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•March 9, 2014

Idle Smart's Battery Protect Ensures Engine Starts

TMC, NASHVILLE -- The new Battery Protect system from Idle Smart continuously monitors battery voltage levels, and will automatically start and run a vehicle’s engine to recharge batteries.

News•by Jim Park•March 9, 2014

Paccar Adds Spicer EconoTrek 6x2, AdvanTEK 40 Tandem Axles

TMC, NASHVILLE -- Spicer EconoTrek 6x2 tandem axle and the AdvanTEK 40 Tandem Axle are now available on certain Kenworth and Peterbilt models

Articles•by Jim Park•February 26, 2014

Making the Case for Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires

How do you explain to the boss that the tires you want to buy are going to cost more up front but run fewer miles? You can explain they will save money on fuel, but then she's going to want numbers.

On the Road•by Jim Park•February 26, 2014

Are High Fuel Prices Killing Drivers?

If it's not bad enough that drivers seldom have the time to eat properly and exercise, escalating fuel costs are driving fleets to buy fuel where it's cheapest, says Jim Park in his On the Road blog. Those places specialize in fast turn-over take-out food, not necessarily the food drivers need for a healthy, balanced diet.

News•by Jim Park•February 19, 2014

PIT Puts a Number on Fuel Efficiency Ratings

FPInnovations’ Performance Innovation Transport (PIT) group now offers a technology certification program that allows consumers to identify the fuel efficiency value of almost any fuel-saving technology.

Articles•by Jim Park•February 11, 2014

Stay Ahead of Trouble on EGR Engines

While most of the early problems have been engineered out of the exhaust gas recirculation systems on today’s clean diesel engines, corroded coolers, stuck valves and other problems still plague owners of older equipment.

Articles•by Jim Park•February 11, 2014

Are Retreaded Tires Gaining Market Share over Replacements?

The last time retread tires outsold replacement truck tires was 2009. Before that, it was 2004. Tire market data from 2013, published by our sister publication, Modern Tire Dealer, shows replacement tires outsold retreads last year, but by a thinning margin. That leads us to the question, is a five-year cycle about to repeat itself?

Articles•by Jim Park•February 6, 2014

Keeping Your Wheels in the Game (updated)

Back in 1984, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a regulation requiring that truck wheels be stripped of rust and debris before mounting a tire. Easier said than done, the industry moaned at the time. Labor was less costly then, but wire brushes and elbow grease weren’t going to cut it.

On the Road•by Jim Park•February 4, 2014

Death in the Tire Shop

A tire service technician was killed when he was run over by the truck he was working on. Could more regulations have prevented the tragedy? Possibly, but so could better communication and a little more awareness of what goes on in a repair shop, says Equipment Editor Jim Park in his On the Road blog.

On the Road•by Jim Park•January 30, 2014

Snow Happens

With 55 winters under his belt, Equipment Editor, Jim Park is amused by the expectation that life should continue like normal in places where they hardly ever see snow.

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