Article thanks to Jim Sweeney and the RoadPro Family of Brands. Links provided:
Lots of the trucks on the road are equipped with dashcams facing forward, but a growing number of truckers have turned their cameras inward to create their own YouTube channels.
There are dozens of drivers on YouTube giving their opinions about everything from trucking regulations to truck stop chili and quite a few have attracted dedicated followings, with subscribers in the tens of thousands. The most popular even make appearances at trucking shows.
The videos are as varied as truckers themselves. Some are profane while others are G-rated. Some drivers like to rant against current and former employers, while others detail their personal lives. Some deliver tips for new truckers and others rail against the profession.
Most of the drivers also have social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) to supplement their videos. A few of the most popular even sell T-shirts and other swag.
A lot of the truckers on YouTube are in no great hurry to get to the point. While some videos are focused on specific issues, others are long and meandering. Lots of passing scenery, lots of musing about weather and road conditions and plenty of stream-of-consciousness commentary about, well, everything.
There’s no way to know how many viewers are also truckers, though, judging by the comments, there are quite a few. We’ve listed eight here that offer a good cross-section of material and points of view. Check them out.
At presstime, this Ontario-based trucker had posted more than 1,500 videos, most as part of the series he calls Heavy Haul TV. He offers a thoughtful mix of practical advice, driving tips and insights into life on the road.
A long-haul trucker from Manitoba, Trucker Josh and his dog, Diesel, criss-cross the United States and Canada. He also shoots videos at home between runs. The videos aren’t always the most exciting, but Josh is an affable companion.
This trucker offers up a mix of commentary about the industry and insights into the trucking life.
This quirky, self-described “weird chick from Boston” is no longer trucking, having traded in her Peterbilt (named “Lazarus”) for an RV, but she built the largest trucking-related video channel online. If your think all truckers are gruff middle-aged guys in flannel shirts, Allie Knight and her cat, Spike, will be a revelation.
This husband-and-wife driving team make trucking seem like just about the most fun a couple can have at 60 mph. They mix the playfulness with some solid advice for other drivers.
JBG is the channel of “Johnny B. Goode”, a trucker from Wisconsin whose truck is named Baby Blue. Matter-of-fact and down-to-earth, he doesn’t go for laughs, just a faithful chronicling of everyday life..
Indiana Jack makes a point of taking his camera out of the cab and into all aspects of the trucking business. He interviews others in the industry and makes a genuine effort to be interesting without trash-talking other vloggers.
With a voice that wouldn’t be out of place on a late night jazz station, TRB tells it like it is, from how to schedule showers to the prospects of Uber freight.
Very interesting and informative post, special thanks for the links, I hope that your article will be helpful.
ReplyDeleteThank you.