Beyond the hype: Ask the right questions to determine a carrier’s culture
Trucking companies differ in the way they present themselves to potential drivers. Some provide lots of information in every ad while others tell a bare
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
Reports shows April truck sales up, but deteriorating conditions could signal a ‘rough ride’
April 2023 sales of new Class 8 trucks on the U.S. market were the highest since 2006 and represented the second-best April of the century
Factoring helps OOs focus on trucking
If you’ve bought a truck and obtained your authority, you are truly a trucking entrepreneur. Who knows — you may have planted the seed for
Analysts agree trucking conditions, rates are bottoming, but when will the uptick start?
The freight situation isn’t getting any better, according to industry experts. Most analysts reported a decline in April freight volumes from March. One contributor to
Understanding freight rates, fuel surcharges can maximize earning potential
If there is anything that owners of small trucking businesses will never be completely happy about, it’s freight rates — unless, of course, it’s fuel
Safety Series: Preparation and patience are keys to coping with construction zones
“Fines doubled in construction zone.” People who make their living on the road see this sign on a daily basis; some see it several times
Think ahead to find a safe place to stop for the night
There’s been a lot in the news lately about truck parking, and several proposals have been put forth that would use government money to build
Safety Series: Preparation and skill are keys to avoiding warm-weather hazards
By this time of year, warm — even hot — weather has already arrived in many parts of the country. Summer weather presents its own
Constantly evolving: Safety technology can improve driver performance, reduce carrier liability
As the trucking industry continues its march toward autonomy, it benefits from nearly every advance in technology taken by the developers. Products that could one
Good foundation: New ELDT requirements bringing younger, better-trained drivers to trucking
It’s no secret that the trucking industry has a few issues when it comes to finding — and keeping — qualified, safe, and reliable drivers.
With a variety of trailer types, there are many driving jobs to explore
If you own a truck — or plan to buy one — the decision of what to do with it should be near the top
March sales of new Class 8 trucks reflect best March since 2006
March 2023 saw the best sales of new Class 8 trucks of any March for the past 18 years, according to data received from Wards
Rebalancing act: Hard times are in store for the trucking industry as shipment numbers continue to fall, analysts say
Rebalancing. That’s the word being tossed around by trucking industry analysts and economists when discussing the current freight market. The term applies to the cyclical
Profits are possible when times are tough but good management is needed
Truck prices are ridiculously high now. Fuel prices, too. Inflation is making everything cost more — while freight rates continue to fall. Carriers are going
Down time doesn’t have to be boring if you take advantage of local tourism opportunities
There’s a Navy recruiting slogan that’s often quoted with sarcasm: “Join the Navy and see the world.” After all, about 71% of the world is
Keep windows, mirrors clean, properly adjusted to maximize field of vision
From blazing sunlight to pitch darkness, fog, snow and everything else nature can present, a truck driver’s eyes take an incredible amount of abuse. Unquestionably,
Preparation can make tax time less of a headache for small business owners
Spring is a time of spring breezes, blooming flowers … and income taxes. Unfortunately, the tax returns you file this spring are based on last
Despite potential recession, truck sales and orders remain high
U.S. sales of new Class 8 trucks continued their strong pace in February as OEMs reported sales of 20,136 trucks. This total is second only
Mixed signals: Rates continue downward trend as freight volumes decline
The state of the trucking freight market remains murky, as recent reports send mixed messages. During February, the overall outlook spot rates remained suppressed, while
Blueprint to decarbonization: Battery-electric power is the frontrunner for zero-emissions heavy-duty vehicles
The September 2022 signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) by leaders of the U.S. departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the