Cliff Abbott

Alabama

Freelance Special Correspondent at The Trucker

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Articles

April sales of new Class 8 trucks remain strong even as new orders plummet

5 days ago | thetrucker.com | Cliff Abbott

In a market fraught with uncertainty, U.S. sales of both new and used Class 8 trucks remained strong in April, while orders for future purchase hit a 59-month low. According to data received from Wards Intelligence, 18,078 new, Class 8 trucks were reported sold in April. That number is down 604 trucks from March’s 18,682, but by only 3.2%. It’s not unusual for April sales numbers to dip below March, since March is the last month of the first quarter of the year.
Economic uncertainty, tariff threats continue to depress freight rates

1 week ago | thetrucker.com | Cliff Abbott

Read just about any economic forecast lately and one word pops out: Uncertainty. The good news is that inflation seems to be under control; it was reported at 2.3% for the 12 months ending April 30. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.2% in April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bad news is that no one can say with certainty how tariffs, both those imposed and those threatened by the Trump administration, will ultimately impact the economy.
The DOT can enforce English language proficiency - but not kindness and understanding

2 weeks ago | thetrucker.com | Cliff Abbott

The trucking world was wildly enthusiastic about President Donald Trump’s April 28, 2025, Executive Order mandating that truck drivers be proficient in speaking and writing the English language. In reality, the rule was already in place.
Drivers: Buying a truck means buying a business - make it pay

2 weeks ago | thetrucker.com | Cliff Abbott

Is this a good time to buy a truck and start my own business? Lots of truck drivers dream of buying a truck and starting their own trucking company. After all, being an owner-operator has several advantages. Truck owners don’t have to worry about complying with carrier rules about equipment. Buying your own provides the ability to select options that many carriers might eschew, like more horsepower, more chrome, extra running lights and other customizations. Unforced dispatch is another perk.
State of freight: Markets marked by uncertainty, curtailing decision-making

3 weeks ago | thetrucker.com | Cliff Abbott

Making business decisions is hard. It’s even harder when the direction of the economy is unclear. “We’re kind of in this fog of war. Everybody’s making very short-term decisions right now,” said Jonathan Starks, CEO of FTR Transportation Intelligence. This statement, made during a May 9 “State of Freight” webinar, refers to trade wars, disputes between countries over imports and exports, and fees charged by each to “equalize” the markets.
Surprise! International Roadcheck 2025 is here

3 weeks ago | thetrucker.com | Cliff Abbott

There are plenty of days on the calendar that everyone looks forward to each year, such as birthdays, holidays and special events. For most truck drivers, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA’s) International Roadcheck is NOT one of those days. For most drivers, getting pulled over for an inspection is like a visit to the dentist: The only “good” experience one can hope for is that nothing “bad” happens.
Looking for a new truck-driving job? Before crossing that bridge, find out what’s on your record

1 month ago | thetrucker.com | Cliff Abbott

Are you thinking about looking for a new job? If so, you’re not the only one; it’s a common reaction of many drivers during tough economic times for the trucking industry. With freight rates so low, carriers can’t be as choosy about which loads they haul, so drivers often see their overall miles decline, in addition to the quality of the loads they’re assigned. Of course, times are likely to be just as tough at the next carrier — but that doesn’t stop disgruntled drivers from looking.
Passing grade? TCA addresses infrastructure issues on Capitol Hill

1 month ago | thetrucker.com | Cliff Abbott

On November 15, 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), commonly referred to as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” was signed into law by then-President Joe Biden. The debate was contentious from the start, with Republicans claiming the bill spent too much taxpayer money and focused on too many social causes — while Democrats touted environmental progress and job creation.
Trucking is a labor of love for driver and business owner Gary Dean Jones Jr.

1 month ago | thetrucker.com | Cliff Abbott

Many drivers have found great careers behind the wheel of a commercial motor vehicle. For some of them, it’s just a job — a way to make a living. That’s not the case for Gary Dean Jones Jr., who’s based in Lawson, Missouri. For Jones, trucking is a lifestyle. It’s also a treasured family tradition that he wants to share with the world.
Truck sales strong in March but impact of tariff wars evident

1 month ago | thetrucker.com | Cliff Abbott

The month of March is usually a strong one for U.S. sales of new Class 8 trucks, and it often sets the tone for the upcoming summer. Because the month closes the year’s first quarter, carriers often adjust purchase investments to impact quarterly results and set up their fleets for the next quarter. True to form in 2025, U.S sales of new Class 8 trucks rose significantly in March — up by 18.8% from February sales figures.