Many of us in the logistics biz find the clean lines, sparkling paint, and shining chrome of a brand-new heavy-duty truck aesthetically pleasing. If you've ever received a calendar from one of the manufacturers of Class 7 and 8 tractors, you'll know what we mean. But even the most dedicated truck aficionado is likely to find something new to appreciate in the stunning images produced by the Swiss photographer Ulysse Fréchelin.
Fréchelin is a fashion photographer who works for such style icons as Burberry, Dior, Chanel, and Cartier—so it's probably no surprise that his book American Trucks would depict the big rig as a thing of beauty. In 2013, the photographer spent two weeks at truck stops along the Arizona-New Mexico border, shooting photos that capture the vibrant colors, massive size, and bold design that characterize these symbols of the open road. Fréchelin says he was attracted by the combination of open spaces, blue skies, and the brightly colored vehicles as expressions of power and freedom.
The MB&F M.A.D. (Mechanical Art Devices) Gallery in Geneva, Switzerland, published the 100-page book and also produced limited-edition prints of some of Fréchelin's photos. You can see samples here.
