SDTB: Customisation That Isn’t Afraid to Break the Rules!

This week, we continue our meetings with French companies that stand out in the world of truck customisation. SDTB, for Société Distribution Transports BONNOT, makes no secret of its passion—and above all, its love for trucks. Since its creation on August 1st, 2005, this SME has been one of those transport companies that has managed to build a strong identity, driven by a particular vision of the profession.

Initially alone behind the wheel until 2012, the company’s owner gradually developed the business into what is now a recognised player in specialised transport. Historically focused on transporting roundwood, logs, and products from the timber industry, SDTB now carries out nearly 60% of its business in this sector, from sawmills to timber-frame houses and industrial carpentry. Let’s be clear: wood remains the company’s core business.

The company has also diversified into the industrial sector, which now represents 40% of its activity, with transport services notably for heavy vehicle suppliers, the nuclear industry, defence, and recycling. From simple parcels to exceptional convoys, SDTB now travels all across Europe with tailor-made vehicle combinations designed to meet the specific needs of its clients.

Based in Devecey, between Besançon and Rioz, the company currently employs 11 drivers, three office staff, and operates a particularly refined fleet made up of Scania V8 590s, DAF XG+ 530s, Mercedes Actros 630s, as well as several iconic models such as Scania Torpedos and 143 V8s.

The tractors are paired with Lecitrailer Openbox trailers, extendable flatbeds, low-loaders, Chereau refrigerated trailers, and standard curtain-sided trailers, all configured with equipment designed for drivers’ everyday needs. At SDTB, every vehicle combination has a true identity. And this truck culture is perfectly reflected in the vehicles entrusted to Guillaume Messelot and Mickaël “Pickouic.”

At 35 years old, Guillaume Messelot is one of those drivers for whom trucking is much more than just a job. Born in Besançon, he discovered this world at a very young age thanks to his father, who drove a small refrigerated Renault S150. “I still remember the sounds and smells of that truck as if it were yesterday.”

After completing a vocational diploma in road transport, he began his career across various sectors: regional, national, and international operations, mainly in refrigerated transport but also in moving-floor and standard curtain-side work. Over the years, Guillaume also evolved into operational roles, working as an in-company trainer, then as a trainer for Mercedes and Scania, before becoming a heavy truck sales representative.

In June 2025, Jean-Charles Bonnot contacted him with an offer that was hard to refuse: to return to the road with SDTB. “With his twenty years of experience and his brand-new fleet, he offered me the chance to get back behind the wheel. I couldn’t resist.”

In September 2025, Guillaume took delivery of a DAF 530 XG+ in a 6x2 configuration, a rare and particularly eye-catching vehicle. Chosen for its low fuel consumption and onboard comfort, the truck underwent a complete six-month custom build. Its identity is mainly defined by its unusual colour, uncommon configuration, and limited-edition status.

“It’s a truck people notice immediately. A lot of people take pictures of it.”

As for the equipment, the DAF features both elegant and effective customisation: matte black grille, yellow hubs, repainted tanks, front spoiler with five marker lights, wide sun visor, double spotlights, roof bars, ultra-flat beacon, illuminated rear bars, and custom side fairings made in the Netherlands.

The interior remains relatively understated for now, with just a few personal touches such as curtains and a fringe, but Guillaume is already planning further upgrades.

This project was born from an idea by Jean-Charles Bonnot himself. “He told me: it’s a limited edition, we’re going to make it an exceptional truck.” For Guillaume, driving such a vehicle is a true childhood dream come true. Beyond aesthetics, he also sees truck tuning as another way to represent the profession. “It’s a rolling showcase for SDTB and for the profession. We’re showing that another vision of transport exists.” The truck will notably be visible this season at the Bletterans Truck Show, in the Jura region.

At 36 years old, Mickaël, better known by his nickname “Pickouic,” also embodies this deep-rooted passion for trucks passed down through generations. Originally from Haute-Saône and born into a family of truck drivers, he grew up surrounded by impressive machinery, parking lot memories, and passionate conversations.

After completing a professional training contract at AFT IFTIM in Besançon while working with Transports Ballet, he hit the road at just 19 years old in curtain-sided transport with a DAF 95XF. “I wanted to learn, to discover, and above all to experience the freedom that this job offers.” Over the years, he explored many sectors: low-loaders, moving floors, construction tippers, refrigerated trailers, and forestry flatbeds.

In 2019, he temporarily left the road to become a transport planner at Transports Odrion, where he managed schedules, maintenance, and transport organisation. But the call of the road eventually became too strong. “I needed to get back to the road, the kilometres, and the encounters.”

After several generations of Actros—MP2, MP3, MP4, and MP5—Mickaël now drives a Mercedes Actros L Procabin 1963, delivered on April 23rd during the opening of the Dijon Truck Grand Prix. “When I opened the door, the first thing I said was: I’m home again.” His previous truck was a Scania S590 V8 6x2 Boogie, equipped with the new extended CS23 cab.

A vehicle he acknowledges as highly capable, but one that, in his view, no longer fully carried the “Scania soul” of earlier generations. With this new Actros, Mickaël returns to a brand that means a great deal to him. “Mercedes is an institution in my family. A passion passed down from my father.” The aesthetic project is based on a simple philosophy: sobriety, elegance, and German inspiration.

The truck features a full paint job, red fuel tanks and chassis, a roof bar, and several carefully selected accessories. All custom work was carried out by Mercedes SVI39, while the paintwork was entrusted to Transmat 39.

Inside, Mickaël deliberately kept the original Procabin leather interior. “Honestly, with an interior like this, there’s nothing to add.” The only future project being considered is a custom sleeper wall panel themed around Mercedes. Among the details closest to his heart, the red chassis holds a special place. “It brings back childhood memories—the trucks coming into the yard. And the ‘Remember’ on the rear fender is also a nod to my boss.” Unlike some enthusiasts, Mickaël remains realistic about truck tuning.

“It probably won’t ever completely change the image of the profession. But it remains a passion, a shared pleasure.” One thing is certain: his Mercedes Actros L Procabin does not go unnoticed, both on social media and at truck shows, where it is already attracting a great deal of attention. This truck—and its ProCabin—has broken the rules. It is paving the way for new silhouettes in the industrial vehicle world. We will have to get used to it, because all brands will evolve over the years, and these changes are closely linked to evolving regulations. Like Guillaume, Mickaël will also be present at the Bletterans Truck Show, an event not to be missed if you are in the region.

Like many customisation enthusiasts, at SDTB trucks are not simply work tools. For most people in the industry, these vehicle combinations tell stories, reflect personalities, and above all demonstrate a passion deeply rooted both in drivers and company owners. A philosophy that is becoming increasingly rare—but here at TruckStop, we like to remind people that it still exists. And that’s definitely a good thing.