Obstacle course: Freight levels, constrained by numerous factors, rise anyway
For trucking, business is still good as both freight amounts and rates continue to rise. Both measurements, however, are still constrained by COVID-related issues as
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
Say cheese! Sargento driver Duaine Conrad is ‘persnickety’ about safety
“Persnickety” isn’t a word often associated with trucking. Definitions include “overparticular about details,” “picky,” “exacting” and “hard to please.” At Plymouth, Wisconsin-based Sargento Transportation LLC,
Geography of the job: Preparation is key to a smooth ride on dangerous terrain
Many drivers know something about geography. They get a daily lesson as they travel across the country. Most of them learn quickly that the terrain
Seasonal tips: Preparation and skill needed for winter driving conditions
The leaves are turning, and in some areas summer heat is giving way to crisp fall nights. The changing scenery is a welcome sight to
August data shows truck production still constrained by parts shortages
U.S. sales of Class 8 trucks remain subdued in August with sales of 18,176 reported by manufacturers, according to data received from Wards Intelligence. The
Family is at heart of success for Arkansas driver
Jeron Whittmore is a hard workin’ man, and he’s got the trophy to prove it. In the 2020 Shell Rotella SuperRigs competition, held virtually last
Dogs, cats, other pets can provide drivers with companionship, other benefits on the road but require care and caution
For many truckers, every day is “bring your pet to work day.” With all of the benefits pets provide, this is not surprising. Pets were
Freight harder to come by, but pays well when found
If you’re planning to give some lavish gifts during the holidays this year, the good news is you’ll have more money to spend. Freight rates
Clean air on the horizon: Long-range zero-emissions vehicles are coming soon
When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was founded in 1970 to consolidate government response to environmental problems, including the unhealthy smog that enveloped many
Tire tips: Get more miles and fewer problems from your tires with proper care
If you own a truck, you know keeping good tires on it can be an expensive proposition. In fact, at most carriers, tire expense is
Time management is key to maximizing hours of service
With the mandate for electronic logging devices (ELDs), the method of recording a driver’s hours of service (HOS) has changed a lot. However, the principles
Reducing fuel costs: Aftermarket aero products finding wider acceptance in trucking
It’s no secret that trucking gets a lot of attention for its use of petroleum and production of greenhouse gases. Cleaner-burning fuels, exhaust aftertreatments, and
Growing backlog: Long wait times for tractors and trailers hold back carrier growth
Let’s imagine: The trucking business is so good that rates are at or near record levels and shippers are competing for available trucks. It’s a
Salute to veterans: New Jersey carrier honors U.S. veterans with specially designed graphics
Every carrier is engaged in the business of trucking, but one Lincoln, New Jersey-based carrier is using its equipment to honor those who have served
Personal safety: Preparation and awareness are key to protecting yourself on the road
Trucking can be a hazardous job, both on and off the road. Many drivers are exposed to dangers after they leave the cab. Drivers often
Need for income results in successful team career for Jill and Dean Coulter
BROOKLET, Ga. — For some drivers, success in trucking is a dream they pursue. For others, trucking helps them realize other dreams. For Jill and
Continued shortage of critical parts: Difficulty obtaining components hampers Class 8 sales
After a June increase, sales of Class 8 trucks on the U.S. market dropped sharply in July to the lowest level since February, according to
Prepare for inspections to avoid delays, violations during CVSA’s Brake Safety Week
GREENBELT, Md. — The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) would like drivers to stop in for an inspection of their vehicle’s braking system. If you
Dash cams for fleets: Even for small fleets, in-cab video provides safety, training options
One trucking truth is that the larger your business grows, the less direct control you’ll have over it. Some truck owners are content to remain
The law of supply and demand: Good times continue for trucking, but could be slowing
Freight levels moderated in June, but only by a little, according to reports from several sources. Supply chain issues, like shortages of semiconductors (silicon chips)