How it works
How advertising on a city garbage truck works
A printed panel, a frame on the side of the truck, and a city policy that every ad goes through. Here is the whole process.
IllustrationIllustration. Fictional advertiser, not a booked placement.
A framed sign, not a wrap.
The printed panel slides out of the frame. The frame stays on the truck, so changing your message means printing a new panel, not re-wrapping a vehicle.
- Roadway has built sign frames for refuse and recycling trucks since 1987.
- Panel live area: 91 x 27 inches, two sides per truck. Full specs.
- The printed panel swaps in under 30 seconds.
From call to truck
Before you commit
- 1
A 20-minute call
Your city's status, what your panel could look like, and the rate.
- 2
A mockup before you commit
Your ad on a truck, labeled as an illustration, so you see it before anything is printed.
- 3
The city's policy check
In each city, every ad will be checked against that city's written ad policy before it runs.
Print and install
- 4
We print it
We make the frames and print the panels ourselves.
- 5
We install it
The printed panel slides into the frame on the side of the truck.
After install
- 6
A photo after install
Once your city opens, every install comes with a photo of your ad on the truck.
- 7
Change it any month
The printed panel swaps in under 30 seconds. A new message still goes through design, review and printing first.
We do not publish turnaround days yet. We will tell you the timing for your city on the call.
Book a callWhat decides your price
No two cities price alike. These are the things that move the number:
- Your cityEach city sets its own program.
- How many trucksMore trucks cover more of a city's routes.
- How many monthsThree-month minimum.
- One side or twoEach truck has two panel sides.
- PrintingEach new message is a new printed panel.
What cannot run
By default, these categories cannot run. A city may use a stricter list.
- Alcohol
- Tobacco and vaping
- Cannabis
- Adult content
- Firearms
- Gambling
- Political, religious and issue ads
- Payday lending and pawn
- Profanity
Common questions
Can I pick a route?
Trucks are assigned by the city. Pick your city and we will show which areas its routes cover.
Can I pick a route?
Trucks are assigned by the city. Pick your city and we will show which areas its routes cover.
Do you count impressions?
No. Refuse trucks are not part of the industry's audited audience ratings (Geopath). Add a tracking number to your panel and count your own calls.
Do you count impressions?
No. Refuse trucks are not part of the industry's audited audience ratings (Geopath). Add a tracking number to your panel and count your own calls.
How long does an ad run?
Three-month minimum. Ask us about what happens after.
How long does an ad run?
Three-month minimum. Ask us about what happens after.