Jim Park

Former HDT Equipment Editor

Jim Park served as Heavy Duty Trucking's equipment editor from 2006-2024. Specializing in technical and equipment content, Park is an award-winning journalist who has been covering the trucking industry since 1998.

Before joining HDT, Park was a truck driver and owner-operator for 20 years and served as an editor for HighwayStar magazine, which ceased production in 2011. He maintained his commercial driver’s license to bring a real-world perspective to Test Drives, as well as to features, videos and podcasts about equipment spec’ing and trends, emissions regulations and developments, maintenance and drivers.

He is the recipient of 16 Jesse H. Neal honors (both finalist and Neal awards), including “Best Range of Work by a Single Author” in 2020.

Articles•by Jim Park•May 29, 2019

How to Stay Ahead of Suspension and Steering Defects

CVSA is planning to pay close attention to suspensions and steering systems in this year's 72-hour Roadcheck inspection blitz. Will your maintenance procedures keep your trucks off the sidelines this year?

Videos•by Jim Park•May 23, 2019

Focus On: Daimler's Lane Keep Assist [Video]

Daimler’s Detroit Assurance 5.0 includes an optional lane keep assist feature that helps drivers keep from drifting out of the lane or off the road. Using a camera-based setup, the system will self-steer the truck keeping it between the lines and can make minor corrections for crosswinds and vehicle alignment.

On the Road•by Jim Park•May 23, 2019

Thoughts on Achieving 11 MPG

It's easy to get excited and stay excited about fuel economy when you can see positive change coming from your efforts. When I saw the numbers creeping up into the 10s on a recent test drive in a Peterbilt 579 EPIQ, I started pushing for 11. And it worked.

Articles•by Jim Park•May 23, 2019

How Trucking Fleets Can Be Proactive With Tire Safety

Drivers are required to physically inspect their tires at the beginning and the end of a driving shift, and fleets have some obligation to look after these expensive assets — but somehow tires continue to come apart out on the highway.

Videos•by Jim Park•May 22, 2019

Focus On: Daimler’s Adaptive Cruise Control Works Down to 0 MPH [Video]

One of the new features of Daimler’s Detroit Assurance 5.0 relieves drivers of the stress of managing stop and go traffic. It’s called Adaptive Cruise Control Down to Zero. All the driver has to do is steer and keep an eye out for lane cutters.

Articles•by Jim Park•May 20, 2019

In-Cab Coaching Apps Can Coax Better Fuel Economy

Encouraging drivers to drive more efficiently through coaching tools and reviews will get fleets further than limiting or taking away performance features.

Articles•by Jim Park•May 17, 2019

Getting the Most Out of Cruise Control

While an experienced driver with a light foot may still be the best way to maximize fuel economy, with the advent of predictive cruise control, you'd be hard-pressed to beat its efficiency in everyday driving.

Articles•by Jim Park•May 17, 2019

Must-Have Tools for the Tire Shop

Fleets describe the must-have tire shop tools they use to improve productivity, safety, and operator comfort and convenience.

Articles•by Jim Park•May 16, 2019

Jeff Sass: Electric Trucks, Connectivity Are In, Platooning and Autonomous Trucks Are Out

Trucking shouldn't waste time on pipe-dreams like platooning and autonomous trucks and instead focus on improving logistics and making the trade appeal to young people, said Hendrickson's Jeff Sass while speaking at the Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange in Phoenix.

Videos•by Jim Park•May 15, 2019

Focus On: Hyliion's Hybrid System On the Road [Video]

Hyliion's hybrid system adds an electric motor to the non-driven axle of a 6x2 setup. The system helps trucks in the least efficient situations, such as under acceleration and up hills. Equipment Editor Jim Park drove a loaded truck with Hyliion’s system and gives his initial thoughts on how it operates.

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