The Last Cowboys

Humorous and tender, this BBC World Service documentary takes a long-haul view of the lives of modern truckers in Europe – exploring working-class masculinity on the road, all-nighters, and long journeys from inside a truck driver’s cab. Truck drivers are often seen as symbols of freedom and independence. But how free is life on the road today, when the watchful eye of the system is always upon them? One of them is Finnish truck driver Tiia Rajala, who has dreamed of the open road since childhood. As we follow her across Europe, she masters her powerful machine and reflects on the stereotypes surrounding truckers. Sociologist Timo Aho explores what these stereotypes reveal about masculinity, class, and identity. Credits: Produced by Suvi Tuuli Kataja, Elli Salo Script: Elli Salo Sound design and field recording: Suvi Tuuli Kataja Music: Jussi Liukkonen, Roope Mantere Background research: Pinja Korhonen, Roosa Stenroos Thanks to: Jarno Nuutinen, Moving World, Sara Tuomola