Sales of new Class 8 trucks continue slow decline from 2022 numbers
For months, analysts have predicted a slowdown in sales of Class 8 trucks. It appears that it’s finally happening — although at a slower rate
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
Current freight recession doesn’t fit traditional patterns
It is said that recessions — including freight recessions — are often characterized by the letter shape they form when drawn on a graph. For
Weighty subject: Proposals to allow heavier commercial trucks in US face continued opposition
From the day horse-drawn wagons were replaced by gasoline-powered trucks as the primary method for moving freight, there have been efforts to increase the capacity
Secrets to Success: These tips can help carriers survive, maybe even thrive, during a freight recession
For months, from the latter part of 2022 until at least midway through 2023, warnings of an economic recession remained in the nation’s business headlines.
Keeping Clean: Testing methods, regulations falling behind new drugs, legalization efforts
There are new tools available in the fight to keep impaired drivers from behind the wheel of commercial vehicles, but development and implementation are being
Truck sales remain strong but there may be a crisis on the horizon
For the eighth consecutive month, U.S. sales of new Class 8 trucks topped 20,000 in September, according to data received from Wards Intelligence. Manufacturers reported
Ask these questions before leasing to a carrier
It’s no secret that truck owners are having a tough go in today’s freight market. Freight rates, especially spot rates, remain at levels that can
The art of quitting: Don’t burn bridges when leaving a carrier
With an average turnover rate that hovers around 100%, it’s obvious that the average professional driver changes jobs on a regular basis. Look at it
Successful trucking is more than owning a rig
It’d be pretty hard to find a driver willing accept a company driving position without even asking what the pay will be. In fact, most
Trucking’s peak season off to a ‘muted start,’ say analysts
The peak season for trucking this year is off to a “muted start,” according to the Cass Freight Index released Oct. 18. The good news
US lawmakers continue to debate increased weight limits for rigs
Anyone who pays attention to trucking regulations has heard some of the hullabaloo about increasing the weight limit for certain heavy-duty tractor-trailers. The idea has
Your state needs current medical cert; why?
In the old days, many facets of trucking were more difficult than they are today. One thing to which this maxim does not apply is
Tip-top equipment = key to DOT inspection
Getting selected for a DOT (Department of Transportation) inspection is a lot like going to the dentist. Nobody looks forward to the occurrence. The best
Sales of new Class 8 trucks strong, used truck prices declining
August was another strong sales month for new Class 8 tractors on the U.S. market, according to data received from Wards Intelligence. Manufacturers reported sales
Safety Series: Be prepared to encounter a variety of weather and road conditions this fall
October is a month of transition. In southern areas of the U.S., it’s almost a continuation of the summer, with balmy temperatures and plenty of
Going down? Analysts debate how long freight rates will remain low
Those who were hoping that freight rates might begin to rebound in August were disappointed — and the disappointment is likely to continue for a
FMCSA’s ‘adverse conditions’ rule can be a valuable tool if used correctly
Everything’s going great — you’re even ahead of schedule, cruising along in moderate traffic, enjoying the day. Then it happens. Brake lights ahead indicate stopped
Those Who Deliver with Sharp Transportation
If you want to know if a carrier that claims to put drivers first really does so, take a look at their turnover rate. While
Looking to the Future: Automated tech already commonly used in passenger, freight vehicles
Throughout history, humans have adapted to new technology as it became available. In most cases, innovations involved refinements to familiar products — but every so
Private fleets have huge impact on trucking industry
COLUMBUS, Ind. — One segment of trucking that many don’t know much about is the private fleet category. Private fleets are those whose parent company’s