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Is it time to leave Trucking? | UK Trucking

Luke C in a HGV

40,976 views

Join me on a busy day in the cab as we navigate the route from Milton Keynes to London Gateway Docks. We’re starting the morning early with a heavy load destined for Qatar (via the docks, of course!) and a vital reminder of why HGV daily checks are non-negotiable—saving me from a serious trailer light issue before I even hit the M25.

In this vlog, it’s not just about the driving. I’m opening up about some major shifts happening in my life. From the launch of my new venture, Luke Cotswold Videography, to the challenges of balancing a side passion with the demands of driving for Harry and Sons, I’ve got some tough calls to make. Plus, I share why you’ll notice some changes in how and where I film to respect site privacy and keep this channel running.

Whether you’re here for the load securing tips, the 4K road views, or the reality of the UK trucking life, thanks for riding along!

🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: The early start in Milton Keynes
01:15 – HGV Daily Checks: Why you must check your trailer lights!
03:37 – The Load: Metal plates destined for Qatar 🇶🇦
04:05 – Life Update: Launching my videography business & work-life balance
06:20 – The Predicament: Agency work vs. Full-time flexibility
09:45 – Arriving at London Gateway Docks & Cargo Secure
13:19 – Load Inspection: Cross-strapping and securing metal floor plates
16:04 – Heading to the next collection: Costco Shipping
18:20 – Checking out the new load: Steel tubes and cylinder pipes
22:50 – Parking up in Worcester: The challenge of "camber" sleeping
26:06 – Final Thoughts: Privacy, competitors, and the future of the vlog

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20 Comments

@JamesJohnson-ul9ox 7 months ago

Later in the vlog now, take the leap Luke, you will regret it forever if you don't. You have a fallback skill, nothing to fear but fear itself.

@StuartAnderson-f7e 7 months ago

Two years ago at the age of 56 I had a heart attack, I was a self employed gas fitter and had come to hate the job and the bullshit that came with it, had I been at work that day I’d now be in a box!! When I woke in hospital the following day I was hit with the revelation “ what the feck am I doing” , I told the Mrs ( who fully supported me) that I was finished, I wasn’t going to croak doing shite I hated! I’ve loved every day since😁 Life is too short Luke, if you love the videography do it but don’t underestimate the crap that goes with self employment, Time with the people you love and doing something you love is priceless, as others have said you have a Class 1 ticket to fall back on.

@lorryleaselimited8263 6 months ago

I drove trucks for 25 years on and off. I left the industry in Jan 2022. I watched the older guys limping accross the lorry park and realised that will be me soon!
I set up my own mobile tyre business and I've not looked back. I have learned so much on my journey but the most important thing I've learned is that owning your own time is more valuable than anything.
I'll be glad if I never see the inside of a truck ever again

@TheBlueOwl21 7 months ago (edited)

Talking of daily checks, where I used to work, a driver turned in late for work, never checked his vehicle and drove off with the back doors wide open, (Full load). Follow your dreams and passion Luke, you would be better with agency work. Life is too short to have ‘if only.’

@louischapman1209 7 months ago

Man, it sounds like you’re outgrowing the hard grind. If you weren't filming for YouTube, would you even still be at this company? If the answer is no, it might be time to pivot to agency work.
It gives you the ultimate flexibility to scale your videography business without begging for time off. Plus, instead of daily vlogs, imagine doing one 1-hour cinematic 'TV-style' special a month. High production, super chill, and focuses on the journey. You’ve got the eye for it—don't let a corporate schedule kill the hustle!"

Working for different companies through an agency gives you a wider variety of sets for cinematic driving videos. New trucks, new routes, and new scenery etc. Agency rates are often higher hourly what ever you do good luck

@altern8tive 7 months ago (edited)

The hours and deadlines for wedding videography/photography production are insane for minimal reward now. Prepare to diversify or find a niche and pursue it because clients think it's easy work that one of their mates can achieve on a smartphone for peanuts. Good luck.

