Morning all,
Just a couple of thoughts to set the scene regarding Les Primeurs, “the fruit and veg men” of the south, who ran to , (in the main), the old Paris Markets of Les Halles. A chaotic collection of merchants based in the area of Paris around Avenue Sebastopol. Their activities were at their peak post WW2 up to the introduction, (nationally), of the Markets of National Interest, (MINs), in the case of Paris Rungis around the late `60s.
The vehicles of choice tended to be big power, get to market quickly at all costs! So the slower, or low powered products, such as Willeme, and Bernard tended to be ignored in favour of the quick and comfortable Berliet and Unic products. Bodywork was unique in design and execution, canvas tops on box vans with drop down tailboards and over cab capocines increased capacity for the haulier / producer by over 100 crates of vegetables.
Work was seasonal, as the seasons moved along, loaded vehicles would leave the south around mid day, arriving at Les Halles around midnight, often crewed by two drivers. The RN6 and 7 were the natural routes, in winter the lack of gritting, and high speeds required resulted in spectacular accidents. In summer the heat took its toll on the 1200 tyre equipment fitted to both 19 tonne 4x2, and 26 tonne 6x2 lorries.
As in the UK there was a strong bond between the drivers, many of them owner drivers, or small hauliers, and it was unusual to see any Primeur left alone by the roadside. Sheets would be pulled back to ventilate the loads in the heat. The unreliability of the tyre equipment in the heat resulted in the installation of the unique tyre warning system so often seen with its distinctive wire running from the central wheel hub which in the event of a puncture would sound an alarm in the cab. And if you were struggling to change a wheel, well you would not be alone for long…bit like it was in the UK!
Cheerio for now,