Commercial Vehicle Wrapping and Fleet Branding: Mobile Advertising That Pays for Itself
A branded commercial vehicle generates 30,000 to 70,000 impressions every single day. Here we break down costs, wrapping options, ROI calculations, and design tips for businesses considering fleet branding.
A wrapped commercial vehicle is the most cost-effective advertising investment a business can make. Your vehicles are already on the road every day. With the right branding, each one becomes a rolling billboard generating thousands of impressions at zero recurring cost. This guide covers pricing, wrapping types, ROI calculations, and practical advice for businesses looking to brand their fleet.
Why Brand Your Fleet?
Research from the American Trucking Associations and the Out of Home Advertising Association shows that 91% of people notice vehicle graphics, and a single branded vehicle can generate between 30,000 and 70,000 impressions per day in urban areas. That means one van driving through a busy city can be seen by over 20 million people in a single year.
What makes vehicle branding uniquely powerful is the repetition effect. The same vehicles are seen again and again in the local area. This builds recognition and trust over time. For tradespeople, service companies, and businesses with a local customer base, that kind of visibility is invaluable.
Key Benefits of Fleet Branding
- No recurring costs: Unlike Google Ads or social media, you pay once and the advertising works for 5 to 7 years.
- Massive reach: 30,000 to 70,000 daily impressions per vehicle.
- Lowest cost per impression: Vehicle wrapping costs a fraction of digital ads, print, or outdoor billboards.
- Professional image: A well-branded vehicle signals that your business is established and trustworthy.
- Paint protection: The wrap film protects the original paint from stone chips, scratches, and UV damage, which can increase resale or trade-in value.
What Does Commercial Vehicle Wrapping Cost?
Costs vary depending on the vehicle size, wrapping type, and design complexity. Here is an overview of typical price ranges.
| Wrapping Type | Price Range (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Logo and text on sides and rear | NOK 5,000 - 12,000 |
| Partial wrap with graphic design | NOK 12,000 - 25,000 |
| Full wrap for van (colour change) | NOK 25,000 - 50,000 |
| Full wrap with printed design | NOK 30,000 - 55,000 |
| Full wrap for car/company car | NOK 20,000 - 40,000 |
Several factors influence the final price: the size of the vehicle (a large cargo van requires significantly more film than a passenger car), design complexity (number of colours, graphics, images), and the quality of film used.
For a detailed breakdown of general wrapping prices, read our complete vehicle wrapping cost guide.
Types of Commercial Vehicle Wrapping
Logo and Text
The simplest and most affordable option. Your company logo, contact information, and website are cut in vinyl and applied to doors, sides, and rear windows. This suits businesses that want a clean, professional look without covering the entire vehicle.
Partial Wrap with Graphic Design
Parts of the vehicle are covered with a designed motif, often combined with the original paint colour. Partial wrapping delivers strong visual impact at a lower price than a full wrap. Many businesses choose to cover the sides and rear doors while keeping the roof and bonnet in the original colour.
Full Wrap with Company Design
The entire vehicle is covered in film, either as a pure colour change or with a printed design. This provides maximum visual impact and turns the vehicle into an eye-catching advertising surface. Full wrapping works especially well for businesses that want to stand out and build strong brand recognition.
Learn more about the differences in our full wrap vs. partial wrap comparison, or visit our vehicle wrapping service page.
ROI: Vehicle Wrapping vs. Other Advertising
Vehicle wrapping delivers the lowest cost per impression of any advertising medium. The table below compares cost per thousand impressions (CPM) across different channels.
| Advertising Channel | CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle wrapping | $0.15 - $0.77 |
| Billboard/outdoor | $2.18 - $3.56 |
| Transit advertising | $7.45 |
| Local radio | $7.75 |
| Newspaper | $19.70 |
| Online display ads | $15 - $21 |
Running the Numbers
Consider a van wrap costing NOK 25,000 (approx. $2,400). The wrap lasts 5 years, and the vehicle conservatively generates 40,000 impressions per day.