@jamesnoonan7450 7 months ago

We all love what you've done with your channel Luke and the content you provide. I've been watching for the last 5 years. Been at my local council 10 years since I left college at 19 and they put me through my class 2 HGV licence 5 years ago now. I've been driving the class 2 hiab on fly tipping and bulk runs ever since and love it. However I'd say go for what you enjoy if you left Harry & Sons and just did agency work as and when you needed it while your videography business builds up mean you can have the best of both worlds.

@davidsmirnoff98267 7 months ago

Hi Luke. If your content on your YouTube Channel is anything to go by. Going into wedding videoography is clearly a talent and passion you have. Will definitely give you more time with your family. Id say your answering your own question there.

@stevecrisell108 7 months ago

Life Is Short And Ain't A Rehearsal Luke, Go For It.

@garrybailey5978 6 months ago

Hi Luke. I think whatever you decide is the right thing to do IS the right thing to do. I’ve enjoyed your vlogs for years and the loading side has always been the best part. If no loading and strapping up is no longer allowed that will be a great shame. All the best for the future mate 🚚

@MarkGalloway1066 7 months ago

Hello mate, i dont know you personally but i have watched a few of your videos and you seem pretty good at what you do with the camera and recording etc. Obviously a big part of it is the editing and putting it all together. The modern equipment we have now to do that must be invaluable. I think you have a golden opportunity here to do something you enjoy, are good at and gives you great satisfaction. Trust me, there is no future as a lorry driver. I am 60 years old now and been driving for a living since i was 18. I've done general haulage and nights out, i never saw my kids grow up, never went to a sports day or a parents evening my wife and i just had a telephone relationship in the week because i was always away. I'm still driving lorries now but at least i dont do nights out anymore, i am home every night. My cousin and his wife run a wedding photography business in Edinburgh and they cater a lot for American and Canadian couples who want to get married at Edinburgh Castle and they pay silly money for that privilege because they love the history, heritage and culture of the place. My cousin has got a very successful business up there and he has never looked back and he was a bio- chemist before that!! I know it is sometimes difficult to leave the security of a paid job especially with a young family but you have the passion and the belief to do it and all you need is a bit of encouragement. So my advice to you Luke is go for it and never look back at lorry driving otherwise you will end up like me, 60 years of age and still plodding up and down the roads. Best of luck to you.

@robinharrison3907 7 months ago

YOUR ARE YOUNG ENOUGH TO HAVE A GO AT A NEW ADVENTURE LUKE 👍👍GIVE IT A TRY YOU HAVE ALWAYS GOT YOUR CLASS ONE TO FALL BACK ON 👍👍

@Drdee1 7 months ago

Here's a suggestion from a friend who is a pro photographer. Air B&B owners will pay for high quality pictures of their properties and video footage. You're in the Cotswolds so that might work for you. Follow your dreams or wake up in 10 years time thinking what if

@louischapman1209 7 months ago

For the hours you do that pay is awful, do what ever makes you the happiest ❤

@TrickyDickyone 7 months ago

Back in the 80s I was driving, and taking home £64 a week. I had a self employed job offer, erecting steel, I deliberated for a long time, but decided to go for it. On my first day, I earnt £75, and my first week, I took home £250. Never looked back, go for it.

@markharris-ti4zf 7 months ago

Awesome video as always, Shame you are having a few problems with what you can or can’t record as we really enjoy watching your videos. You have to come to a decision about everything and do what’s best for you and your family as they will always be the most important people in your life Luke

@williamfence566 7 months ago

Go agency . Wedding work spring and summer, agency autumn and Christmas rush. Jan/ feb with the family. Thank me next year.

@debbieplace16 7 months ago

Luke, follow your dreams. I worked as an HGV driver for 10 years. I hung up my keys to do something I wanted to do. I have never regretted it. I can always go back to driving should I need to.

@GsCConcrete123 7 months ago

i did the same last year gave it all up as i am 60+ now+ my mum has cancer but good, time for life. stay safe my friend and well

@billycutter7326 7 months ago

They say you have 2 chances at life but the second chance starts when you realise you actually only have 1 chance at life! Follow your dream Luke and be happy!