For planners and designers
Panel specs and file prep
The standard panel is 93.25 x 29.25 in outside and 91 x 27 in live. Every truck carries two sides. Build to these sizes and keep your message inside the live area.
Outside size
93.25 x 29.25 in
Live area
91 x 27 in
Per truck
Two sides
Files
EPS or PDF, CMYK
Panel sizes
- Standard
- 93.25 x 29.25 in outside
91 x 27 in live area, two sides per truck - Large
- 96 x 48 in outside, confirmed when you send art
Live area confirmed when you send art, two sides per truck
The frame covers the edge of the panel. Build to the outside size. Keep important content inside the live area.
A framed sign, not a wrap. The printed panel slides out of the frame, and it swaps in under 30 seconds.
File checklist
- File type
- EPS or PDF, vector preferred
- Color
- CMYK
- Raster files
- Minimum resolution confirmed when you send art
- Safe area
- Keep text and logos 1 in inside the live area
- Fonts
- Convert type to outlines
Design for a moving truck
Test it on a truck- 1
Seven words or fewer.
The truck is moving, and so is the person reading it.
- 2
Big name, big phone number.
Plain type beats fancy type.
- 3
No QR codes on the panel.
Use a tracking phone number so you can count your own calls.
- 4
Carry the line your trade requires.
Contractors show a California license number. Attorneys show a name and an office. See the ad policy.
Spec questions
What size is a garbage truck ad panel?
The standard panel is 93.25 x 29.25 inches outside, with a 91 x 27 inch live area, and every truck carries two sides. A large panel is 96 x 48 inches outside; its live area is confirmed when you send art.
Should I build to the outside size or the live area?
Build to the outside size. The frame covers the edge of the panel, so keep important content inside the 91 x 27 inch live area, and keep text and logos 1 inch inside that.
What file format do you need for a truck ad?
EPS or PDF, vector preferred, in CMYK. Convert type to outlines so your fonts print exactly as designed.
What resolution do raster images need?
Vector art is preferred. If your logo or photo is a raster file, the minimum resolution is confirmed when you send art, before anything goes to print.
How many words should a truck ad have?
Seven words or fewer reads best from the street. The truck is moving, and so is the person reading it. Lead with a big business name and a big phone number, and use plain type.
Can I put a QR code on the panel?
No QR codes on the panel. Use a tracking phone number so you can count your own calls, or a short web address.
What does my panel have to include?
The line your trade requires. Contractors show a California license number. Attorneys show the responsible attorney or firm and a real office address. Insurance agents show a license number, and health ads cannot market Medicare Advantage plans. The full list is in the ad policy.
Can I see my ad on a truck before I send files?
Yes. Preview your ad on a truck with your business name, headline, color and logo. It is free, there is no signup, and your logo never leaves your browser. Every preview is labeled as an illustration.
Is the panel a wrap? How is it printed and mounted?
A framed sign, not a wrap. The printed panel slides out of the frame, and it swaps in under 30 seconds. A new message still goes through design, review and printing first. We make the frames and print the panels ourselves.
What if I'm not sure my file fits?
Tell us about your ad with the form on this page and we will confirm sizes before anything goes to print.
Not sure your file fits?
Tell us about your ad with the form and we will confirm sizes before anything goes to print.
We call within 1 business hour, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm Pacific.