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•August 27, 2013

But Which Fuel?

Natural gas. Biodiesel. Algae-based diesel. Hydrogen fuel cells. Dimethyl-ether. Hybrids. There's a virtual smorgasbord of potential fuel sources or supplements for truck and engine makers to choose from. The critical question becomes which one, or which combinations of fuel sources, represent the best path forward.

On the Road•by Jim Park•August 27, 2013

In Praise of Higher Achievement

The National Truck Driving Championships and the North American Inspectors Championship are great showcases for industry skill and expertise. Equipment Editor Jim Park explains in his "On the Road" blog why it's too bad these competitions don't appeal to a broader audience.

News•by Jim Park•August 14, 2013

Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing to Expand Minnesota Operations

Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing LLC will expand its electronics remanufacturing and manufacturing capabilities with a move to a larger facility in Hibbing, Minn., which is about 75 miles north of Duluth, Minn.

On the Road•by Jim Park•August 12, 2013

More Killer Truckers for your viewing pleasure

Television and trucking have always had a tenuous relationship. This week, a Discovery Channel expose all but guarantees the industry another black eye. In this week's blog, Jim Park questions the value to anyone of dredging up four old kidnap and murder cases involving longhaul truck drivers.

On the Road•by Jim Park•August 7, 2013

What happens when the facts show FMCSA goofed?

Equipment Editor and former over-the-road driver, Jim Park, ponders how FMCSA will cover its tracks when the crash rate actually goes up because of the new HOS rules.

Articles•by Jim Park•August 6, 2013

The Magic Number

How do turtles mate? Why are women’s shirts buttoned on the left while men’s button on the right? How did they build the pyramids? How much air should I put in my tires? Unlike the pyramids, tire inflation needn’t be one of life’s little mysteries. Yet you may be inflating your tires TOO much.

News•by Jim Park•August 5, 2013

Freightliner Adds Sleepers, Aero, Long-range Tanks to NG Lineup

As interest in natural gas power broadens, Freightliner is adding options that appeal to fleets wanting greater range and fuel savings technologies. The company plans to increase the operating range of some natural-gas-fueled trucks out to 800 miles.

Articles•by Jim Park•July 31, 2013

Making Lease-Purchase Work

Short of holding a square dance in a minefield, there can’t be many situations as fraught with risk as establishing a lease-purchase program to help build your capacity with grow-your-own owner-operators. The same applies to the driver participating in a lease-purchase program.

News•by Jim Park•July 31, 2013

Cascadia Evolution, M2 Models Leading Freightliner to “Best Year Ever"

Lampert attributes Freightliner’s market-leading position with a product lineup that is address customers key concerns: fuel economy and the cost of operation.

News•by Jim Park•July 24, 2013

Meritor Projects Slow, Steady Growth for NAFTA-market Air Disc Brakes

Fleet interest in air disc brakes is growing, Meritor says, but time-tested and trusted drum brakes will dominate the market for some time to come.

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