Drivers beware: Winter hazards can spill over into springtime
After the gray skies, cold weather, and snow and ice of winter, the prospect of spring approaching is welcome news to many drivers. Who couldn’t
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
Truck sales facing myriad of uncertainties
U.S. sales of new, Class 8 trucks fell sharply in January, according to data received from Wards Intelligence. Manufacturers reported sales of 16,175 trucks, down
‘Excruciatingly slow’ growth predicted for freight rates and volumes
If the predicted freight increase in 2025 is coming, its progress seems excruciatingly slow. In January, the Cass Freight Index for Shipments fell by 5.3%
2025 freight outlook: Slow economic growth expected, but hazards remain
The U.S. economy remained strong into the first quarter of 2025, but most economists are predicting growth to slow for the remainder of the year
Don’t do it: FMCSA Task Force says lease purchases should be banned
It sounds so great. You can own your own truck. You don’t need a good credit rating or even a credit card. All you need
CVSA is an important ‘member’ of a trucking company’s safety team
This year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will once again be working to make the roads safer for everyone this year. However, because the
The tax man cometh: Don’t be caught unaware on April 15
Federal Income tax payments for 2024 aren’t due until April 15, but it’s not too late to make changes that could reduce your tax liability
Impending tariffs, expected cost increases may push prices for new trucks higher
U.S. sales of new Class 8 trucks finished 2024 right about where they’d been all year — lower that 2022 and 2023 totals but still
HHS to put fentanyl on its list for DOT testing
In a January 16, 2025 notice published in the U.S. Federal Register, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that Fentanyl and Norfentanyl
Trucking conditions expected to improve slowly in 2025
Many in the trucking industry was looking forward to better days ahead as 2024 came to an end. Unfortunately, the news from December didn’t look
Could the start of a new year be a good time to find a new truck driving job?
With the beginning of a new year, many people are looking to make changes in their lives. One of those changes might involve finding a
Weather reports are an important part of safe trips
Does your current trip plan include an updated weather report? If it doesn’t, you’re missing out on some crucial information that could impact your safety
Rising freight rates, falling interest rates will impact 2025 sales of new Class 8 trucks
November U.S. sales of new Class 8 tractors declined 5.8% from October, but that’s expected for Thanksgiving month. What was not expected was a gain
Clearinghouse Phase II: Make sure your team understands the latest FMCSA testing requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse has unquestionably achieved much of its intended purpose. The burden of chasing down former employers
Today’s trucking industry is a part of Jimmy Carter’s legacy
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the U.S., will long be remembered for actions taken during his presidency that spanned 1977 through 1980. Among his
Industry looks forward to a positive freight outlook for 2025 but uncertainties remain
November saw declines in truckload volumes, according to information received from DAT Freight and Analytics — but with sound reason. “Shippers moved so much freight
Is this a good time to buy a truck? Consider these factors before putting money down
“Is this a good time to buy a truck?” It’s a question heard often in the industry, and the answer is usually the same: “Maybe
Road detectives: Watch for clues that road surfaces are treacherous this winter
Saturday, Dec. 21, will mark the first official day of winter in the northern hemisphere. It’s also the shortest day of the entire year. Dec.
Is your company ready for Clearinghouse Phase II?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse has unquestionably achieved much of its intended purpose. The burden of chasing down former
So, you want to be a trucker? Make sure you’re up for the challenge
There’s little doubt that driving a truck professionally can be a rewarding career. Compared to other career choices, the training can be less inexpensive and