Barlet Transport

For this new TruckStop profile, we head to Barlet Transport. At 37 years old, Nicolas Barlet, owner of the company that bears his name, can almost say he was born into this world. “I spent my first birthday at the Paul Ricard Circuit in Le Castellet with my father.” An anecdote that perfectly sums up a life shaped by the sound of engines and the smell of diesel.

Originally from Haute-Loire, Nicolas grew up in a family where trucks played a central role. From a very young age, he accompanied his father on the road and naturally developed a deep attachment to the profession. At just 15 years old, he joined the AFT-IFTIM training center in Villette-d’Anthon, where he earned a vocational qualification as a truck driver before continuing with a professional diploma in transport operations. Once qualified, he obtained his transport manager certification and immediately embarked on his entrepreneurial journey.

In 2009, straight out of school, he launched his first business as a fuel trader and transport operator. For several years, his career took him somewhat away from pure road transport as he worked in the industrial animal feed sector. But passion always finds its way back.

In 2023, a particular opportunity presented itself. A company where he had worked at the age of 18 ceased operations. Nicolas then decided to acquire the business assets and relaunch the activity under his own name.

Based in Espaly-Saint-Marcel, near Le Puy-en-Velay, the company now mainly operates national transport services using moving-floor trailers certified for Qualimat standards, as well as flatbed semi-trailers. At the time of the takeover, the company had four vehicles and three drivers. But beyond growing the business, Nicolas quickly wanted to inject his own vision into the profession: a modern fleet, personalized and driven by a passion for trucks.

Before the arrival of his new tractor unit, the company mainly operated DAF trucks. Vehicles that Nicolas acknowledges were comfortable but that he sometimes considered somewhat fragile in certain areas. His choice ultimately fell on a brand-new Volvo FH500 TC, delivered just a few weeks ago. A decision that was far from random.

The local Volvo dealership, Velay Services Trucks, also rents part of its facilities from him. This proximity naturally helped bring the project to life. “It made sense for me to trust them.” Although the truck is still very new, its identity is already firmly established.

The long-term goal is for the entire fleet to adopt the Barlet Transport colors while still allowing each driver a degree of personal expression. Every driver will be able to develop their own theme while respecting a common visual identity. A philosophy that reminds us that behind every truck, there is first and foremost a person.

For Nicolas, customizing a truck has never been about following a trend. It has always been a passion. After years spent developing his professional activities, he finally wanted to treat himself with a vehicle capable of fully reflecting his personality. The Volvo therefore underwent a complete transformation.

The project involved extensive modifications. The truck received a full exterior wrap, complemented by a completely redesigned chassis cover to achieve a uniform finish down to the smallest detail. A straight exhaust system was installed, while numerous accessories and exterior lights reinforce the spectacular character of the vehicle. To preserve the surprise effect, Nicolas made an unusual choice: no photos of the build were released during the work. This deliberate secrecy maintained suspense until the truck’s official unveiling.

To complete the project, several specialists renowned in their respective fields were involved. The exhaust system was entrusted to Garrel Kylian in Grenoble, while the chassis cover was produced by LG Metal 43 in Le Puy-en-Velay. The full wrap was created by Martin Nouvel, based in Yssingeaux. The quality of his work is simply incredible.

The customization obviously does not stop on the outside. The interior also underwent a complete transformation carried out by H Custom in La Rochefoucauld. The objective was clear: create a warm and elegant atmosphere. To achieve this, the interior combines leather, Alcantara, and wood inserts in harmonious beige and brown tones. The project was completed with the installation of a premium Focal audio system recommended by the customization team.

The result is a refined living space that contrasts sharply with the traditional image some people may still have of trucks.

Among all the details featured on the vehicle, some hold particular meaning for Nicolas. The exterior pays tribute to his home region with depictions of the Cantal mountains and the famous Aubrac cattle. Thanks to the transparency effects integrated into the wrap, the design blends perfectly with the cab color and gives the truck a unique identity.

But this project is not the only one he is proud of. Nicolas also highlights the importance of the company’s first customized truck, built around a Viking theme at the initiative of its driver.

A founding project that helped define the current visual identity of Barlet Transport.

For Nicolas, truck tuning goes far beyond aesthetics. It is first and foremost a passion, but also a powerful communication tool.

“The truck brings joy to customers, farmers, enthusiasts, and even people who have nothing to do with the industry.”

According to him, a beautiful vehicle naturally helps improve the image of road transport among the general public. The reactions observed since the Volvo entered service seem to prove him right. Everywhere it goes, the truck attracts attention, sparks curiosity, and generates countless conversations. Discussions that sometimes bring entire generations together around a shared passion.

Although the Volvo has only just been unveiled, Nicolas already admits that the project is not entirely finished. Several exterior and interior upgrades are still planned. For now, however, he prefers to keep some mystery.

One thing is certain: the adventure is only just beginning. And although the truck will not attend any truck shows this year due to time constraints, Nicolas is already setting his sights on next season.

With a fleet that continues to evolve, a strong visual identity, and a passion passed down since childhood, Barlet Transport clearly intends to keep making a name for itself on French roads.

A story of family, passion, and trucks… exactly the kind we love at TruckStop. So don’t hesitate to contact us to share your own story and help us highlight the personalities who keep French road transport moving forward.

Text and Photos: AP Trade Vision