Abbott
- Cliff Abbott is an experienced commercial vehicle driver and owner-operator who still holds a CDL in his home state of Alabama. In nearly 40 years in trucking, he’s been an instructor and trainer and has managed safety and recruiting operations for several carriers. Having never lost his love of the road, Cliff has written a book and hundreds of songs and has been writing for The Trucker for more than a decade.
Posts by Cliff Abbott
Safety Series: Reduced speed, increased attention and following distance are keys to navigating construction zones
For an over-the-road driver, there’s rarely a day without a route that passes through least one construction zone. Most drivers accept that dealing with construction
Uncertain times: Class 8 sales still constrained but inflation, high fuel prices, war in the Ukraine could cause changes
February U.S. sales of new Class 8 trucks were, as expected, subdued due to industry constraints. Semiconductors are still hard-to-get items, and recent news indicates
Different trailer types present wide range of job options for drivers
For those unfamiliar with — or new to — the industry, it may be easy to assume that all truck-driving jobs are the same. In
Mixed signals: Freight levels, rates remain high but 2022 will be an interesting year
With all of the supply-side issues prevailing in the economy today, it’s easy to think freight levels are stagnant. That’s not so, according to the
Family tradition: Love for trucking, family drives Tyler Woolley to excellence
An honest living doing something he loves — that’s how Tyler Woolley describes his trucking career. Working from Wyanet, a community on the famous Hennepin
Those who deliver with Tucker Freight Lines
Some carriers boast of a storied beginning in a long-ago decade while others emphasize the energy of a young and growing enterprise. Tucker Freight Lines
Who’s using? University study shows FMCSA Clearinghouse is underreporting drug use
There’s little doubt that the introduction of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse has had an impact on the efficiency
Plugged in: Total cost of ownership will likely drive adoption of electric Class 8 vehicles
Electric vehicles are the future for the trucking industry, according to experts. The problem is, electric vehicles (EVs) are already here and they’re proving to
Demystifying the numbers game: Vanessa Gant works to help others build a successful business
There are not a lot of people who claim to enjoy completing tax returns. There are even fewer who enjoy it so much that they
Safety Series: Be aware of what’s going on around your rig
Every driver knows the importance of looking ahead. Most defensive driving courses advise knowing what’s happening as far ahead as possible so you can see
All he wants to do is DRIVE: Minnesota’s 2021 driver of the year is just doing what he loves
People are drawn to the trucking industry and truck driving for all sorts of reasons. The luckiest ones are those who drive because they love
Show me the money! Studying financial reports provides an overview of the health of the trucking industry
All the signs pointed to a strong year for trucking in 2021. Spot rates set new records — and then set higher ones. Contract rates
January truck sales down nearly 40% from December
January sales of new Class 8 trucks on the U.S. market dropped by 39.4% from December sales, according to data received from ACT Research. The
Control what you owe: Maximum use of business deductions can mean paying minimal income tax
Whether you’re a company driver or you own your own truck and business, income taxes can take a bite out of your take-home pay. Taxes
Movin’ on: Start that new job the right way by cruising through the interviews
Most drivers learn quickly that all driving jobs aren’t the same. It seems there’s always a better job waiting — one with more pay or
Passing DOT physical exam takes full-time commitment
It happens every year. Or, every other year, if you’re young, healthy and lucky. What is “it”? It’s the dreaded DOT (Department of Transportation) physical
Honoring the past: Chris Slindee follows in his father’s footsteps as he drives, plans for the future
Some drivers come to trucking because that’s what their father or another family member did. Chris Slindee came to trucking to honor his father’s memory.
Record-setting end to 2021: December Sales of new Class 8 trucks finish with better-than-expected results
Plagued by supply chain constraints throughout 2021, manufacturers of Class 8 trucks stepped up both production and sales in December, achieving the third-best December monthly
Choosing the right engine helps contain costs while providing the right tool for the job
The market for both new and used Class 8 trucks is tight, but those with the desire to upgrade equipment or start a trucking business