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.
When safety is a personal value instead of just a priority, compromise doesn’t happen
There’s a difference between values and priorities. On the surface, they seem similar, but let’s take a closer look.For example, imagine you’re hungry. Maybe...
Fleet owners have gone ‘from fear, to hope, to optimism’ as Class 8 sales...
U.S. sales of new Class 8 trucks declined slightly in October, according to figures received from ACT Research. During the month, 19,034 trucks were...
As election certification continues, trucking industry awaits impact from likely administration change
More than two weeks after the Nov. 3 election, President Donald Trump has yet to concede the race. Former Vice President Joe Biden, the...
Stop the Tires 2020 calls off Thanksgiving weekend work stoppage
The movement that gathered nearly 75,000 followers in its one-week existence came to a halt as the person who started it all backed away...
Stop The Tires 2020 founder hopes to gain understanding, support of trucking industry issues...
It wasn’t supposed to happen. A truck driver from rural Washington state, concerned about the results of this year’s presidential election and the policies...
Make the most of fuel surcharges by squeezing the most from each gallon
Fuel discounts are good. So are fuel surcharges. If you’re an owner-operator, you’ll be able to quickly answer this simple question: What is your...
Where the pigskin meets the road: Driver builds on football fandom with board game
RAYMONDVILLE, Mo. — For some, driving professionally is the dream. For others, driving is a great way to earn a living while chasing a...
Fast-growing grassroots truckers’ group calls for Veterans Day strike
While the results of the Nov. 3 presidential election are being contested and litigated, another protest has gained momentum. The private Facebook group “Stop...
Industrial truckload shipments see decline, while retail markets show definite benefit for smaller carriers
Trucking capacity continued to be tight in September, with plenty of freight to haul and too few trucks to haul it. The result was...
National election results could point to more gridlock for trucking industry
The day after the Nov. 3 election, most Americans woke to confusion. A president had not yet been declared. Likewise, enough races in the...
Hard work and a love of trucks combine to make a successful career for...
COLFAX, Wis. — Jeremy Hoffman enjoys trucks, but never loses his business perspective.“I feel that a truck is a tool you use to achieve...
Spec’ing your Truck: Buyers love innovation but remain mindful of reliability, safety
Technology and trucking have long been closely associated. Technological advances have changed everything, from the size and shape of trucks to the drivetrain components...
Carrier Profile: Those who deliver — Melton Truck Lines
When asked for the secret to success at Melton Truck Lines, Vice President and COO Russ Elliott provided the distilled version. “Where we play...
Roundabouts can save lives but can also cause confusion if not navigated correctly
The concept seems simple: Traffic goes counterclockwise around the roundabout, with approaching traffic yielding the right-of-way to vehicles already in the circle. Make a...
Tying up loose ends: Knowledge is the key to making a successful career move
Trucking companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to investigate the background of anyone who applies for a driving job....
Don’t let road expenses eat away at your take-home pay
Driving professionally can be a rewarding experience, but just how rewarding often depends on choices the driver makes while on the road. For many...
‘A fresh start’: Trucking proves to be the right road for WIT’s Tracy Gaudette
Like many professional drivers, Tracy Gaudette came to trucking via a circuitous route.“I’ve never wanted to stay in one place too long,” she told...
Recovery continues for new Class 8 truck sales; impact on commercial vehicle market from...
The North American market for new Class 8 trucks continued to climb in September in response to record freight rates and solid shipment numbers....
Veteran, former boxer focused on staying fit, takes first place in push-up contest in...
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — How does a 36-year-old former Golden Gloves boxer stay in shape when on the road?“I try to work out when I...
There are important decisions to make before hitting the used truck lot
Used truck prices have come down from last year and freight rates have been steadily rising for the past four months. For some drivers,...
