On the Road with Dick McCorkle

I stopped in the T/A today found quite a few drivers interested in the CASCADIA  and the DD15. Like any other day I backed in and started to do some paper work,and a driver  walked over.  “Nice truck”,  he remarked . “what is it powered with?” I got out and opened the hood DD15 . Then it got underway m.p.g.  much motor noise, I opened the door started the cascadia up. ‘ Get in” I said.  by this time a couple others stopped by.  The driver got out I ask Don “wel,l what did you think?”  He said ” I never drove a Freightliner, but the CASCADIA is something . And I am in the market.   Don Richardson is the driver he went on to say he thought there was ample room for him and his dog. 

Well ,  I am glad I stopped in the T/A

Until next time, be safe

        Dick

I loaded in Indiana for a delivery in Houston, Tx. It is avery nice day in Houston. I emptied and re loaded before noon . w\W as I ever happy.  I am loaded for Selma , Al. for Thursday,  w ith 34,000 pounds on coming down, the CASCADIA got 7.4 M.P.G. the DD15 is doing a great job.
Until next time be safe
Dick

Back in the early 70s I was a company driver ,being dispatched from Kingsport,Tn. to Indianapolis,In. We used route 11 w to Bean Station Tn. 25 E  to Corbin Ky.A few miles after getting on 25 E you had to go over Clinch mountain. Well the state of Tn. was making 25 E a 4 lane road and it was very bad getting  thru the area .To reach the top of Clinch mountain was all gravel road and I was driving a Louisville line Ford with a 220 cummins with a 10 speed roadranger. Well , half way up, I spun out, no more gear to grab. I am telling you it was steep!  Little did I know I was the third truck that this had happend to.  A voice came across the cb , hang on driver I am on the way to get you.  Coming at me were some powerfull headlights but it wasnt coming very fast… it was a bulldozer.  “Well, you are number four tonite.  When is that company going to get some trucks that will pull this hill?” I said” well sir,  its not the truck ,its the loose gravel.  I had power ,I just started spinning . “  He agreed that it was steep so he pulled me over the top of the mountain.  But my way of thinking… had I been in the CASCADIA with the DD15 I never would had slowed down to the point of spinning.

 Hope you enjoy a little bit of the old days.

until next time,  be safe.

                       Dick

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Originally uploaded by dick.mccorkle

Recently, on a trip from Austin, TX, to Bruce, MS, I stopped at Willie’s Place in Carl’s Corner, TX.

I was so impressed! Upon entering the truck stop, I passed the biodiesel refinery on my left. This enormous building on my right (the truckstop) had around twelve fuel bays, at least forty acres of paved parking, and adjacent parking to the rear and to the South.

When I got inside the truckstop, I met two young ladies who worked there that directed me around the building.

One hall was nothing but Willie’s various awards and gold records. Another hall was decorated with his sheet music. Inside the concert hall, I saw where his radio show was broadcast. There was a big picture of Willy on the wall.

The convenience store had all kinds of souvenirs (t-shirts, etc.). The Blue Skies Cafe, had even more of Willie’s memoribilia.

Willie has performed and sponsered FarmAid, which helps farmers across the US, for many years, and it looks like he’s helping us truckers now too, with this fabulous truckstop.

Thank you for caring, Willie.
Until next time, be safe…
Dick

p.s.-Convoy for a Cure, a breast cancer fundraiser, will be held here in October.

Hello once again just to let everyone know,being specialized is not easy. I have been moving equipment around for two days to make sure the customer has the right equipment. The equipment consists of  pads or blankets,load bars,straps,plywood and two by fours and it seems like no body has the equipment they need so I am trying to take care of it. So you see being specialized is not easy, oh I forgot to tell you I started in Austin ,Tx. now I am in Bruuce, Ms. next stop  Noblesville, In. Till next time be safe

                             Dick

Just as I thought all went well even though it rained three days. The CASCADIA does real well on rain slick roads,There were five truck loads of fixtures to unload. The crew started at five this morning we finished at noon,this was good considering we had all the fixtures on for the store Dicks sporting goods is a big store.We drivers at Perkins take pride in on time deliveries. We have a good reputation with all our customers.Till next time be safe.

                                                  Dick

Well I probably said all this before but I feel its worth saying again.The Cascadia will replace the Century, and Columbia for  over the road tractors. Now to all you o.o. take notice , the Cascadia  offers a large 72 inch sleeper.Also offers a D.D. 15 with great fuel economy, torque, less noise. A new cab fully stamped all aluminum cab, with hidden rivets. With the new mirrors,new  hood and a new massive grill. New electrical  / electronics system, multiplexed, leveraging the best of Daimler. Best of Freightliner and Daimler , testing,also manufacturing, Two piece windshield Roped in option, larger glass increased slope water management gasket. Improved economic value,improved ergonomics. More room larger doors more head room, more belly room,more insulation quite ride larger seats.Summary the best in the class. Untill next time be safe

                             Dick

Store fixtures are a on time load requred,must be picked up and delivered on time.There are usually from 2 truck loads to 10 truck loads depending on the store size. If you are late on eather end the crew will unload you last. This load going to Dicks Sporting Goods Austin, Tx. Has 8 loads for Monday I am sure the CASCADIA and I will be there on time Till next time be safe
Dick

I just loaded a exhibit for a tradeshow in National Harbor, Md. This is the first tradeshow I have done in quite a while, and the Gaylord Hotel is new to me. I am very glad to see the business come back.The CASCADIA is doing a good job no issues. I will be at the Tennessee Truck Show on October 9th and 10th hope to see everone there. Till next time be safe.

                               Dick

In a round table talk between several drivers,led lights were the discussion.These lights are to bright,they shouldnt  let all those differnt colors on the front of the truck.The head lights look like they are on bright,it hurts your eyes when they get in the mirror. So what do you think,tell me. Untill next time be safe

                                Dick