Art On Wheels, Part Twelve (Thanks, Philadelphia)

Yeah, Another Blogger

It had been half a year since I’d hauled my scrawny ass around the streets of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, searching for handsomely decorated trucks, vans, buses and other wheeled objects. I was itching to track down another bunch of those bad boys, photograph them, and then compose and publish a new installment of Art On Wheels, a series I’ve grown quite fond of. And so, amidst favorable weather conditions, I hopped aboard a train in my suburban burg three Monday mornings ago. One hour later I arrived in downtown Philly. The game was set to begin.

However . . . I didn’t slip into game mode as effortlessly as I’d expected, because, from the start, some of Philadelphia’s many charms began to distract and seduce me more than slightly. For instance, 19th century townhouses as stately as anyone might wish for. Rittenhouse Square, a perfectly designed neighborhood park. Skyscrapers whose glass facades, in daylight, flaunt fabulous reflections.

It almost got to the point where I considered putting Art On Wheels on hold and writing a piece about the magnificence of The City Of Brotherly Love instead. But that wouldn’t do! Hell, I was on a mission, and I needed to see it through. And so, refocusing, I doggedly looked here, there and everywhere for noteworthy vehicles. Even though I didn’t spot quite as many as I’d have liked during the two hours I spent pounding the pavement, I found enough of them to quench my thirst quite thoroughly. In all, I took portraits of 17 specimens. The six that rang my bell more artistically than the others illustrate this article.

Yes, things worked out well in the end, as they always have in Philadelphia. Being a natural-born worrier, though, I had my doubts at times that day, since each Art On Wheels expedition is in fact a bit of a crapshoot. The odds, of course, were in my favor. You’d think that past experience would have proven to me emphatically that more than a few enterprises making deliveries or providing services in Philly want their vehicles to stand out. That’s just good business sense, right? In fact, it’s surprising, when you think about it, that the exteriors of a high percentage of commercial trucks, vans, etc. are pure vanilla. Flair isn’t in their vocabulary, but it sure wouldn’t hurt if it were.

Do you have favorites among the six vehicles pictured in this story? My top three are the ones promoting Junk In The Trunk, Orbit Water, and Budweiser beer (the slogan “official beer of the shift change” is meant to honor hard workers, such as Shayna Raichilson-Zadok, the chef who is proudly pictured).

Choosing among those three isn’t easy. However, I’m going to go with the candidate that makes me the happiest. Namely, Orbit Water. The truck’s artwork is oh so refreshing. And the smiling guy in the design is the epitome of good cheer. He would make an ideal salesperson for almost any product or service. Excepting cemetery plots and colonoscopies, needless to say, and a handful of others. Orbit Water, you are A-OK in my book.

Let me conclude this opus with a sidenote: For several years I’ve been issuing, without fail, a story every other Tuesday (Tuesday in my time zone, that is). However, seeing that Chanukah has begun and will continue for a few more nights, and that Kwanzaa, Christmas and New Year’s Day soon will arrive, this is a good time for me to step back for a short while. Thus, I won’t be publishing on what would have been the next scheduled date (December 26). But, assuming I remain above ground, I’ll return with fresh material on January 9, 2024. Happy New Year, everyone!

155 thoughts on “Art On Wheels, Part Twelve (Thanks, Philadelphia)”

  1. johnlmalone's avatar johnlmalone December 12, 2023 / 12:45 am

    the furniture delivery one excites me the most, Neil; I like the differentiation you make between ‘flair’ and ‘vanilla’ ; congratulations on fulfilling your mission twelve times over !!

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Audrey Driscoll's avatar Audrey Driscoll December 12, 2023 / 12:45 am

    Well, my choice would be the beer truck. That slogan and photo suggest some sort of story.
    Happy Holidays to you, Neil!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 3:04 pm

      Hi there. It’s an intriguing truck. I’d like to know why that specific person (the chef) is pictured on it.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. unionhomestead's avatar unionhomestead December 12, 2023 / 1:01 am

    I choose Junk in the Truck but agree that the Orbit Water guy is a born salesman. See you on the other side; have a wonderful break!

