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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.

Articlesby Jim ParkMay 14, 2019

Don’t Overlook Trailer Anchor Points When Securing Open-Deck Freight

Open-deck trailers are actually part of a cargo securement system, so anchor points and permanent tie-down assemblies need to be inspected.

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Articlesby Jim ParkMay 7, 2019

The Slow Switch to FA-4 Engine Oils

Even with potential fuel economy gains, fleets have been slow to adopt the new FA-4 engine oils. Experts from ATA's Technology & Maintenance Council explore some of the reasons why fleets seem to be waiting.

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Articlesby Jim ParkMay 6, 2019

What 48-Volt Electrical Systems Could Mean for Trucking

Trucking maintenance experts examine the challenges and advantages of converting truck electrical systems to 48 volts from the current 12-volt standard.

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On the Roadby Jim ParkApril 30, 2019

What Went Wrong in Colorado's Deadly Truck Crash?

Each day, thousands of truck drivers in places like western Pennsylvania and California and Montana and West Virginia manage to get their trucks down similarly dangerous mountain grades. What went so horribly wrong in Lakewood? HDT's Jim Park, who was a driver for 20 years, digs into the possibilities in his On the Road blog.

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Articlesby Jim ParkApril 24, 2019

What’s Behind the Grille of the New Nikola Hydrogen-Electric Truck

Nikola's new hydrogen-electric tractor features scads of new technology. It's truly new from the ground up and drivers assigned to such trucks certainly won't be suffering.

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Articlesby Jim ParkApril 22, 2019

How Nikola Plans to Make Hydrogen the Truck Fuel of the Future

Nikola plans to make hydrogen the transportation fuel of the future. Plenty of hurdles remain to be overcome before that happens, but the strategy the company disclosed at Nikola World 2019 seems workable. One of the biggest challenges could be getting the rest of the world to see the solution as Nikola sees it.

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Photo Galleriesby Jim ParkApril 19, 2019

Nikola Goes Off-Road and Off-Land with Motorsports Vehicles [Photos]

Nikola doesn't just make hydrogen and electric big trucks; the company is an up-and-coming player in the motorsports and off-road vehicle markets. On the same evening the company rolled out the Nikola Two, it also unveiled two off-road 4x4s and a watercraft.

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Articlesby Jim ParkApril 18, 2019

The Challenge of Balancing Tire Traction with Fuel Efficiency

Tire makers need to reduce tire rolling resistance to meet upcoming greenhouse gas rules. What does that mean for safety?

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Articlesby Jim ParkApril 18, 2019

How Alaska DOT Uses GPS for Precision Plowing

If snow plow drivers who work Alaska's Thompson Pass worried about driving in white-out conditions, the road would never get cleared. But thanks to an ultra-precise GPS system, these snow plow crews are able to get the work done.

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Photo Galleriesby Jim ParkApril 18, 2019

The Nikola Two Hydrogen Electric Truck Up Close [Photos]

Nikola had two model Two hydrogen electric hybrid Class 8 trucks on display at the Nikola World event, allowing HDT Equipment Editor Jim Park to get an up close look at the futuristic truck's design.

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