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•March 12, 2013

5 Must-Have Tools for Your Tire Shop

Changing truck tires isn't rocket science. Since tire service isn't cheap, it's not uncommon to find smaller fleets and even some bigger ones doing their own tire maintenance. But safety needs to be the priority in any shop.

Articles•by Jim Park•March 11, 2013

Why You Should Consider Wheel Balancing

People will tell you that wheel balancing isn't necessary these days. Going back 10 or 20 years, new tires often needed a small amount of weight to balance out the irregularities in the old production process. With today's more exacting manufacturing standards, irregularities are the exception. But that doesn't mean you can't benefit from wheel balancing.

On the Road•by Jim Park•March 11, 2013

Whaddya Think of Those Canucks, Eh?

For the second time, two Canadian truckload fleets earned top honors in the Truckload Carriers Association National (maybe it should be International?) Fleet Safety Awards. In his "On the Road" blog, Jim Park muses on whether Canadian truckers have a leg up in safety, despite longer work days and bigger rigs.

On the Road•by Jim Park•March 5, 2013

Are Airless Tires the Way of the Future?

Imagine a hybrid tire that can change tread patterns to suit the application, from a deep block lug for traction to a smooth rib for fuel efficiency, or a tire that runs just on its shoulders for optimum fuel efficiency or on a full tread face for better traction. How about a tire/wheel assembly that leans into a turn for better traction and stability? Equipment Editor Jim Park has a fun look at possible tires of the future in his "On the Road" blog.

On the Road•by Jim Park•February 1, 2013

Where have all the grab handles gone?

What do you think the aerodynamic penalty would be from a grab handle on the side of a truck that would help a driver climb up to a place he or she could safely clean the windshield? 0.0003%, maybe?

Articles•by Jim Park•January 29, 2013

Tires & Wheels: 5 Ways to Stretch Your Tire Budget

If stretching your tire budget means buying cheaper tires, you may be cheating yourself. You'll get more tires for less money — and that looks good up front — but does that theory hold up after six months or a year?

Articles•by Jim Park•January 8, 2013

Smaller truck tire buyers to benefit from greenhouse gas and CAFE regs

Mike Yap is a plumbing and heating contractor near Buffalo, N.Y. He operates two GMC 3500-series cargo vans and two utility trailers. He buys tires from a local auto supply jobber. He's a price shopper

Articles•by Jim Park•January 8, 2013

The Business Case for Synthetic Lubes

For years, some fleets have turned to synthetic engine oils for easier starts in cold-weather climates and to help them extend oil drain intervals. But if that's the only selling point you're using for synthetic lubes, it may be time for some consumer education

Articles•by Jim Park•January 7, 2013

Green in 2014: The New Greenhouse Gas Regulations

Finally, a regulation that gives something back. Sometime between now and Jan. 1, 2014, all new heavy-duty trucks coming into service will be certified to a new fuel efficiency standard. Compliance rests with the truck maker, and the customer sees the benefit. So, what's the catch

Articles•by Jim Park•January 6, 2013

Are Your Batteries up to the Challenge?

If there's a problem with your truck's electrical system, simply replacing the bad batteries with fresh ones may consign those to the scrap bin, too

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