    Liked by 2 people

  4. cindy knoke's avatar cindy knoke December 12, 2023 / 1:50 am

    Even though ‘this bud’s (not) for me.” My favorite is the second from the last. Creative and happy.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 3:07 pm

      Something I like about the Bud truck’s design is that the only bright color is the red in the beer can.

      Like

  5. Paddy Tobin's avatar Paddy Tobin December 12, 2023 / 3:37 am

    I’d jump on the bus! It catches my eye and seems very attractive. Re your writing schedule: I’m less disciplined, writing when the mood takes me or when something comes into my head – though many ideas come and go and never end up on the screen. Enjoy the holidays!

    Liked by 2 people

      • Paddy Tobin's avatar Paddy Tobin December 12, 2023 / 3:23 pm

        Best wishes to you both also. Have an enjoyable Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Lynette d'Arty-Cross's avatar Lynette d'Arty-Cross December 12, 2023 / 3:43 am

    Junk in the Truck. I agree – some of these business vehicles have such clever slogans and designs. Some of your descriptions are clever too, such as “pure vanilla.”

    Happy Holidays to you and your family, Neil. 🎄

    Liked by 2 people

  7. swabby429's avatar swabby429 December 12, 2023 / 5:37 am

    I like the JB Hunt delivery truck with the mid-century furniture illustrations best. A very close second is the sightseeing bus. Great images today!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. joylennick's avatar joylennick December 12, 2023 / 5:55 am

    Hi Neil, Orbit Water does it for me and the Furniture truck is colourful and ‘outspoken.’
    Enjoy all or any of the celebrations in December and both have a healthy, happy New Year. Cheers. Joy xx

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Michael Graeme's avatar Michael Graeme December 12, 2023 / 6:07 am

    All the best, Neil. I like the water man too, but the sparks on that welder’s van excite the old engineer in me.

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Kevin's avatar Kevin December 12, 2023 / 8:59 am

    I like the hop on hop off bus as it represents discovery and community with people from all parts of the world.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 3:15 pm

      Ah, thanks for this comment. Your analysis shows that you have an open mind. I like the way you think!

      Like

  11. Deb's avatar Deb December 12, 2023 / 9:14 am

    I’m voting for the bus!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 3:17 pm

      I know the city quite well, so I’ve never gone on a Philly tourist-bus tour. But I should. I bet it’s a lot of fun.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Helen Devries's avatar Helen Devries December 12, 2023 / 9:25 am

    The tour bus for me! Looking forward to your return once recovered from the holidays.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. allmyheartsees's avatar ellie894 December 12, 2023 / 9:26 am

    I love your art on wheels series! And that furniture truck is pretty groovy in my book, very retro! Take care! ☺️

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Dave's avatar Dave December 12, 2023 / 10:21 am

    Orbit Water was my choice before I even read it was yours. There’s just something eye-catching about larger-than-life characters. Ads with real people (ex. Budweiser) aren’t as effective IMHO. And you make a great point about all the plain vanilla trucks out there. I mean, advertisers slap their messages on just about everything else in the world (including those little “cakes” in public restroom urinals). Surely the expense of the paint job is returned in spades with new customers. Merry Christmas, Neil!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 3:22 pm

      Hi Dave. I saw a gorgeous truck design an hour ago near my house. The design was on a craft-beer truck making a delivery to a beer distributor.

      Like

  16. Unknown's avatar Anonymous December 12, 2023 / 10:45 am

    Excellent series! Did you pose for the Orbit truck? Happy holidays, Neil. I love this series. P.S. I like the “We’re Delivering More” truck best.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 3:24 pm

      Hi, and thanks for visiting. I don’t know who this is, though — the comments are posted as being from “Anonymous.”

      Like

  17. Debra's avatar Debra December 12, 2023 / 10:59 am

    I’ve seen the Junk in the Truck vehicle before and it makes me smile. Keep on truckin’ and enjoy your respite. (I’ll bet Sandy has some ways to make use of your new “free time.”)

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 3:27 pm

      All the best to you and Stan. If you see Junk In The Truck again, tell the driver that I’ve immortalized his company!

