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
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
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
Drivers’ use of illegal substances is changing — and so is the reporting process
A drug testing milestone was reached in January 2023: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse reached three years of age.
Pre-trip inspections: save $, increase safety
One rule of thumb in trucking is that the earlier a problem is identified, the sooner it can be fixed and the less it will
CSA program offers sound premise but can paint inaccurate picture
The premise was simple and sound: Stop using random audits to determine carrier safety. Instead, collect consistent data from roadside inspections and accident reports; then
Business ¢ents: Knowing your operating cost per mile is vital to making a profit
It should be obvious that buying your own truck is equal to starting your own business. Sure, you’ll be able to make more decisions for
Despite economic headwinds, January saw increased sales of Class 8 trucks
U.S. sales of new Class 8 trucks got off to a great start in January, according to data received from Wards Intelligence. Manufacturers reported January
Safety Series: Preparation, good decisions are keys to surviving spring weather extremes
Depending on where you are in North America, spring may be just around the corner. While pleasant days, sunshine and blooming wildflowers can bring tranquility
Freight rates should rise in second half of year, but rising fuel costs could offset gains
Shipments declined by 3.2% in January from December levels, but no more than they usually do, according to the latest Cass Freight Index for Shipments,
Driving for a cause: Tanker driver Nan Harguth hauls inspiration along with food-grade products
The lady knows what she wants. That’s quickly evident to anyone who has a conversation with tanker driver Nan Harguth. “I’m not messing around. I
Who’s the boss? Be prepared for added responsibilities when you obtain your authority
Purchasing your own truck and becoming an owner-operator is a big step in a trucking career. Many drivers take that step and then choose to
Put your best foot forward: Know what’s on your record before applying
Chances are, just about everyone who works in the offices of a trucking company (or any office, for that matter) followed a similar process to
Engines: size matters
Truck buyers have a lot of factors to consider before making a final decision. In addition to features like the cab, bunk size and other
December sales of new trucks reach historic levels for a strong close to 2022
When it comes to sales of new Class 8 trucks on the U.S. market, 2022 ended up as the third-highest sales year of the past
‘Safety cushion’ can mean life or death
While driving, the space between your vehicle and the one in front of you is your only protection from a rear-end collision. Every professional driver