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•April 21, 2015

How Corrosion Causes Electrical Problems

Almost every electrical or electronic problem with trucks today can be traced back to one single source: corrosion-induced voltage irregularities.

News•by Jim Park•April 20, 2015

Navistar Takes ProStar ES to 110,000 GVW

Downspeeding isn't a good approach to fuel savings in high GVW applications, so Navistar is offering Canadians a ProStar ES spec designed for 110,000 GVW. It features Eaton's 16-speed UltraShift and engines from Cummins and Navistar optimized for higher weights.

On the Road•by Jim Park•April 8, 2015

Too Fast for Your Tires?

Are higher highway speed limits a real threat to tire safety? A recent Associated Press story suggests that trucks running north of 75 mph could be at elevated risk of tire failure because they are going too fast. Equipment Editor Jim Park offers insight into the truth of the matter.

Articles•by Jim Park•April 7, 2015

5 Ways to Extend Tire Life and Improve Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency and tread mileage go hand in hand. Here's one of those rare opportunities to whack two birds with one stone. By following these five easy steps, you can improve your tread life as well as your fuel economy.

News•by Jim Park•April 6, 2015

Alcoa, Metalsa Offer 2,500 lbs in Future Weight Savings

At the Mid-America Trucking Show, Alcoa showcased several vehicle components currently in development that could reduce the weight of a typical highway tractor by as much as 2,500 pounds.

News•by Jim Park•April 6, 2015

Minimizer Celebrates 30 years with $30k Giveaway

Minimizer awards two $15,000 prizes to celebrate it's 30th anniversary during the Mid-America Trucking Show.

News•by Jim Park•March 27, 2015

Eaton Expands Advantage Product Line, Adds Coast Mode to AMTs

Eaton now offers is Advantage Series transmission in more configurations to broaden its appear to different long-haul, linehaul and regional markets. The Advantage Series automated models now come with a fuel-saving coast mode to decrease parasitic drag on the drive train when operating on hilly terrain.

Articles•by Jim Park•March 23, 2015

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