      Like

  18. Jacqui Murray's avatar Jacqui Murray December 12, 2023 / 11:04 am

    I like your choice, but I can’t help smiling at the Bud slogan, about shift change. That’s knowing your customer! Lots of us are stepping back for a bit over the holidays. I’ll be joining you virtually!

    Liked by 1 person

  19. ourcrossings's avatar ourcrossings December 12, 2023 / 11:29 am

    I picked Orbit Water before I even knew it was your favourite too, Neil. When it comes to a cool and memorable brand and design of the trucks, I always loved food trucks because some trucks take food and art to another level with ridiculously cool designs that not only stand out but tell their brand’s story. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Sam Gridley's avatar Sam Gridley December 12, 2023 / 11:36 am

    Sad to say, most of us Philly residents don’t pause to appreciate the art on the trucks blocking the streets. We do, though, offer them the tribute of some choice Philly language.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 3:32 pm

      Yeah, street congestion can be very bad news in Philly. It’s no bargain where I live (in the burbs) either.

      Like

  21. wings of a tern's avatar rivertoprambles December 12, 2023 / 12:08 pm

    Even though good truckin’ decor often pushes questionable products, I prefer it over those inflatable lawn ornaments splashed all over a lot of the lawns today.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 3:34 pm

      Hello there. I kind of like those lawn decorations. They are over the top, I know, but maybe that’s part of their appeal to me!

      Like

  22. JT Twissel's avatar JT Twissel December 12, 2023 / 12:31 pm

    I like the hop on hop off bus – it looks like such fun! I hope you find lots of fun art next year!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 3:37 pm

      Jan, I’m already looking forward to my next Art On Wheels adventure. It probably will take place about six months from now.

      Like

  23. waywardsparkles's avatar waywardsparkles December 12, 2023 / 12:45 pm

    Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, Neil! So, if these trucks were people, they would have “rizz.” I just finished reading another blogger who was talking about rizz — the word of the year, apparently. I guess they apply that word to people. Since they aren’t people, I’d say they have pizzazz! Love your selection! Mona

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 3:39 pm

      Hey there, Mona. I never heard the word “rizz” before. You have enlightened me!

      Like

  24. Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter's avatar Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter December 12, 2023 / 1:22 pm

    The red hop on hop off bus is just like the ones which ply their trade around Glasgow. They must be a worldwide phenomenon. Enjoy the holiday season and see you in 2024 – happy new year!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 3:42 pm

      Sitting right behind that red bus was another tour bus — it was decorated with a mainly white Christmas/winter motif. I took its picture, but decided I liked the red bus better.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Rosaliene Bacchus's avatar Rosaliene Bacchus December 12, 2023 / 2:34 pm

    I think of you every time I see a painted vehicle in my neighborhood 🙂 My favorite in this series is the bright red and festive sightseeing bus. Makes me want to jump on for a ride around the city.
    Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s celebration!

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Unknown's avatar Anonymous December 12, 2023 / 3:10 pm

    I love these. Our trucks are more sedate in Vancouver, so we don’t get to see such art on wheels. Cheers, Muriel

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 12, 2023 / 4:17 pm

      Hey there, Muriel. One thing I’ll say about Art On Wheels is that it gets me out of the house!

      Like

  28. Paula B's avatar Paula B December 12, 2023 / 4:28 pm

    I like the tour bus, too, but since we see so many very similar buses in my own fair city (San Francisco), I’m going to go with the Metal Fabrication van because it has an energy to it that would make me want to do a double-take and check it out if it passed me on the street. Happy Holidays, Neil!

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Unknown's avatar Anonymous December 12, 2023 / 5:12 pm

    I always like the most colorful ones. I always enjoy your pictures and prose. Looking forward to your return in January.

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Michele Anderson's avatar Michele Anderson December 12, 2023 / 8:18 pm

    I’m with you on the Orbit Water, but they are all darn good and interesting. Have a great holiday season, Neil, and looking forward to January with you.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. estricsek's avatar estricsek December 12, 2023 / 9:39 pm

    Orbit Water, Smart Welding and Budweiser! Wonderful story Neil, and great pictures. We love Philadelphia.

