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•September 4, 2018

Steer Tire Inflation Leaves No Margin for Error

Steer-tire inflation pressure is critical; there's no room for guess work, estimates or running the wrong sized tires.

On the Road•by Jim Park•September 4, 2018

Truck Tire Blowouts Don't Have to Be Deadly

A fatal accident in New Mexico is a sobering reminder that proper reaction and proven driving techniques are key to ensuring that a truck remains under the driver's control in the event of a tire blowout — even a steer tire failure.

Videos•by Jim Park•August 28, 2018

Driving International’s LT Linehaul Tractor [Video]

The Navistar LT highway tractor was built around the driver but it also delivers big gains in fuel efficiency and reliability. Equipment Editor Jim Park takes the LT for a spin around Navistar’s proving grounds in Indiana.

On the Road•by Jim Park•August 24, 2018

Is Your Truck Putting You to Sleep?

Staying alert on long stretches of road may be a challenge for truckers, but new research suggests that a truck's vibrations might play a role in lulling drivers to sleep.

Videos•by Jim Park•August 13, 2018

Mack's LR Refuse Truck On the Road [Video]

In part two of our video series on the Mack LR refuse truck, equipment editor Jim Park takes it out onto public roads and gets a first hand look at how it handles in a typical operating environment.

Videos•by Jim Park•August 10, 2018

Operating Mack’s LR Low-Entry Refuse Truck [Video]

The Mack LR low-entry refuse truck is a little different from Equipment Editor Jim Park's usual drive tests. Maneuvering around a closed course, he's finally able to live out his lifelong dream of becoming a garbage man. Find out if he'll keep his day job.