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On the Road

Jim Park

Jim Park

Former HDT Equipment Editor

Straight talk on trucking from a driver turned award-winning journalist.

On the Roadby Jim ParkOctober 31, 2011

Beware motorcycle wannabes with bicycle brains

They look like motorcycles, but they're regulated like bicycles. They have tiny motors supposedly incapable of propelling them faster than 20 mph. They require no special license, no special operator training, and no insurance. These things are accidents looking for a place to happen

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On the Roadby Jim ParkOctober 17, 2011

Three Cheers and a Tiger for the Convoy Drivers

There's something in a convoy of trucks that seems to stir a driver's imagination. It's being a part of something. A cog in something turning, as the Woodstock song goes. The convoys I'm referring to are the various fund-raising convoys that take place around North America each fall

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On the Roadby Jim ParkOctober 10, 2011

Michigan's retread fee is a really dumb idea

Late last week, on an otherwise hum-drum news day, a notice came in indicating Michigan was contemplating a $5 environmental levy on retreaded tires. That livened up the newsroom. Placing a surcharge on what has to be recycling's posterchild product is silly enough, but wait until you hear why

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On the Roadby Jim ParkOctober 3, 2011

Can EOBRs be hacked, or their data corrupted?

One of the tenets of our legal system is the right to cross-examine your accuser. From trucking's perspective, this could mean proving the accuracy of a radar device or a DOT scale by demanding proof of calibration. Will we retain that right in the world of cyber-enforcement

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On the Roadby Jim ParkSeptember 22, 2011

A Revolutionary Development in Powertrain Technology

Humped torque curves were the norm in North American heavy-duty on-road diesel engine power maps for decades. Today's torque curves are much flatter, but the height and width of the torque curve remain limited. Volvo Trucks has broken that mold in dramatic fashion with its new XE13 powertrain option

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On the Roadby Jim ParkSeptember 12, 2011

We still haven't come to terms with brake adjustment

Today is the beginning of Brake Safety Week in North America. CVSA inspectors will be doing a lot of brake stroke inspections this week, and also working with drivers, mechanics and others to improve awareness of brake systems and regulatory compliance. Its one of the best things CVSA does

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