Rig Damaged In An Accident? Three Methods That Make Replacing Your Signage Easier

Anytime a commercial rig is down because of an accident, it's up to your body shop to make sure your repaired vehicle looks as good as new and is safe to operate. That body shop must also see that all company signage is restored or replaced. On commercial vehicles, that may include your company logo, patented slogans, and contact information. Rigs used for transporting goods also have required registration information. Below is a brief explanation of typical legal signage requirements and three modern signage methods that make replacing that signage easier. Many commercial fleet repair shops have signage installers either onsite or on call.

It's All About Regulations

Commercial vehicles that transport goods between states are assigned a Department of Transportation Registration Number. This number must be displayed on the vehicle. Big rigs often include this number on the cab door signage or on a fender, depending on the style of truck cab. The number includes a two-letter code indicating the state of origin. Additional display requirements vary by state. As an example, New Jersey also requires fleet vehicles to have the company name, municipality, and if the rig weighs 26,001 pounds or more, it must have the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating included. All information must be in lettering that is at least three inches tall. Your commercial fleet repair body shop should be familiar with the signage requirements.

Three Modern Methods of Applying Vehicle Signage

Magnetized Door Signs

Magnetized door signs are one of the easiest ways to install signage on your rig. One big advantage is that the signs are re-usable and may be transferred from one rig to another. Some fleet managers keep spare signs in case a rig is damaged or simply resprayed for cosmetic reasons. Since signage is often created using computer programs, it's not unheard of for the firm's regular logo designer to keep a digital sign copy on file. That designer may easily create a new sign and have it ready when the rig returns from the body shop.

Die-Cut Decals

Decals are more labor intensive, but they permanently adhere to the vehicle until they are intentionally taken off. The decals are die-cut, replicating the original artwork that was on the rig. They are typically made of vinyl, which makes them long lasting but subject to fading over time. After an accident, the remnants of the old signage are pulled off, the rig is repaired, and new decals are added. The fade-factor often makes it necessary to replace both door signs so that the colors match. This is the perfect time to make changes to your signage or add embellishments. At one time decals were cut by hand, but today most are done digitally.  Application of the decals is still done by hand, and unless you are skilled and have the patience to deal with the sticky material, it is best left to the professionals.

Vehicle Wraps

Vehicle wraps take signage to a whole new level. Firms often use these wraps to display that all important legal info and to do a bit of advertising at the same time.  The wrap installed on the cab includes all the required information along with your logo and any other embellishments. The trailer may be used as an even bigger billboard. Check out some of the big rigs and other commercial vehicles as you go down the road. You'll find everything from oversized fruits and veggies to giant company logos. When a rig is damaged, you may or may not have to replace the entire wrap. Vehicle wraps are more difficult to apply than decals. The material is so sticky and the sheets usually so large that it takes skill to make sure all the air bubbles are pushed out. Let the professionals do the work and avoid the frustration.