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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.

Articles•by Jim Park•January 16, 2018

The Future of Electrical Systems on Heavy Duty Trucks

Within a decade’s time we will probably have very different electrical systems on trucks than those in use today. The trucking industry is on the cusp of major changes to electrical systems for heavy duty trucks. Do we go to 24-volt or 48-volt systems — and what will it take to get there?

Articles•by Jim Park•December 28, 2017

Making Tank Trailers Safer

Statistically, cargo tanks, both liquid and dry bulk, are statistically among the safest vehicles on the road today. But the tank sector does face certain challenges that are inherent with the job.

Articles•by Jim Park•December 27, 2017

Test Drive: International's A26 Engine

With the industry’s appetite for smaller-displacement engines on the rise, International’s new A26 is nicely sized, and well positioned to pick up a good chunk of the company’s truckload carrier business.

Truck mechanic tightening wheel nuts

Articles•by Jim Park•November 28, 2017

What You Don't Know About Your Truck Wheels Can Hurt You

There’s much more to truck wheel installation — and many more pitfalls to taking shortcuts — than you may think. If you haven’t reviewed your wheel installation procedures lately, here’s something to think about.

Articles•by Jim Park•November 27, 2017

Test Drive: Bold New Look for an Old Dog

There will be no mistaking an Anthem when you see one coming down the road. Mack has dumped the conservative Pinnacle set-back axle model in favor of this show-stopper, writes Jim Park in this Test Drive.

On the Road•by Jim Park•November 21, 2017

The Tesla Semi: Lots More Sizzle, Still No Steak

Seven months after we were teased with a ghostly image of Tesla's ersatz electric semi, we still don't know anything substantive about it. Maybe that's all we need to know, says Jim Park in his On the Road blog.

News•by Jim Park•November 15, 2017

Mack Anthem Makes Mexican Debut

Mack’s newest on-highway model, the Anthem, was introduced to Mexican truckers and journalists at the 2107 Expo Transporte show here in Guadalajara.

Articles•by Jim Park•November 9, 2017

Test Drive: There's Much to Like About Volvo's New VNL

There’s much to like about Volvo’s new VNL lineup. Drivers will like the solid handling and comfortable environment, while fleet owners will be happy with the fuel efficiency.

On the Road•by Jim Park•November 9, 2017

Truck Driver Gets the Blame in Driverless Shuttle Bus Crash

Media outlets are reporting a collision between a driverless shuttle bus and a tractor-trailer in Las Vegas just hours after the bus was unveiled - and the truck driver was blamed. Equipment Editor Jim Park has more in his On the Road blog.

Articles•by Jim Park•October 17, 2017

Can Trucks be Hacked?

Does trucking face a cyber-threat resulting from weaknesses in the electronic architecture of its trucks? From part eight of our Trucking in the 21st Century series.