Commercial Vehicle Wraps: Branding That Pays for Itself

Every mile your fleet vehicles drive without branding is wasted advertising.

A wrapped vehicle gets 30,000-70,000 impressions per day. That's millions of impressions per year—without monthly ad spend.

Here's how to turn your fleet into a revenue-generating marketing machine.

The Case for Fleet Wraps

Impressions and Visibility

The numbers are compelling:

Fleet wraps are the most cost-effective advertising available.

The ROI Breakdown

One wrapped vehicle over 3 years:

• Wrap cost: $3,500
• Annual impressions: 10 million
• 3-year impressions: 30 million
• Cost per impression: $0.00012

Compare to alternatives:

• Google Ads: $0.50-$2.00 per click
• Facebook Ads: $0.50-$1.00 per click
• Billboards: $1,000-$4,000/month

Additional Benefits

Beyond advertising:

• Professionalism — Customers recognize and trust branded vehicles
• Paint protection — Wrap protects underlying paint
• Consistency — Fleet looks unified
• Flexibility — Update messaging as needed

Wrap Types for Commercial Vehicles

Full Wrap

Complete coverage for maximum impact:

Coverage: All painted surfaces including roof Best for: Maximum visibility, aggressive marketing Cost: $3,000-$6,000 by vehicle size Impact: Highest brand recognition

Partial Wrap

Strategic branding placement:

Coverage: Sides and rear, front kept minimal Best for: Cost-conscious, clean look Cost: $1,500-$3,000 Impact: Strong brand presence, lower investment

Spot Graphics

Logo and contact info only:

Coverage: Key information in strategic spots Best for: Professional services, minimal look Cost: $500-$1,500 Impact: Identification without advertising feel

Fleet Lettering

Text-based identification:

Coverage: Company name, phone, services Best for: Compliance requirements, simplicity Cost: $200-$800 Impact: Basic identification

Design Best Practices

Readability First

Your message must read at speed:

Essential elements (always readable):

• Company name
• Phone number (large)
• Website
• What you do (3 words or less)

High-Contrast Design

Visibility in all conditions:

• Light backgrounds with dark text
• Or dark backgrounds with light text
• Avoid medium tones that disappear
• Test mock-ups at distance

Smart Call-to-Action

What should viewers do?

• Phone number (easy to remember)
• Website (simple URL)
• QR code (only where vehicles park)
• Text keyword

Brand Consistency

Match your other marketing:

• Same logo usage
• Same color palette
• Same fonts/typography
• Same messaging style

Vehicle-Specific Considerations

Cargo Vans (Transit, Sprinter, ProMaster)

Advantages:

• Large flat sides
• Natural billboard shape
• High visibility in traffic

Recommendations:

• Full side panels for main message
• Rear doors for stop-behind traffic
• Consider driver side prominently (passenger sees)

Cost: $3,500-$5,500 full wrap

Box Trucks

Advantages:

• Massive display area
• Visible above traffic
• Consistent canvas shape

Recommendations:

• Treat each side as separate billboard
• Include rear message (often most visible)
• Consider roof graphics if over-height objects nearby

Cost: $4,000-$8,000+

Pickup Trucks

Advantages:

• Common, relatable vehicle
• Goes where cars can't
• Visible bed/tailgate

Recommendations:

• Tailgate gets constant visibility (following traffic)
• Bed wraps add impact
• Consider matching caps/toppers

Cost: $2,500-$4,500

Sedans and SUVs

Advantages:

• Professional appearance
• Ubiquitous presence
• Executive/sales fleet use

Recommendations:

• Partial wraps often sufficient
• Focus on doors and rear
• Subtle can still be effective

Cost: $2,000-$4,000

Fleet Wrap Program Benefits

Consistency Across Fleet

Unified appearance:

• Same design on all vehicles
• Color-matched production
• Brand guidelines enforced
• Professional presence

Volume Pricing

Fleet programs save money:

Phased Rollout

Manage cash flow:

• Wrap high-visibility vehicles first
• Add vehicles as budget allows
• Replace wraps on schedule
• Maintain brand consistency

Update Programs

Keep messaging fresh:

• 3-5 year wrap lifespan typical
• Update graphics as marketing evolves
• Add/remove services as needed
• Special promotions overlay possible

Installation and Care

Installation Process

Minimal operational disruption:

1. Drop vehicle evening before
2. Overnight installation possible
3. 24-hour cure time ideal
4. Return to service next day

Timeline by vehicle:

• Spot graphics: Same day
• Partial wrap: 1 day
• Full wrap: 1-2 days

Wrap Care Instructions

Maximize wrap life:

Do:

• Hand wash with mild soap
• Rinse immediately after bugs/debris
• Park in shade when possible
• Address damage promptly

Don't:

• Pressure wash at point-blank
• Use automatic car washes (brush types)
• Let fuel spills sit
• Store dirty

Expected lifespan: 3-5 years with proper care

Removal and Replacement

When it's time to update:

• Professional removal leaves paint intact
• No ghosting if properly maintained
• Immediate rewrap possible
• Or return to original paint

Common Questions

Will wraps void my lease?

No—wraps protect paint and remove cleanly. Most lease companies prefer wrapped vehicles at return.

Can damaged sections be repaired?

Yes—individual panels can be replaced without full rewrap.

What about different vehicle colors in fleet?

Wraps create consistency regardless of underlying paint color.

How do you handle new vehicle additions?

We keep design files on record for consistent matching on new additions.

What about window graphics?

Perforated vinyl allows one-way visibility—you see out, brand shows from outside.

Case Study: Local Service Company

Company: Bay Area plumbing contractor

Challenge: No brand recognition despite 10+ years in business

Solution: Full wraps on 8 service vans with unified branding

Investment: $32,000 (8 vans)

Results after 18 months:

• 35% increase in "found you on the road" calls
• Brand recognition in service areas
• Employees report customer comments
• Competitors have copied the approach
• "Best marketing investment we've made"

Ready to Brand Your Fleet?

Turn every mile into marketing:

📞 Call 408-848-8468 — Discuss your fleet branding

📍 Request design consultation — See mock-ups on your vehicles

---

Related Articles

• Fleet PPF: Protecting Your Company Vehicle Investment
• Fleet Window Tinting ROI
• Custom Vehicle Wrap Services