Mile Marker 36 – Jonathan Randall on Mack’s Momentum, New Trucks, and the Road to 2026

We sit down with Jonathan Randall, "JR", president of Mack Trucks North America, to talk about what it really means to lead a 125-year-old brand through one of the most dynamic periods in trucking. From defining strategy and “what winning looks like” to spending time in the field with dealers, customers, and drivers, JR shares how he sees his role as a steward of the Mack name.

JR looks back on 2025, a year that combined a freight recession, regulatory uncertainty, and tariffs with some of the biggest investments in Mack history: the launch of the new Mack Pioneer, the latest Anthem, expanded medium-duty capacity, a new frame rail supplier, and a new plant in Mexico. Even in a down market, Mack grew share, improved customer satisfaction scores, and climbed the dealer attitude rankings, signaling real momentum behind the Bulldog.

Looking ahead, JR outlines how Mack is preparing for EPA 2027, a stair-step recovery in 2026, and a fully renewed conventional lineup that includes upcoming replacements for the Granite and Pinnacle. He explains why Mack now sells complete solutions rather than just “iron,” why driver comfort and safety sit at the center of product decisions, and why he believes the trades, including truck driving and diesel technician roles, deserve as much respect as any four-year degree. JR discusses:

-Defining his job as setting strategy and targets for North America, then removing obstacles so Mack’s sales and commercial operations teams can deliver for customers in the United States and Canada.

-An unconventional career path that runs from Colorado State communications graduate and country radio DJ to wine sales, truck leasing, and eventually senior leadership roles that led him to Mack’s Greensboro headquarters.

-How billions in recent investments, from the Pioneer and new Anthem to medium-duty expansion and a new Mexico factory, position Mack to grow in long-haul, regional haul, and core vocational segments even as the market shifts.

-Why he spends time at truck stops leaving Mack hats on mirrors, listening to drivers’ stories, and making sure the brand stays connected to the people who actually live in the trucks and keep freight moving. With a mix of realism about market headwinds and optimism about Mack’s trajectory, JR makes the case that there has never been a better time to be part of the Bulldog brand, whether you are a dealer, customer, employee, or driver. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/