Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
Grease and flour two 8 1/2-inch by 4 1/2-inch loaf pans; a tube or bundt pan can also be used for this recipe.
In a small bowl, sift together the flour, salt, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, baking powder and baking soda; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, oil and pumpkin.
Into the large bowl, fold in the dry ingredients until the flour is incorporated in the batter; if using raisins, fold them in when the flour is almost incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly between the two greased and floured loaf pans or place all of the batter in a prepared tube or bundt pan.
Place in the pre-heated oven and bake for 50 – 60 minutes until a cake tester, inserted in the center, comes out clean.
Remove from the oven, place on a wire rack, let the loaves cool in the pan for about 10 minutes; turn out onto a rack to cool completely.