Show me the money! Studying financial reports provides an overview of the health of the trucking industry
All the signs pointed to a strong year for trucking in 2021. Spot rates set new records — and then set higher ones. Contract rates
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
January truck sales down nearly 40% from December
January sales of new Class 8 trucks on the U.S. market dropped by 39.4% from December sales, according to data received from ACT Research. The
Control what you owe: Maximum use of business deductions can mean paying minimal income tax
Whether you’re a company driver or you own your own truck and business, income taxes can take a bite out of your take-home pay. Taxes
Movin’ on: Start that new job the right way by cruising through the interviews
Most drivers learn quickly that all driving jobs aren’t the same. It seems there’s always a better job waiting — one with more pay or
Passing DOT physical exam takes full-time commitment
It happens every year. Or, every other year, if you’re young, healthy and lucky. What is “it”? It’s the dreaded DOT (Department of Transportation) physical
Honoring the past: Chris Slindee follows in his father’s footsteps as he drives, plans for the future
Some drivers come to trucking because that’s what their father or another family member did. Chris Slindee came to trucking to honor his father’s memory.
Record-setting end to 2021: December Sales of new Class 8 trucks finish with better-than-expected results
Plagued by supply chain constraints throughout 2021, manufacturers of Class 8 trucks stepped up both production and sales in December, achieving the third-best December monthly
Choosing the right engine helps contain costs while providing the right tool for the job
The market for both new and used Class 8 trucks is tight, but those with the desire to upgrade equipment or start a trucking business
November numbers look promising: Analysts say freight volumes and rates should remain high for a while longer
Data for the final month of 2021 isn’t in yet, but November turned out to be a good month for both freight volumes and rates.
‘Don’t take your health for granted’: Caring for others as well as herself provides motivation for driver Andrea Lewis
In an industry where drivers frequently change jobs trying to find more favorable conditions, Andrea Lewis is an anomaly. “I’ve never really quit jobs,” she
Mother-daughter team works to serve trucking industry
There are many people who can describe the difficulty of starting up a business in the trucking industry. Doing so as a woman — and
Shortage or not, change must occur to bring more drivers to trucking
Some trucking organizations and carriers claim it’s the most important issue the trucking industry is facing today. Others, such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
GPS apps and common sense can help keep drivers out of trouble spots
Every week, it seems, there’s another story about a truck and a bridge. One week, it’s a tractor-trailer damaging a suspension bridge by hitting a
Flat sales continue: Supply chain issues, parts shortages constrain November truck sales
There was little change to the numbers of new Class 8 trucks sold on the U.S. market in November. The “good news/bad news” freight market
What’s the answer? There’s no single solution to the complex driver shortage problem
To some, it’s the most important issue the trucking industry is dealing with today. To others, it’s a red herring that represents the industry’s unwillingness
Those who deliver: With Contract Freighters, Inc.
It all started in 1951 with a truck, a pair of trailers, and a dream, the story goes. At least, one of the stories. That’s
Is it a necessary expense? Trailer ownership brings independence but adds cost and responsibility
If you’re considering the purchase of your own trailer, the first question to ask yourself — and answer with total honesty — is: Why? The
Changing jobs? Know what a background check will show before you apply
If you’re paying attention to the trucking industry, you already know the trucking industry is suffering a driver shortage, according to many sources. In fact,
Driving into the new year: Conditions into 2022 are good, but trucks are expensive and hard to find
Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting social and economic turmoil of 2020, 2021 was supposed to be a “normal” year for
Fueling the future: Electric power not the only option for zero-emissions transportation
Electric vehicles (EVs) have been prominent in many recent transportation headlines, due in large part to their prominent role in the recently passed infrastructure act.