Behind the Wheel
Name: Joe Charlton
Age: 29
Nickname: MadTruckerJoe
Location: North East
For many HGV drivers, trucking is more than just a career, it's in the blood. That's certainly true for Joe, whose passion for trucking began long before he ever climbed into the driver's seat.
Growing up watching his Dad spend more than three decades on the road, Joe always knew where his own future would take him. Inspired by his dad's career, his ambition was simple: earn his HGV licence, follow in his footsteps and make him proud.
Seven years after qualifying, that ambition has become reality. Today, Joe is one of the heavy haulage drivers at Fitzgerald Plant Services Transport, a specialist operator moving abnormal loads across the UK and mainland Europe.
"At Fitzgerald, you're not just a number, you're family," says Joe. "Nothing is ever too much to ask, and they'll help you out as much as they can."
Heavy haulage demands specialist equipment, experienced drivers and meticulous planning, areas where Fitzgerald Plant Services Transport has built an excellent reputation.
Operating a modern fleet of heavy haulage low loaders, the company transports everything from construction and agricultural machinery to oversized specialist equipment. Their trailers are capable of carrying loads of up to 58 tonnes and extending to an impressive 33 metres using double-extending, all-rear-steer trailers. Complementing the fleet are Hiab cranes offering lifting capacities of up to 70 tonne-metres with reaches of up to 18 metres.
The company's commitment to professionalism is equally impressive. Every driver is PTS inducted, and Fitzgerald is proud to hold FORS accreditation, reflecting its commitment to safety, compliance and industry best practice.
"We're known as a heavy haulage company," Joe explains, "but there really isn't anything too small or too big. We mainly transport construction and agricultural machinery, but if our customers need it moved, we'll move it."
For the last year and a half, Joe's piloted a Scania R560 Super Twin Tag, plated at a 72-tonne gross carrying weight.
The truck is equipped with a full kitchen pack, a Trux bullbar, eight Laser Lamps, and spends most of its time pulling a four-axle extending trailer, the ideal setup for the demanding work Fitzgerald undertakes. Joe hasn't added his own personal touches to the truck as it was already kitted out ready.
"I haven't changed anything because it already came with everything I'd have wanted," he laughs. "But we're getting new trucks next year, and I'm already planning exactly how mine is going to look."
Joe is one of four young drivers at Fitzgerald tackling heavy haulage every day, helping challenge the outdated perception that the industry lacks younger talent.
However, he's also quick to point out that becoming an HGV driver isn't a decision to take lightly.
"It's a massive lifestyle change. It's not just a job, it's a lifestyle."
The rewards, however, are what keep him motivated.
"The best part is the job satisfaction. I get to move huge equipment, travel around the UK and Ireland and get paid to do something I genuinely enjoy."
Like every tramper, Joe knows there are sacrifices too.
"You miss family occasions and time with friends, and you're usually only home at weekends. But I honestly wouldn't change it."
While tramping isn't for everyone, Joe believes having the right truck and choosing the right places to stop can make all the difference.
Driver facilities remain one of his biggest frustrations, with dedicated truck stops still offering a far better experience than many motorway services.
Among his favourites are AWJ TruckStop in Penrith and Stockyard TruckStop, both offering the facilities and atmosphere professional drivers appreciate after a long day's work.
Joe's enthusiasm for haulage doesn't stop when he parks up.
During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, he launched a TikTok channel to give people an insight behind the scenes of life in heavy haulage.
"I kept seeing TikTok full of dances and trends," he says. "I was still out working every day, so I thought I'd show people what my job actually involved."
At the time, Joe was transporting military equipment for his previous employer and quickly realised there was genuine public interest in seeing what heavy haulage drivers do.
His honest, down-to-earth approach has since earned him an audience of more than 36.7k TikTok followers.
Building on that success, Joe launched a YouTube channel documenting his working week through weekly vlog-style videos.
"The YouTube channel has just reached 700 subscribers," he says proudly.
His aim isn't simply to build a following, it's to inspire the next generation.
"If my videos encourage even a few younger people to consider becoming HGV drivers, then it's worth it."
After all, not many people can say they've transported an aircraft as part of their working week, but for Joe, that's just another day at the office.
Fitzgerald Plant Services Transport has fully embraced Joe's passion for social media, recognising the value of showcasing both the company and the industry.
They have been so supportive that Joe now manages the company's Facebook presence alongside creating his own content and attending truck shows.
It's an approach that has paid dividends. While some operators still question whether social media has a place in the transport industry, Fitzgerald has seen increased enquiries and new business generated through its online presence and public events.
In an industry facing an ageing workforce and ongoing driver shortages, people like Joe are helping reshape perceptions of life behind the wheel.
Passionate, professional and proud of what he does, he's proving that heavy haulage remains one of the most rewarding careers on the road and encouraging a new generation to climb into the cab.
For anyone wanting a genuine glimpse into the world of heavy haulage, Joe's social media channels offer an honest, entertaining and informative window into life on the road.