New to the road? Here’s what you need to know when packing for a run
Ask 50 truck drivers what you should plan to bring along when you make your first solo trip and you’ll likely get 50 different answers,
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
Class 8 truck sales stronger than expected in August as inventories pile up
U.S. sales of new Class 8 trucks remained stronger than expected in August, according to data received from Wards Intelligence. Manufacturers reported sales of 20,674
More freight should mean higher rates — so why isn’t it happening?
DAT’s Truckload Volume Index (TVI) for August rose month over month for the dry van, refrigerated and flatbed segments tracked. DAT reported an increase of
Video systems and telematics have changed the job of truck driving forever
Professional truck drivers have long been known for their independence. In decades past, the practice was to just give a driver the keys, a truck
What’s in your PSP report? What you don’t know could hurt your chances of employment
For many years, the Federal Motor Carrier Safey Administration (FMCSA) required carriers to perform background checks on all drivers that were hired or leased on
Knowing your cost per mile can make or break a small trucking business
It’s not difficult to tell which small trucking business owners don’t have a handle on the economics of their business. They tend to explain things
CVSA works to keep drivers and vehicles rolling safely
Many drivers dread entering weigh stations — but not because of the scales. (Hopefully, they’ve already weighed their trucks and made the necessary adjustments so
The CMV Tutor: Tom Gilliam hopes to help the homeless through CDL training
Earning a commercial driver’s license (CDL) can be the first step into a wide variety of connected careers, from driving to owning a trucking company,
A dashcam can be a driver’s best friend when determining who’s at fault in an accident
In the aftermath of an accident involving your truck, the “he said/she said” approach makes poor evidence and does nothing to prove which party is
$3.5M in federal funds earmarked for CDL training across US
In late August, the Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced plans to divide $3.5 million in funding between 27 providers of CDL training, including colleges
Lessons from the road: A thorough pre-trip inspection is the best start to a safe day
Professional drivers learn early to maximize their hours for rest by minimizing their hours spent on other activities. In a career field where many over-the-road
What’s your type? Trucking offers variety of modes for transporting different cargoes
What’s the next step in my life? Whether you’re thinking about your career, or your personal life, this could be considered the “eternal question.” It’s
TCA Driver of the Year James White is a good neighbor both on and off the road
There’s no doubt about it: James White is a good neighbor. He can often be found around his Carthage, Texas, neighborhood, greeting neighbors, shopping
NHTSA advisory committee disagrees on findings, efficacy of underride protection report
Those who were expecting a resolution to the issue of side underride protection were disappointed in the June 18 report from the National Highway Traffic
Sales of new Class 8 trucks remain strong but declines expected by year-end
These are interesting times in the world of Class 8 truck sales. Inventory levels at dealers and body suppliers are up, and sales of New
Analysts see small improvements in freight volumes, but rates may give way to turbulent times ahead
Just when talk of an economic recession was beginning to fade, the stock market faltered: The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped more than 1,000 points
After a stroke and crash, former trucker Lanny Weaver stays positive for his grandsons
The thought that any mile you drive could be your last is sobering — but it’s a reality for anyone who earns a living at
Fleet Focus: CVSA inspection events present learning opportunities for truck owners
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducted the 2024 Operation Safe Driver Week July 7-13. The focus of this year’s event was reckless, careless or
History matters: Drivers with clean backgrounds are more likely to land the best jobs
People can be particular about the items they buy and use. That trait extends to truckers, too. Some wear only the best in blue jeans
CVSA promotes education, outreach and safe equipment during Brake Safety Week
Brake safety week will be here before you know it! The Commercial Vehicle Training Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled this year’s event for Aug. 25-31. During