A series of ten commercial tread-grade carbon blacks were evaluated in a 60/40 NR/BR truck tire tread formulation. A number of important physical properties and performance criteria were assessed in terms of carbon black surface area and DBPA. Significant response equations were obtained for viscosity, bound rubber, resilience, heat buildup, tear strength, and dynamic properties. Dynamic modulus showed a much greater dependence on DBPA in comparison to previous studies on SBR/BR compounds.