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.

News•by Jim Park•September 19, 2013

SAE Fuel Economy Tests Reveal Aero Device Performance

User-paid and impartial SAE Type II tests reveal the trailer side skirts tested are more effective at reducing fuel consumption than undercarriage aerodynamic devices.

Articles•by Jim Park•September 10, 2013

Steer Axle Weights Have Increased: Are Your Steer Tires up to the Challenge?

It’s not uncommon to find highway trucks with front axles and suspensions rated for 13,200 pounds. While 12,000-pound axles were the industry norm for many years, the move to 13,200-pound axles came with the addition of all that emissions reduction gear. Are you running a steer tire rated for that weight?

Articles•by Jim Park•September 10, 2013

Studies Indicate TPMS and ATIS Are Money Makers

There are lots or reasons not to embrace fuel-saving technology (some better than others), but validation exists for tire-pressure mitigation systems. And the payback is significant.

News•by Jim Park•September 5, 2013

Research Identifies Barriers to Fuel-saving Technology Uptake

Lack of credible ROI information and reliability concerns are cited as major hurdles to wide-scale adoption of fuel-saving technologies such as 6x2s, idle reduction and tire inflation systems, according to a new report by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency.

On the Road•by Jim Park•September 5, 2013

Why drivers do not believe there's a driver shortage

Drivers are repeatedly reminded that they are in short supply, but Jim Park asks why the industry is not responding as it should to tight supply conditions.

Articles•by Jim Park•August 27, 2013

But Which Fuel?

Natural gas. Biodiesel. Algae-based diesel. Hydrogen fuel cells. Dimethyl-ether. Hybrids. There's a virtual smorgasbord of potential fuel sources or supplements for truck and engine makers to choose from. The critical question becomes which one, or which combinations of fuel sources, represent the best path forward.

On the Road•by Jim Park•August 27, 2013

In Praise of Higher Achievement

The National Truck Driving Championships and the North American Inspectors Championship are great showcases for industry skill and expertise. Equipment Editor Jim Park explains in his "On the Road" blog why it's too bad these competitions don't appeal to a broader audience.

News•by Jim Park•August 14, 2013

Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing to Expand Minnesota Operations

Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing LLC will expand its electronics remanufacturing and manufacturing capabilities with a move to a larger facility in Hibbing, Minn., which is about 75 miles north of Duluth, Minn.

On the Road•by Jim Park•August 12, 2013

More Killer Truckers for your viewing pleasure

Television and trucking have always had a tenuous relationship. This week, a Discovery Channel expose all but guarantees the industry another black eye. In this week's blog, Jim Park questions the value to anyone of dredging up four old kidnap and murder cases involving longhaul truck drivers.

On the Road•by Jim Park•August 7, 2013

What happens when the facts show FMCSA goofed?

Equipment Editor and former over-the-road driver, Jim Park, ponders how FMCSA will cover its tracks when the crash rate actually goes up because of the new HOS rules.

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