Fleetowner 38674 Untitled Design 3
Fleetowner 38674 Untitled Design 3
Fleetowner 38674 Untitled Design 3
Fleetowner 38674 Untitled Design 3
Fleetowner 38674 Untitled Design 3

What can changeable graphic films do for your fleet?

July 29, 2019
Whether you need graphics to support seasonal campaigns, to brand equipment rentals, or to generate additional revenue, changeable graphic films are a great option for your short-term advertising needs.

While most fleet graphics are intended to last for the long haul, changeable graphics are a simple and flexible solution for short-term needs. Whether you need short-term graphics to support seasonal campaigns, equipment rentals, or to generate additional revenue, changeable graphic films can help get you there.

Understanding changeable graphic films

Similar to long-term graphics, short-term graphics are great for increasing brand awareness and visibility – the key difference is ultra-removability. In addition, changeable graphics can be more economical than other film solutions.  

Changeable graphic films are vinyl films engineered for short-term use. 3M changeable graphics are flexible, durable and conformable. The expected performance life of these films is up to two years; however, they are often kept for shorter periods of time.  

Easy removal with films such as 3M™ Transit Wrap Film IJ46-20 enables you to maximize versatility. When compared to long-term films, changeable films don’t sacrifice quality, meaning you can still expect 3M’s high standards for performance.

For more information on 3M films and film selection, visit the Fleet Graphics Guide.

How to use changeable graphic films

Changeable films are a great option for fleets looking to quickly apply and remove graphics. Many fleets use changeable graphics for:  

  • Short-term promotional campaigns such as seasonal campaigns, new product introductions, holiday promotions, or one-off company initiatives such as driver recruitment campaigns.
  • Temporary branding on equipment rentals to easily brand and remove graphics before returning the equipment.
  • Hybrid use – changeable graphics can be added to permanent graphics either as decals or in specific locations, such as rear doors. This allows you to keep your base graphics intact while highlighting a promotion.
  • Additional revenue stream – changeable films can be used to create a revenue stream by selling vehicle space to brands and advertisers who are looking to connect with customers through out-of-home advertising.

Changeable graphics in action: McLane’s Fleet Advertising Program

McLane is one of the largest supply chain leaders in the United States. McLane’s fleet delivers more than 50,000 consumer products to nearly 110,000 locations – making their fleet one of the most visible in the nation.

Recognizing an opportunity to monetize their vehicle space, McLane implemented a co-op program that gives brands access to their fleet of 5,000+ trucks and the millions of potential customers they pass every day.

“With the ability to distribute across the nation and target specific regions of the country, it’s easy for us to be wherever our customers need us to be,” said Corey Preuninger, Manager of Special Operations. “We can help these businesses by allowing them to utilize fleet graphics as an effective way to advertise their brand.”

In order to fuel this piece of their business, changeable graphics are critical. The easy removal process of changeable films works well with McLane’s operations and ensures they’re able to provide services to more advertisers.

When considering changeable solutions, 3M graphic films were selected for the following reasons:  

  • Removability – When marketing campaigns are completed, McLane’s team needs to remove the graphics quickly to get the trailers back on the road. Using 3M’s film enables them to quickly turn trucks over for new graphic applications.
  • Conformability – McLane’s fleet is refrigerated, meaning there are side doors to consider. Ultra-removable films such as 3M™ Print Wrap Film IJ180mC-10UR offer conformability that enables a seamless appearance and clean aesthetic. The doors can be easily wrapped to utilize the entire side of a trailer for branding and messaging.   
  • Safety – Trailers often back into tight spaces, so when considering changeable solutions, McLane wants to avoid any potential hazards from rips and tears, making 3M films their preferred solution.
  • Quality – Most importantly, McLane wants a reliable solution with guaranteed performance. They also value the support that 3M provides during projects.   

“Not only is 3M a leader in the industry, they have been a good partner to us,” said Preuninger. “We never have to worry about product performance when it has their name on it.”

When working with brands, McLane asks advertisers to provide the designs for their graphics, determine the length of their campaign and select the geographical area to target. McLane then uses this information to determine the number of trailers and size of trailers needed for the job. Once trailers are identified, the graphics installation is scheduled, and the trucks are on the road delivering impressions in no time. Brands find fleet co-op advertising an efficient channel as it only costs about $3,000-$5,000 to wrap an entire 50-foot trailer along with a nominal advertising fee. This leads to an efficient CPM (cost-per-thousand-impressions) when compared to other out of home media.   

“Compared to billboards, fleet graphics are not static – they move around, and people don’t get used to seeing them every day in the same spot on their commute,” said Preuninger. In comparison to digital advertising, Preuninger noted, “You can skip an ad online, but you can’t skip over a huge trailer.” Preuninger also highlighted that their fleet delivers to several convenience stores and retailers, so the trucks are able to provide advertising at point of purchase.

Flexible Fleet Solutions with Changeable Graphics from 3M 

The flexibility that comes with ultra-removable films makes changeable graphics an appealing option for fleet managers and marketers alike. To meet your short-term branding needs, consider adding changeable films to your fleet branding.

To get started with a graphics project or learn more about 3M fleet solutions, visit 3m.com/fleet.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!