2021 Rotella SuperRigs features stunning trucks, lots of camaraderie
HAMPSHIRE, Ill. — Shell Rotella SuperRigs was back in a big way July 29-31 at Love’s Travel Center in Hampshire, Illinois. While the 2020 event,
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
Regulation process: Drivers have rights and responsibilities when new rules are made
Everyone knows the trucking industry is governed by government rules and regulations. Most drivers are familiar with a long list of acronyms representing federal agencies
Trailer doors present a danger many drivers don’t think about
You’ve carefully planned your trip and arrived without a hitch, remaining vigilant about safety. The trip went without a hitch and you’re ready to back
Parts shortages, record material prices keep Class 8 truck sales ‘mushy’
Parts shortages and dwindling inventories are holding back what should be a robust new Class 8 truck market, according to Kenny Vieth, president and senior
Use available tools and resources to understand freight rates
Many drivers begin their trucking careers working for a carrier that pays by the mile. Some pay different rates for loaded and empty miles, but
Increase the chances of finding safe parking with planning and awareness
While the battle rages in Washington over what should be included in the latest infrastructure bill, drivers can rest assured that some version will eventually
Preparation, attention to detail help inspections go smoothly
Nobody likes them. Drivers go out of their way to avoid them, some changing their routes or schedules — or even taking time off —
Local, over-the-road, regional routes each offer pros, cons for drivers
Trucking provides a variety of opportunities for drivers, and each type of job has its own pros and cons. Many drivers begin their career with
Freight volumes down slightly but tight capacity keeps rates high
Shipping volumes are picking up for rail, ship and pipeline but declining slightly for trucking, according to reports from several industry sources. Cass Information Systems
INSURANCE Act is reintroduced in Congress, but carriers can stay ahead of legislation
To no one’s surprise, in mid-April Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL-4) reintroduced his Improving National Safety by Updating the Required Amount of Insurance Needed by
Backlog of truck orders nears 10 months as shortage of semiconductors, plastics impact manufacturers
If there are statistics that best show the weirdness of the U.S. market for Class 8 trucks, it might be these: May sales were down
Money mechanics: Using a factor can help cash flow, allowing owner-operators to focus on freight
When it comes to operating your own trucking business, being a great driver isn’t enough. It takes more than driving skill to profitably manage a
‘Above normal’: Hurricane season not expected to be as bad as 2020, but could still impact trucking
June 1 marked the official beginning of hurricane season, and the U.S. is in for another above-normal season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
April freight levels dropped slightly from a robust March but rates still excellent
Strong freight rates continued to drive trucking revenues upward in April, despite some loss of volume, according to reports received from several sources. The Cass
Many roads to a driving career are soon to merge
A common argument among commercial truck drivers pits drivers who were taught to drive by a relative or friend, or who learned by bouncing around
Fuel outlook: Availability and pricing should be stable through summer months
Trucks powered by electricity may be making the headlines, but trucks burning old-fashioned diesel fuel are still moving the freight. As summer approaches, diesel fuel
Dash cameras can provide inexpensive and effective protection to drivers
If you’re still driving without a dash camera, you’re missing out on some of the best protection you can get for your driving record. Dash
Lori and Mitch Broderson do trucking, and life, their way
Some truckers relish the variety of running irregular routes, going wherever the freight — or a dispatcher — takes them. Others, however, prefer life to
Lower availability, higher prices for new Class 8 trucks can be expected
U.S. sales of new Class 8 trucks declined in April, according to data received from ACT Research. Sales of 19,714 trucks were 12.4% lower than
As demand remains steady, rates rise but number of drivers falls
After a brief slowdown due to severe weather in February, freight levels roared back in March and are expected to continue climbing in the coming