- Total impressions over 5 years: 40,000 x 365 x 5 = 73 million impressions
- Cost per 1,000 impressions: approximately $0.03
- Monthly cost: approximately $40 per month (spread over the lifespan)
By comparison, a half-page ad in a local newspaper can cost $1,500 to $2,000 for a single insertion, reaching far fewer people with no repetition effect.
Research also shows that outdoor vehicle advertising generates nearly 4x more online activations per ad dollar than TV, radio, and print combined, and that $1 spent on outdoor media generates approximately $3 in sales.
Design Tips for Maximum Impact
Good design is the difference between a vehicle people notice and one they forget. Here is the advice we give our clients.
Keep It Simple and Readable
The vehicle is moving. People have perhaps 3 to 5 seconds to absorb your message. Prioritize your company name, logo, and one clear contact point (phone number or website). Resist the urge to fill every square centimetre with text.
Use Strong Contrasts
Text and logos must be clearly visible against the background. Dark text on a light background, or the reverse. Avoid colour combinations that blend into each other.
Think About All Sides
Do not forget the rear doors. Drivers in traffic stare at the back of your vehicle for minutes at a time. The rear of the vehicle may be your most valuable advertising surface.
Use High-Resolution Images
If the design includes photos or graphic elements, make sure the files are at sufficient resolution. Pixelated images on a vehicle look unprofessional and can harm your brand.
Durability and Maintenance
Premium film from manufacturers like 3M and Avery Dennison typically lasts 5 to 7 years with proper maintenance. For commercial vehicles in daily use, a few simple routines make a big difference.
- Wash regularly by hand using mild car shampoo. Automatic brush washes can lift the edges of the film.
- Remove bird droppings and insect residue quickly. The acid in bird droppings can permanently stain the film.
- Avoid high-pressure water directly on edges and seams. Keep at least 30 cm distance.
- Park in the shade when possible. UV exposure is the primary enemy of all vinyl film.
Running a fleet of multiple vehicles? Setting up scheduled maintenance routines ensures every vehicle looks its best at all times. Consistency builds professionalism.
Read more maintenance advice in our guide 5 smart tips before wrapping your car.
Wrapping and Leased Vehicles
Many businesses lease their vehicles. Wrapping a leased vehicle is absolutely possible, but there are a few things to consider.
- Check your lease agreement: Most leasing companies allow wrapping, but there may be specific requirements about removal at the end of the lease term.
- Professional removal is essential: Quality film from reputable manufacturers can be removed without damaging the paint, provided the job is done by professionals.
- Wrapping can protect the vehicle's value: By shielding the original paint from daily wear, wrapping can contribute to a lower settlement cost when returning the vehicle.
We have extensive experience wrapping and removing wraps from leased vehicles, and we are happy to help clarify what applies to your specific agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to wrap a commercial vehicle?
For simple branding with logo and text, we typically need 1 to 2 days. A full wrap with custom design takes 3 to 5 working days, depending on the vehicle size and design complexity.
Can I change the design without repainting?
Yes. This is one of the major advantages of wrapping. The old film is removed and new film is applied. The original paint remains intact underneath.
Does wrapping affect the vehicle warranty?
No. Vehicle wrapping does not affect the manufacturer's warranty. The film is an external addition that can be removed at any time.
How does the wrap hold up in harsh weather?
Quality film from 3M and Avery Dennison is engineered to withstand Nordic conditions, including cold temperatures, snow, and road salt. Proper installation is the key: thorough preparation and correct edge sealing ensure the film performs through winter.
Can you wrap an entire fleet?
Absolutely. We handle everything from single vehicles to fleets of 20+ vehicles. For larger projects, we offer scheduling that minimizes downtime so your entire fleet is not in the workshop at the same time.
Ready to Brand Your Fleet?
At Show Off AS in Sandnes, we have wrapped over 1,300 vehicles since 2017. We use premium film from 3M and Avery Dennison, and work in our climate-controlled workshop to deliver results you can be proud of for years.
We assist with everything from design and concept development to finished installation. Whether you have one company car or a full fleet, we will find the right solution for your budget.
Want to know what it costs to wrap your commercial vehicle? Get in touch for a free quote and we will provide a tailored estimate for your needs. We also perform chrome delete to give your fleet vehicles a cleaner look by covering chrome trim.