Jack Roberts

Executive Editor

With nearly three decades covering trucking, Jack Roberts is known for reporting on advanced technology, such as intelligent drivetrains and autonomous vehicles, in an industry being transformed by technology.

In his Truck Tech blog, he offers his insights on everything from the latest equipment, systems and components, to telematics and autonomous vehicle technologies. A commercial driver’s license holder, he also does test drives of new equipment and covers topics such as maintenance, fuel economy, vocational and medium-duty trucks and tires.

He has been covering trucking since 1995.

NACFE Messy Middle Maintenance Report: Battery-Electric Trucks.

Articles•by Jack Roberts•July 16, 2026

Maintenance in the Messy Middle Part 5: Battery-Electric Trucks

No oil changes. No diesel exhaust fluid. No exhaust aftertreatment. But NACFE battery-electric trucks still require specialized maintenance procedures.

Truck Tech•by Jack Roberts•July 13, 2026

That Time Mack Trucks Threw Me a Birthday Party

Sometimes the best birthdays are the ones you never planned. Mine happened courtesy of one of America's oldest truck manufacturers, and it reminded me why I still love this industry after more than three decades.

NACFE Messy Middle Maintenance Report RNG

Articles•by Jack Roberts•July 8, 2026

Maintenance in the Messy Middle Part 4: Renewable Natural Gas

The keys to running renewable natural gas as a fleet fuel depend on specialized technician training, rigorous inspection schedules and an understanding of high-pressure fuel systems.

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Enhance Fleet Performance with High-Efficiency Auxiliary Power Units

Maintenance in the Messy Middle Part 3: Biodiesel

Biodiesel can reduce emissions, improve fuel-system lubricity and use existing diesel infrastructure. But NACFE’s Messy Middle maintenance report says fleets must actively manage storage, cold-weather operation, filters and oil drain intervals to avoid problems.

250 years of American transportation illustration with the Founding Fathers, steamships, and trucks through the years.

Articles•by Jack Roberts•July 2, 2026

America at 250: How the Truck Helped Connect a Continent

America was founded on revolutionary ideas, but it was built by movement. For 250 years, the nation has depended on ever-better ways to move people, products, and prosperity across a vast continent. No machine has carried that mission further — or more faithfully — than the truck.

Man standing beside tractor-trailer in sepia tone with the words "Farewell CDL" superimposed on top

Digital Cover Features•by Jack Roberts•July 1, 2026

Farewell, CDL: Why I'm Giving Up My Commercial Driver's License

After more than 20 years as a CDL holder, HDT Executive Editor Jack Roberts is letting his commercial license expire. Not because he wants to — but because trucking's nuclear verdict crisis has made the risks of public-road test drives too great for editors, manufacturers, and everyone involved.

Photo Galleries•by Jack Roberts•June 29, 2026

Photos: Shell SuperRigs Light Up Bristol Tennessee

Kenny Ziglar II of Rawlins, Wyo., captured Best of Show honors for the second consecutive year with his 2007 Peterbilt 379, nicknamed “Scrapin By,” at the 44th Annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs competition held June 25-27 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn.

Articles•by Jack Roberts•June 29, 2026

Maintenance in the ‘Messy Middle’ Part 2: Renewable Diesel Fuel

NACFE's latest Messy Middle Powertrain Service & Maintenance report says renewable diesel gives fleets an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions without changing trucks, fueling infrastructure or maintenance practices. But technicians still need to understand several important operational differences.

Illustration messy middle maintenance diesel with wrenches in background

Articles•by Jack Roberts•June 26, 2026

The Diesel Engine Enters NACFE’s ‘Messy Middle’

NACFE’s new Messy Middle Powertrain Service & Maintenance report says keeping modern diesel engines running now depends as much on software, diagnostics and data as traditional mechanical service.

News•by Jack Roberts•June 26, 2026

Waabi, Volvo Claim Breakthrough in Scaling Autonomous Trucking

Waabi says its AI-powered virtual driver successfully transferred to Volvo Autonomous Solutions' Volvo VNL Autonomous platform without retraining or additional data, a milestone the companies say could dramatically accelerate commercialization of autonomous trucks.

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