    Liked by 1 person

  32. estricsek's avatar estricsek December 12, 2023 / 9:43 pm

    Happy Holidays to you and your family Neil! Wishing you much joy and good health. I look forward to your next post.

    Liked by 1 person

  33. ciejea's avatar ciejea December 12, 2023 / 11:27 pm

    Interesting choices, Neil! My distaste for Bud prevents me from fully appreciating its truck art. But I love the bright colors and stylized shapes on the furniture delivery truck. It makes me want a new sofa–which is, I guess, the point!–Cindy

    Liked by 1 person

  34. talebender's avatar talebender December 13, 2023 / 10:47 am

    When I started reading your final paragraph, I thought for a moment you were giving up your blog! Oh, no!
    But then, I read further and my fears were assuaged. Write on!

    Liked by 1 person

  35. kegarland's avatar kegarland December 13, 2023 / 2:28 pm

    Ha! I hope you stay above ground. I like looking at art on the side of trucks.

    Liked by 1 person

  37. annieasksyou's avatar annieasksyou December 13, 2023 / 4:59 pm

    There’s an abundance of red in your chosen vehicles. I’m hard pressed to choose a favorite.

    Happy New Year to you and Sandy, Neil. It will be difficult, but we’ll try to make it to January, 2024, without any further infusions of fun and insights from you!

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Fictionophile's avatar Fictionophile December 13, 2023 / 6:51 pm

    Wishing you and Sandy a healthy, restful, and joyous holiday season.

    Liked by 1 person

  39. Ann Coleman's avatar Ann Coleman December 13, 2023 / 10:33 pm

    I think you found some great examples! Meanwhile, enjoy the holidays, have a great New Year, and we’ll see you when you return on the 9th!

    Liked by 1 person

  40. shoreacres's avatar shoreacres December 13, 2023 / 10:35 pm

    I love ‘the beer of the shift change’ truck, but I wish it could have been a little more colorful. I noticed that four of your six have at least some red in their design; it’s eye-catching, for sure. (And yes, a friend in law enforcement confirmed that the dude in the bright red car’s always going to get a second glance from the police/state troopers.)

    My favorite is the Junk in the Truck. It might be the design, or it might be that it reminded me of the all-female moving crew in Manhattan that went by the name The Mother Truckers. I’d hire them in a minute.

    I’m looking forward to your return in the New Year. Enjoy the holidays!

    Liked by 1 person

  42. Christie's avatar Christie December 15, 2023 / 11:27 am

    Enjoy The Holidays Neil, and best wishes for the next year!!
    Christie

    Liked by 1 person

  43. andrewcferguson's avatar andrewcferguson December 15, 2023 / 12:50 pm

    Orbit Water for me too, with Junk in the Trink a close second. Happy holidays, Neil!

    Liked by 1 person

  46. Small🌏's avatar Small 🌏👶 December 17, 2023 / 12:13 am

    Nice Post 💓💚❤️💙

    I am new follower. I hope follow my blog and GROW TOGETHER.

    I invite you to comment on my blog. I would appreciate it very much.

    A CORDIAL GREETING AND THANK YOU 💚❤️💙

    THANKS 🙏👋🫂

    Liked by 1 person

  48. Ilsa Rey's avatar ParentingIsFunny December 17, 2023 / 5:17 pm

    Who knew there were so many artworks on wheels! I like the hop on/hop off bus the best. It’s so friendly!

    Liked by 1 person

  49. Shelley@QuaintRevival.com's avatar Shelley@QuaintRevival.com December 18, 2023 / 6:58 am

    Thanks for pounding the pavement for 2 hours and curating your top choices. My vote is the Orbit Water too. That guy does look happy, and who doesn’t love a happy service? It made me wonder if the service is kind of like how the MayuWater “The Swirl” works? Enjoy your holiday break and I look forward to seeing what your off-the-couch and on-the-street bum finds for us in 2024.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Unknown's avatar Anonymous December 18, 2023 / 8:53 am

    Enjoy the Festive Season, and wishing you a Happy New Year.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 18, 2023 / 9:58 am

      Thanks. By the way, I don’t know who sent the good wishes — they were posted as being from “Anonymous.”

      Like

Comments are closed.