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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.

FTR Tucking Conditions March 2026.
Newsby Jack RobertsMarch 10, 2026

FTR: Trucking Conditions Index Climbs to Highest Level Since 2022

Strong freight rates, rising volumes and tighter capacity push trucking conditions higher, though diesel prices could temper gains in the near term, FTR cautions.

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Mike Kucharski, vice president, JKC Trucking.
Newsby Jack RobertsMarch 10, 2026

Trucking Executive Warns Fuel Spike from Middle East Conflict Hitting Fleets Fast

Mike Kucharski, vice president of refrigerated carrier JKC Trucking, says diesel price jumps tied to global instability are squeezing carriers already struggling with weak freight rates.

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Aurora Innovation autonomous truck.
Truck Techby Jack RobertsMarch 6, 2026

The Major Autonomous News No One is Talking About

Both Aurora Innovation and PlusAI have made under-the-radar announcements that signal a massive game-changer for trucking is coming soon.

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HDT Monthly News Recap February 2026
Truck Techby Jack RobertsMarch 3, 2026

HDT's Monthly News Roundup: February 2026

February was dreary and dull -- as usual. But the North American trucking industry finally showed some signs of life. But how long that will last is anybody's guess.

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Illustration of air disc brakes and copper

Copper Under Pressure: What the Shift to Copper-Free Brake Pads Means for Fleets

With copper-free brake standards taking effect, suppliers are reengineering friction materials, and fleets are weighing what the change means for air disc brake performance on the road. Find out more in this Heavy Duty Trucking Digital Cover Story for March 2026.

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Daimler Truck North America Vice President David Carson
Newsby Jack RobertsFebruary 19, 2026

Capacity Overhang Begins to Clear, But Fleets Aren’t Ready to Spend 

Daimler Truck’s David Carson sees early signs of tightening capacity — yet buyers remain wary, extending trade cycles and resisting a pre-2027 emissions surge. 

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Daimler Gen 6 diesel engines.
Newsby Jack RobertsFebruary 19, 2026

Detroit Bets on Evolution, Not Reinvention, for EPA 2027 

Detroit's DD13, DD15, and DD16 engines get a pre-SCR boost, 3% fuel-efficiency gains, and familiar service intervals as Daimler prepares for trucking's next emissions era. 

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Mercedes-Benz 130 years of trucking.
Photo Galleriesby Jack RobertsFebruary 12, 2026

Mercedes-Benz Celebrates 130 Years of Trucking Heritage

Mercedes‑Benz Trucks Classic showcased “130 Years of Trucks” at the Retro Classics Stuttgart Museum from February 19 to 22, 2026. Check out these photos.

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Conceptual Illustration of artificial intelligence in a truck maintenance shop
Digital Cover Featuresby Jack RobertsFebruary 1, 2026

How AI Is Transforming Truck Maintenance

For the first time, heavy-duty trucking fleet managers and technicians can actually partner with intelligent machines to predict failures and manage vehicle uptime.

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Brake telematics in heavy trucks.
Videosby Jack RobertsJanuary 30, 2026

Why Are Brake Telematics So Tough for Class 8 Trucks?

Brakes are the final frontier for telematics on Class 8 trucks. But Hendrickson is close to a breakthrough that could change the game in getting real-time brake system information back to fleets.

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